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Cao Y. Lack of basic rationale in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its related concepts. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:104. [PMID: 39164745 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is defined as a cellular process during which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal phenotypes and behavior following the downregulation of epithelial features. EMT and its reversed process, the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), and the special form of EMT, the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), have been considered as mainstream concepts and general rules driving developmental and pathological processes, particularly cancer. However, discrepancies and disputes over EMT and EMT research have also grown over time. EMT is defined as transition between two cellular states, but it is unanimously agreed by EMT researchers that (1) neither the epithelial and mesenchymal states nor their regulatory networks have been clearly defined, (2) no EMT markers or factors can represent universally epithelial and mesenchymal states, and thus (3) EMT cannot be assessed on the basis of one or a few EMT markers. In contrast to definition and proposed roles of EMT, loss of epithelial feature does not cause mesenchymal phenotype, and EMT does not contribute to embryonic mesenchyme and neural crest formation, the key developmental events from which the EMT concept was derived. EMT and MET, represented by change in cell shapes or adhesiveness, or symbolized by EMT factors, are biased interpretation of the overall change in cellular property and regulatory networks during development and cancer progression. Moreover, EMT and MET are consequences rather than driving factors of developmental and pathological processes. The true meaning of EMT in some developmental and pathological processes, such as fibrosis, needs re-evaluation. EMT is believed to endow malignant features, such as migration, stemness, etc., to cancer cells. However, the core property of cancer (tumorigenic) cells is neural stemness, and the core EMT factors are components of the regulatory networks of neural stemness. Thus, EMT in cancer progression is misattribution of the roles of neural stemness to the unknown mesenchymal state. Similarly, neural crest EMT is misattribution of intrinsic property of neural crest cells to the unknown mesenchymal state. Lack of basic rationale in EMT and related concepts urges re-evaluation of their significance as general rules for understanding developmental and pathological processes, and re-evaluation of their significance in scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, 12 Xuefu Road, Pukou High-Tech Zone, Nanjing, 210061, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, China.
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Neves SP, Bomfim LM, Kataura T, Carvalho SG, Nogueira ML, Dias RB, Valverde LDF, Gurgel Rocha CA, Soares MBP, Silva MMD, Batista AA, Korolchuk VI, Bezerra DP. Ruthenium complex containing 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione inhibits hepatic cancer stem cells by suppressing Akt/mTOR signalling and leading to apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117059. [PMID: 38955086 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a unique subset of cancer cells that promote tumour growth, maintenance, and therapeutic resistance, leading to recurrence. In the present work, the ability of a ruthenium complex containing 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione (RCT), with the chemical formula [Ru(tzdt)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6, to inhibit hepatic CSCs was explored in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. RCT exhibited potent cytotoxicity to solid and haematological cancer cell lines and reduced the clonogenic potential, CD133+ and CD44high cell percentages and tumour spheroid growth of HepG2 cells. RCT also inhibited cell motility, as observed in the wound healing assay and transwell cell migration assay. RCT reduced the levels of Akt1, phospho-Akt (Ser473), phospho-Akt (Thr308), phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), and phospho-S6 (Ser235/Ser236) in HepG2 cells, indicating that interfering with Akt/mTOR signalling is a mechanism of action of RCT. The levels of active caspase-3 and cleaved PARP (Asp214) were increased in RCT-treated HepG2 cells, indicating the induction of apoptotic cell death. In addition, RCT modulated the autophagy markers LC3B and p62/SQSTM1 in HepG2 cells and increased mitophagy in a mt-Keima-transfected mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell model, and RCT-induced cytotoxicity was partially prevented by autophagy inhibitors. Furthermore, mutant Atg5-/- MEFs and PentaKO HeLa cells (human cervical adenocarcinoma with five autophagy receptor knockouts) were less sensitive to RCT cytotoxicity than their parental cell lines, indicating that RCT induces autophagy-mediated cell death. Taken together, these data indicate that RCT is a novel potential anti-liver cancer drug with a suppressive effect on CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara P Neves
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Bomfim
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Tetsushi Kataura
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Sabrine G Carvalho
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Mateus L Nogueira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Rosane B Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil; Department of Propedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil; Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Bahia, 44036-900, Brazil
| | - Ludmila de F Valverde
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil; Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Sergipe, Lagarto, Sergipe, 49400-000, Brazil
| | - Clarissa A Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil; Department of Propedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil; Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, Bahia, 41253-190, Brazil
| | - Milena B P Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil; SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems, University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Bahia, 41650-010, Brazil
| | - Monize M da Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, 13561-901 Brazil
| | - Alzir A Batista
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, 13561-901 Brazil
| | - Viktor I Korolchuk
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Daniel P Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
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Li Q, Wang T, Wang X, Ge X, Yang T, Wang W. DDX56 promotes EMT and cancer stemness via MELK-FOXM1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2024; 27:109827. [PMID: 38827395 PMCID: PMC11141150 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global cause of death, with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties contributing to its metastasis. DEAD box helicase 56 (DDX56) is involved in carcinogenesis, but its role in EMT induction and stem phenotype maintenance is unclear. This study assessed the impact of DDX56 absence on HCC cell stemness and EMT. DDX56 was found to be overexpressed in HCC tissues, correlating with disease stage and prognosis. In vitro, DDX56 stimulated tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, and stemness. It also enhanced maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK)-mediated forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) expression, regulating cancer stemness and malignant traits. In vivo, DDX56 knockdown in tumor-bearing mice reduced tumorigenicity and lung metastasis by modulating the MELK-FOXM1 signaling pathway. Collectively, DDX56 initiates stem cell-like traits in HCC and promotes EMT via MELK-FOXM1 activation, shedding light on HCC pathogenesis and suggesting a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ximin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - XinYu Ge
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
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Peng Z, Wang S, Wen D, Mei Z, Zhang H, Liao S, Lv L, Li C. FEN1 upregulation mediated by SUMO2 via antagonizing proteasomal degradation promotes hepatocellular carcinoma stemness. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101916. [PMID: 38513457 PMCID: PMC10966306 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) critically impacts the survival prognosis of patients, with the pivotal role of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells in initiating invasive metastatic behaviors. The Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is delineated as a metallonuclease, quintessential for myriad cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA synthesis, DNA damage rectification, Okazaki fragment maturation, baseexcision repair, and the preservation of genomic stability. Furthermore, it has been recognized as an oncogene in a diverse range of malignancies. Our antecedent research has highlighted a pronounced overexpression of protein FEN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, where it amplifies the invasiveness and metastatic potential of liver cancer cells. However, its precise role in liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) remains an enigma and requires further investigation. METHODS To rigorously evaluate the stemness attributes of LCSCs, we employed sphere formation assays and flow cytometric evaluations. Both CD133+ and CD133- cell populations were discerningly isolated utilizing immunomagnetic bead separation techniques. The expression levels of pertinent genes were assayed via real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analyses, while the expression profiles in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were gauged using immunohistochemistry. Subsequent immunoprecipitation, in conjunction with mass spectrometry, ascertained the concurrent binding of proteins FEN1 and Small ubiquitin-related modifier 2 (SUMO2) in HCC cells. Lastly, the impact of SUMO2 on proteasomal degradation pathway of FEN1 was validated by supplementing MG132. RESULTS Our empirical findings substantiate that protein FEN1 is profusely expressed in spheroids and CD133+ cells. In vitro investigations demonstrate that the upregulation of protein FEN1 unequivocally augments the stemness of LCSCs. In a congruent in vivo context, elevation of FEN1 noticeably enhances the tumorigenic potential of LCSCs. Conversely, inhibiting protein FEN1 resulted in a marked reduction in LCSC stemness. From a mechanistic perspective, there exists a salient positive correlation between the protein expression of FEN1 and SUMO2 in liver cancer tissues. Furthermore, the level of SUMO2-mediated modification of FEN1 is pronouncedly elevated in LCSCs. Interestingly, SUMO2 has the ability to bind to FEN1, leading to a inhibition in the proteasomal degradation pathway of FEN1 and an enhancement in its protein expression. However, it is noteworthy that this interaction does not affect the mRNA level of FEN1. CONCLUSION In summation, our research elucidates that protein FEN1 is an effector in augmenting the stemness of LCSCs. Consequently, strategic attenuation of protein FEN1 might proffer a pioneering approach for the efficacious elimination of LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxiang Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China
| | - Shuling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China
| | - Diguang Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China
| | - Zhechuan Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Shengtao Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Lin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
| | - Chuanfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, PR China.
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Berrino C, Omar A. Unravelling the Mysteries of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer Stem Cells: Activity, Crosstalk and Regulation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5397-5419. [PMID: 38920995 PMCID: PMC11202538 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060323] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway plays a critical role in normal development and tissue homeostasis, guiding cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Aberrant activation of this pathway, however, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, largely due to its role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability to self-renew, differentiate, and initiate tumour growth, contributing significantly to tumorigenesis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. This review focuses on the intricate activity of the Shh pathway within the context of CSCs, detailing the molecular mechanisms through which Shh signalling influences CSC properties, including self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. It further explores the regulatory crosstalk between the Shh pathway and other signalling pathways in CSCs, highlighting the complexity of this regulatory network. Here, we delve into the upstream regulators and downstream effectors that modulate Shh pathway activity in CSCs. This review aims to cast a specific focus on the role of the Shh pathway in CSCs, provide a detailed exploration of molecular mechanisms and regulatory crosstalk, and discuss current and developing inhibitors. By summarising key findings and insights gained, we wish to emphasise the importance of further elucidating the interplay between the Shh pathway and CSCs to develop more effective cancer therapies.
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Stewart R, Sharma S, Wu T, Okuda S, Xie G, Zhou XZ, Shilton B, Lu KP. The role of the master cancer regulator Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343938. [PMID: 38745861 PMCID: PMC11091292 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the complex role of Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Pin1 is the only peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) that can recognize and isomerize phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro peptide bonds. Pin1 catalyzes a structural change in phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs that can modulate protein function and thereby impact cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms by which Pin1 contributes to oncogenesis are reviewed, including Pin1 overexpression and its correlation with poor cancer prognosis, and the contribution of Pin1 to aggressive tumor phenotypes involved in therapeutic resistance is discussed, with an emphasis on cancer stem cells, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immunosuppression. The therapeutic potential of Pin1 inhibition in cancer is discussed, along with the promise and the difficulties in identifying potent, drug-like, small-molecule Pin1 inhibitors. The available evidence supports the efficacy of targeting Pin1 as a novel cancer therapeutic by analyzing the role of Pin1 in a complex network of cancer-driving pathways and illustrating the potential of synergistic drug combinations with Pin1 inhibitors for treating aggressive and drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shaunik Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sho Okuda
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - George Xie
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Shilton
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Frezzetti D, Caridi V, Marra L, Camerlingo R, D’Alessio A, Russo F, Dotolo S, Rachiglio AM, Esposito Abate R, Gallo M, Maiello MR, Morabito A, Normanno N, De Luca A. The Impact of Inadequate Exposure to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on the Development of Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4844. [PMID: 38732063 PMCID: PMC11084975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) inevitably develop resistance through several biological mechanisms. However, little is known on the molecular mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to suboptimal EGFR-TKI doses, due to pharmacodynamics leading to inadequate drug exposure. To evaluate the effects of suboptimal EGFR-TKI exposure on resistance in NSCLC, we obtained HCC827 and PC9 cell lines resistant to suboptimal fixed and intermittent doses of gefitinib and compared them to cells exposed to higher doses of the drug. We analyzed the differences in terms of EGFR signaling activation and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, whole transcriptomes byRNA sequencing, and cell motility. We observed that the exposure to low doses of gefitinib more frequently induced a partial EMT associated with an induced migratory ability, and an enhanced transcription of cancer stem cell markers, particularly in the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells. Finally, the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells showed increased secretion of the EMT inducer transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, whose inhibition was able to partially restore gefitinib sensitivity. These data provide evidence that different levels of exposure to EGFR-TKIs in tumor masses might promote different mechanisms of acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Frezzetti
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Vincenza Caridi
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Laura Marra
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Rosa Camerlingo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Amelia D’Alessio
- Laboratory of Toxicology Analysis, Department for the Treatment of Addictions, ASL Salerno, 84124 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Francesco Russo
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Serena Dotolo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Anna Maria Rachiglio
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Riziero Esposito Abate
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Marianna Gallo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Monica Rosaria Maiello
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Alessandro Morabito
- Thoracic Department, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Nicola Normanno
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Antonella De Luca
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
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Chaudhary P, Yadav K, Lee HJ, Kang KW, Mo J, Kim JA. siRNA treatment targeting integrin α11 overexpressed via EZH2-driven axis inhibits drug-resistant breast cancer progression. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:72. [PMID: 38664825 PMCID: PMC11046805 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01827-4] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, faces treatment challenges due to drug resistance, posing a serious threat to patient survival. The present study aimed to identify the key molecules that drive drug resistance and aggressiveness in breast cancer cells and validate them as therapeutic targets. METHODS Transcriptome microarray and analysis using PANTHER pathway and StemChecker were performed to identify the most significantly expressed genes in tamoxifen-resistant and adriamycin-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Clinical relevance of the key genes was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset of breast cancer patients. Gene overexpression/knockdown, spheroid formation, flow cytometric analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunocytochemistry, wound healing/transwell migration assays, and cancer stem cell transcription factor activation profiling array were used to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of integrin α11 expression. Tumour-bearing xenograft models were used to demonstrate integrin α11 is a potential therapeutic target. RESULTS Integrin α11 was consistently upregulated in drug-resistant breast cancer cells, and its silencing inhibited cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while restoring sensitivity to anticancer drugs. HIF1α, GLI-1, and EZH2 contributed the most to the regulation of integrin α11 and EZH2 expression, with EZH2 being more necessary for EZH2 autoinduction than HIF1α and GLI-1. Additionally, unlike HIF1α or EZH2, GLI-1 was the sole transcription factor activated by integrin-linked focal adhesion kinase, indicating GLI-1 as a key driver of the EZH2-integrin α11 axis operating for cancer stem cell survival and EMT. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset also revealed both EZH2 and integrin α11 could be strong prognostic factors of relapse-free and overall survival in breast cancer patients. However, the superior efficacy of integrin α11 siRNA therapy over EZH2 siRNA treatment was demonstrated by enhanced inhibition of tumour growth and prolonged survival in murine models bearing tumours. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidate that integrin α11 is upregulated by EZH2, forming a positive feedback circuit involving FAK-GLI-1 and contributing to drug resistance, cancer stem cell survival and EMT. Taken together, the results suggest integrin α11 as a promising prognostic marker and a powerful therapeutic target for drug-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Chaudhary
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiran Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongseo Mo
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
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Wang XY, Li HM, Xia R, Li X, Zhang X, Jin TZ, Zhang HS. KDM4B down-regulation facilitated breast cancer cell stemness via PHGDH upregulation in H3K36me3-dependent manner. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:915-928. [PMID: 37249813 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04777-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances have been made in clinical treatments of breast cancer, the general prognosis of patients remains poor. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a more effective therapeutic strategy. Lysine demethylase 4B (KDM4B) has been reported to participate in breast cancer development recently, but its exact biological role in breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we observed that KDM4B was down-regulated in human primary BRCA tissues and the low levels of KDM4B expression were correlated with poor survival. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that KDM4B inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Besides, knockdown of KDM4B promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell stemness in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, KDM4B down-regulates PHGDH by decreasing the enrichment of H3K36me3 on the promoter region of PHGDH. Knockdown of PHGDH could significantly reversed proliferation, migration, EMT, and cell stemness induced by KDM4B silencing in breast cancer cells. Collectively, we propose a model for a KDM4B/PHGDH axis that provides novel insight into breast cancer development, which may serve as a potential factor for predicting prognosis and a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Wang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Hong-Ming Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Ran Xia
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Tong-Zhao Jin
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100#, District of Chaoyang, Beijing, 100124, China.
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10
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Lin Z, Roche ME, Díaz-Barros V, Domingo-Vidal M, Whitaker-Menezes D, Tuluc M, Uppal G, Caro J, Curry JM, Martinez-Outschoorn U. MiR-200c reprograms fibroblasts to recapitulate the phenotype of CAFs in breast cancer progression. Cell Stress 2024; 8:1-20. [PMID: 38476765 PMCID: PMC10927306 DOI: 10.15698/cst2024.03.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity driving cancer progression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is undetermined. This work identifies a subgroup of CAFs in human breast cancer exhibiting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) or epithelial-like profile with high miR-200c expression. MiR-200c overexpression in fibroblasts is sufficient to drive breast cancer aggressiveness. Oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment induces miR-200c by DNA demethylation. Proteomics, RNA-seq and functional analyses reveal that miR-200c is a novel positive regulator of NFκB-HIF signaling via COMMD1 downregulation and stimulates pro-tumorigenic inflammation and glycolysis. Reprogramming fibroblasts toward MET via miR-200c reduces stemness and induces a senescent phenotype. This pro-tumorigenic profile in CAFs fosters carcinoma cell resistance to apoptosis, proliferation and immunosuppression, leading to primary tumor growth, metastases, and resistance to immuno-chemotherapy. Conversely, miR-200c inhibition in fibroblasts restrains tumor growth with abated oxidative stress and an anti-tumorigenic immune environment. This work determines the mechanisms by which MET in CAFs via miR-200c transcriptional enrichment with DNA demethylation triggered by oxidative stress promotes cancer progression. CAFs undergoing MET trans-differentiation and senescence coordinate heterotypic signaling that may be targeted as an anti-cancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Megan E. Roche
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Víctor Díaz-Barros
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Marina Domingo-Vidal
- Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana Whitaker-Menezes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Madalina Tuluc
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Guldeep Uppal
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jaime Caro
- Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph M. Curry
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ubaldo Martinez-Outschoorn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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11
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Valibeigi B, Behzad-Behbahani A, Forouzanfar M, Zarghampoor F, Jaafarinia M. Gene Expression Patterns of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells Following Ibuprofen and Hyperthermia Treatment. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 53:726-736. [PMID: 38919292 PMCID: PMC11194643 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) substantially influence the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), metastasis, relapse, and resistance to therapy. Ibuprofen and hyperthermia can be effective in the treatment of cancer. Herein, we evaluated the effects of hyperthermia and ibuprofen on the isolated-CSCs of CRC. Methods This experimental study was conducted between Sep 2020 and Jan 2022 at the Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A non-adhesive culture system was used to isolate CSCs from HT-29 cells. To confirm the stemness nature of isolated-CSCs, the expression of stemness genes and protein markers was evaluated by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry assay. The isolated-CSCs were treated with hyperthermia and ibuprofen. The cell viability was determined by MTT assay and trypan blue staining. The expression of stemness, proliferation, Wnt signaling pathway and apoptosis genes was assessed by qRT-PCR. Results CSCs were isolated within 14 days. The expression of CD-133 marker and OCT3/4, C-MYC, KLF4, and NANOG genes in isolated-CSCs was higher than HT-29 cells (P<0.05). Cell viability of treated-CSCs were considerably reduced (P<0.05). Hperthermia reduced the expression of OCT3/4, NANOG, PCNA, WNT1 and CTNNB1 genes and increased the expression of P53, BAX, and KLF4 genes (P<0.05). Ibuprofen decreased the expression of OCT3/4, BCL2, NANOG, PCNA, WNT1, and CTNNB1 genes and increased the expression of P53, BAX, and KLF4 genes in treated-CSCs (P<0.05). Conclusion Hyperthermia and ibuprofen treatment demonstrate an inhibitory effect on colorectal CSCs. However, using combination therapy is remaining to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Valibeigi
- Department of Biology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
| | - Abbas Behzad-Behbahani
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Centre, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Forouzanfar
- Department of Biology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Zarghampoor
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Centre, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Jaafarinia
- Department of Biology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
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12
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Bhat GR, Sethi I, Sadida HQ, Rah B, Mir R, Algehainy N, Albalawi IA, Masoodi T, Subbaraj GK, Jamal F, Singh M, Kumar R, Macha MA, Uddin S, Akil ASAS, Haris M, Bhat AA. Cancer cell plasticity: from cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:197-228. [PMID: 38329598 PMCID: PMC11016008 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10172-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease displaying a variety of cell states and phenotypes. This diversity, known as cancer cell plasticity, confers cancer cells the ability to change in response to their environment, leading to increased tumor diversity and drug resistance. This review explores the intricate landscape of cancer cell plasticity, offering a deep dive into the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. Cancer cell plasticity is intertwined with processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. These processes are pivotal in the development and progression of tumors, contributing to the multifaceted nature of cancer and the challenges associated with its treatment. Despite significant advancements in targeted therapies, cancer cell adaptability and subsequent therapy-induced resistance remain persistent obstacles in achieving consistent, successful cancer treatment outcomes. Our review delves into the array of mechanisms cancer cells exploit to maintain plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, alterations in signaling pathways, and environmental interactions. We discuss strategies to counteract cancer cell plasticity, such as targeting specific cellular pathways and employing combination therapies. These strategies promise to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments and mitigate therapy resistance. In conclusion, this review offers a holistic, detailed exploration of cancer cell plasticity, aiming to bolster the understanding and approach toward tackling the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. As articulated in this review, the delineation of cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance seeks to contribute substantially to the progress in cancer therapeutics and the advancement of precision medicine, ultimately enhancing the prospects for effective cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gh Rasool Bhat
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Itty Sethi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Hana Q Sadida
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bilal Rah
- Iron Biology Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Science, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseh Algehainy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Farrukh Jamal
- Dr. Rammanohar, Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Laboratory Animal Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira S Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory Animal Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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13
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Hu M, Dai C, Sun X, Chen Y, Xu N, Lin Z, Xu S, Cheng C, Tan Z, Bian S, Zheng W. Ubiquitination-specific protease 7 enhances stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing basic transcription factor 3. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:28. [PMID: 38340226 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01310-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the molecular regulation mechanism of ubiquitination-specific protease 7 (USP7) in facilitating the stemness properties of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays were conducted in SK-Hep1 and HepG2 cells transfected with USP7 overexpression/knockdown plasmids and USP7 inhibitor P22077. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and self-renewal capacity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, scratch, and tumor sphere formation, respectively. MS was performed to identify the potential substrate of USP7 following P22077 treatment. Co-IP assay was used to verify the interaction between USP7 and basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) in HCC cells. The overexpression of USP7 could promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation capacity of SK-Hep1 and HepG2 cells. Additionally, ectopic UPS7 enhanced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem-like characteristics of the HCC cells. In contrast, USP7 depletion by knockdown of USP7 or administrating inhibitor P22077 significantly inhibited these malignant phenotypes of SK-Hep1 and HepG2 cells. Following MS analysis, BTF3 was identified as a potential substrate for USP7. USP7 could interact with BTF3 and upregulate its protein level, while USP7 depletion significantly upregulated the ubiquitination levels. Overexpression of BTF3 partially rescue the inhibitory effects of USP7 depletion on the malignant phenotypes and stemness properties of SK-Hep1 and HepG2 cells. USP7 can promote the stemness and malignant phenotype of HCC by stabilizing BTF3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingchao Hu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Chengchen Dai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xieyin Sun
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinqi Chen
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoyi Lin
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiyu Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Zhonghua Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Saiyan Bian
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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14
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Song B, Wei F, Peng J, Wei X, Liu M, Nie Z, Ma Y, Peng T. Icariin Regulates EMT and Stem Cell-Like Character in Breast Cancer through Modulating lncRNA NEAT1/TGFβ/SMAD2 Signaling Pathway. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:399-410. [PMID: 38220208 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Metastases and drug resistance are the major risk factors associated with breast cancer (BC), which is the most common type of tumor affecting females. Icariin (ICA) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound that possesses significant anticancer properties. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a wide variety of biological and pathological processes and have been shown to modulate the effectiveness of certain drugs in cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effect of ICA on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness articulation in BC cells, as well as the possible relationship between its inhibitory action on EMT and stemness with the NEAT1/transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/SMAD2 pathway. The effect of ICA on the proliferation (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony assays), EMT (Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and wound healing), and stemness (mammosphere formation assays, Western blotting) of BC cells were examined. According to the findings, ICA suppressed the proliferation, EMT, and stem cell-like in MDA-MB-231 cells, and exerted its inhibitory impact by downregulating the TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling pathway. ICA could significantly downregulate the expression of lncRNA NEAT1, and silencing NEAT1 enhanced the effect of ICA in suppressing EMT and expression of different stem cell markers. In addition, silencing NEAT1 was found to attenuate the TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling pathway, thereby improving the inhibitory impact of ICA on stemness and EMT in BC cells. In conclusion, ICA can potentially inhibit the metastasis of BC via affecting the NEAT1/TGFβ/SMAD2 pathway, which provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms involved in potential application of ICA for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Song
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Fuxia Wei
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jiehao Peng
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Xiuhong Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Mingran Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhongbiao Nie
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University
| | - Yanmiao Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Tao Peng
- Famous Chinese Medicine Studio, Shanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Classical Prescription Strengthening Yang, Shanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
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15
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Zhang Y, Liu YJ, Mei J, Yang ZX, Qian XP, Huang W. An Analysis Regarding the Association Between DAZ Interacting Zinc Finger Protein 1 (DZIP1) and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1. [PMID: 38334905 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant disease worldwide, and its incidence is increasing, but the molecular mechanisms of this disease are highly heterogeneous and still far from being fully understood. Increasing evidence suggests that fibrosis mediated by abnormal activation of fibroblasts based in the microenvironment is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the function and pathogenic mechanisms of fibroblasts in CRC remain unclear. Here, combining scrna-seq and clinical specimen data, DAZ Interacting Protein 1 (DZIP1) was found to be expressed on fibroblasts and cancer cells and positively correlated with stromal deposition. Importantly, pseudotime-series analysis showed that DZIP1 levels were up-regulated in malignant transformation of fibroblasts and experimentally confirmed that DZIP1 modulates activation of fibroblasts and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Further studies showed that DZIP1 expressed by tumor cells also has a driving effect on EMT and contributes to the recruitment of more fibroblasts. A similar phenomenon was observed in xenografted nude mice. And it was confirmed in xenograft mice that downregulation of DZIP1 expression significantly delayed tumor formation and reduced tumor size in CRC cells. Taken together, our findings suggested that DZIP1 was a regulator of the CRC mesenchymal phenotype. The revelation of targeting DZIP1 provides a new avenue for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Tianyinshan Hospital, Nanjing, 211199, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Mei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao-Xu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Qian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Sunaga N, Miura Y, Masuda T, Sakurai R. Role of Epiregulin in Lung Tumorigenesis and Therapeutic Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:710. [PMID: 38398101 PMCID: PMC10886815 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling regulates multiple cellular processes and plays an essential role in tumorigenesis. Epiregulin (EREG), a member of the EGF family, binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ErbB4, and it stimulates EGFR-related downstream pathways. Increasing evidence indicates that both the aberrant expression and oncogenic function of EREG play pivotal roles in tumor development in many human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EREG overexpression is induced by activating mutations in the EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF and contributes to the aggressive phenotypes of NSCLC with oncogenic drivers. Recent studies have elucidated the roles of EREG in a tumor microenvironment, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and resistance to anticancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of EREG as an oncogene and discussed its oncogenic role in lung tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Sunaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Yosuke Miura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Tomomi Masuda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Reiko Sakurai
- Oncology Center, Gunma University Hospital, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
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17
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Peyvandi S, Bulliard M, Yilmaz A, Kauzlaric A, Marcone R, Haerri L, Coquoz O, Huang YT, Duffey N, Gafner L, Lorusso G, Fournier N, Lan Q, Rüegg C. Tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ cells drive breast cancer metastasis via OSM/IL-6/JAK-induced cancer cell plasticity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e166847. [PMID: 38236642 PMCID: PMC10940099 DOI: 10.1172/jci166847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell plasticity contributes to therapy resistance and metastasis, which represent the main causes of cancer-related death, including in breast cancer. The tumor microenvironment drives cancer cell plasticity and metastasis, and unraveling the underlying cues may provide novel strategies for managing metastatic disease. Using breast cancer experimental models and transcriptomic analyses, we show that stem cell antigen-1 positive (SCA1+) murine breast cancer cells enriched during tumor progression and metastasis had higher in vitro cancer stem cell-like properties, enhanced in vivo metastatic ability, and generated tumors rich in Gr1hiLy6G+CD11b+ cells. In turn, tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ (Tu-Gr1+CD11b+) cells rapidly and transiently converted low metastatic SCA1- cells into highly metastatic SCA1+ cells via secreted oncostatin M (OSM) and IL-6. JAK inhibition prevented OSM/IL-6-induced SCA1+ population enrichment, while OSM/IL-6 depletion suppressed Tu-Gr1+CD11b+-induced SCA1+ population enrichment in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, chemotherapy-selected highly metastatic 4T1 cells maintained high SCA1+ positivity through autocrine IL-6 production, and in vitro JAK inhibition blunted SCA1 positivity and metastatic capacity. Importantly, Tu-Gr1+CD11b+ cells invoked a gene signature in tumor cells predicting shorter overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and lung metastasis in breast cancer patients. Collectively, our data identified OSM/IL-6/JAK as a clinically relevant paracrine/autocrine axis instigating breast cancer cell plasticity and triggering metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Peyvandi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Manon Bulliard
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alev Yilmaz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Annamaria Kauzlaric
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Marcone
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Haerri
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Oriana Coquoz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Duffey
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laetitia Gafner
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Girieca Lorusso
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Qiang Lan
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Cell and Tissue Dynamics Research Program, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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18
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Lan H, Wu B, Jin K, Chen Y. Beyond boundaries: unraveling innovative approaches to combat bone-metastatic cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1260491. [PMID: 38260135 PMCID: PMC10800370 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1260491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence demonstrated that bones, liver, and lungs are the most common metastasis sites in some human malignancies, especially in prostate and breast cancers. Bone is the third most frequent target for spreading tumor cells among these organs and tissues. Patients with bone-metastatic cancers face a grim prognosis characterized by short median survival time. Current treatments have proven insufficient, as they can only inhibit metastasis or tumor progression within the bone tissues rather than providing a curative solution. Gaining a more profound comprehension of the interplay between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment (BME) is of utmost importance in tackling this issue. This knowledge will pave the way for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis and discusses the clinical aspects of this pathologic condition. Additionally, it highlights emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by bone-metastatic cancers. By synthesizing current research, this review seeks to shed light on the complexities of bone metastasis and offer insights for future advancements in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hosptial, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yefeng Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Han W, Shen Z, Zou J, Ye Q, Ge C, Zhao Y, Wang T, Chen Y. Therapeutic Approaches of Dual-targeted Nanomedicines for Tumor Multidrug Resistance. Curr Drug Deliv 2024; 21:155-167. [PMID: 37143266 DOI: 10.2174/1567201820666230504145614] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the main cause of cancer chemotherapy failure is multi-drug resistance (MDR), which involves a variety of complex mechanisms. Compared with traditional small-molecule chemotherapy, targeted nanomedicines offer promising alternative strategies as an emerging form of therapy, especially active targeted nanomedicines. However, although single-targeted nanomedicines have made some progress in tumor therapy, the complexity of tumor microenvironment and tumor heterogeneity limits their efficacy. Dual-targeted nanomedicines can simultaneously target two tumor-specific factors that cause tumor MDR, which have the potential in overcoming tumor MDR superior to single-targeted nanomedicines by further enhancing cell uptake and cytotoxicity in new forms, as well as the effectiveness of tumor-targeted delivery. This review discusses tumor MDR mechanisms and the latest achievements applied to dual-targeted nanomedicines in tumor MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
| | - Zhenglin Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
| | - Jie Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
| | - Qiufang Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
| | - Cheng Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
| | - Yuqin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
| | - Yafang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215300, PR China
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20
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Tangsiri M, Hheidari A, Liaghat M, Razlansari M, Ebrahimi N, Akbari A, Varnosfaderani SMN, Maleki-Sheikhabadi F, Norouzi A, Bakhtiyari M, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Rahdar A. Promising applications of nanotechnology in inhibiting chemo-resistance in solid tumors by targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115973. [PMID: 38064969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy, also known as chemo-resistance, poses a significant obstacle to cancer treatment and can ultimately result in patient mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the many factors and processes responsible for chemo-resistance. Studies have shown that targeting EMT can help overcome chemo-resistance, and nanotechnology and nanomedicine have emerged as promising approaches to achieve this goal. This article discusses the potential of nanotechnology in inhibiting EMT and proposes a viable strategy to combat chemo-resistance in various solid tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While nanotechnology has shown promising results in targeting EMT, further research is necessary to explore its full potential in overcoming chemo-resistance and discovering more effective methods in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Tangsiri
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Hheidari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Department of Medical Laboratory sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Razlansari
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tübingen University, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Narges Ebrahimi
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Fahimeh Maleki-Sheikhabadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Norouzi
- Dental Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, University of Zabol, Zabol 98613-35856, Iran.
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21
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Zhu M, Fan H, Deng J, Jiang K, Liao J, Zhang X, Chen Y, Yu M, Peng Z. BMI1 Silencing Liposomes Suppress Postradiotherapy Cancer Stemness against Radioresistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23405-23421. [PMID: 37988576 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy causes DNA damage by direct ionization and indirect generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby destroying cancer cells. However, ionizing radiation (IR) unexpectedly elicits metastasis and invasion of cancer cells by inducing cancer stem cells' (CSCs) properties. As BMI1 is a crucial gene that causes radioresistance and an unfavorable prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), BMI1 inhibitor PTC-209 has been encapsulated in a ROS-responsive liposome (LP(PTC-209)) to be temporally and spatially delivered to radioresistant HCC tissue. The ROS generated during IR was not only considered to directly cause tumor cell death but also be used as a stimulator to trigger ROS-responsive drug release from LP(PTC-209). The PTC-209 released into resistant HCC tissue under radiotherapy further led to cancer stem cell (CSC) differentiation and then recovered radiosensitivity of HCC tumor. The suppression of the radioresistant performance of LP(PTC-209) has been proved on radiosensitive and radioresistant Hepa1-6 CSC tumor models, respectively. Our study clarified the relationship between radiotherapy and cancer stemness and provided insights to achieve complete suppression of radioresistant HCC tumor by inhibiting cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyan Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haonan Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junlin Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junbin Liao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Meng Yu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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22
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Kahm YJ, Kim RK. BIRC5: A novel therapeutic target for lung cancer stem cells and glioma stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 682:141-147. [PMID: 37806253 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) is also known as survivin. BIRC5, a member of the apoptosis inhibitor (IAP) family, negatively regulates apoptosis or programmed cell death by inhibiting caspase activation. Due to these properties, overexpression of BIRC5 enables specific survival and division associated with cancer malignancies. In addition, BIRC5 is highly expressed in stem cells, but not present at all in terminally differentiated cells. On this basis, there is speculation that BIRC5 may be involved in the regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), but few study results have been reported. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of BIRC5 regulation are not yet well understood. Through the present study, it was confirmed that BIRC5 is a key factor regulating CSCs and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). BIRC5 was simultaneously overexpressed in lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and glioma stem cells (GSCs), and when the expression was suppressed, the characteristics of CSCs disappeared. In addition, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a secreted factor regulated by BIRC5, is involved in signaling mechanisms that regulate cancer stem cells and EMT, and PAI-1 forms an autocrine chain. Based on these results, BIRC5 is proposed as a novel therapeutic target protein for LCSCs and GSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Jee Kahm
- Department of Environmental Safety Technology Research, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea; Department of Radiation Life Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Rae-Kwon Kim
- Department of Environmental Safety Technology Research, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34057, Republic of Korea; Department of Radiation Life Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Basak U, Sarkar T, Mukherjee S, Chakraborty S, Dutta A, Dutta S, Nayak D, Kaushik S, Das T, Sa G. Tumor-associated macrophages: an effective player of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295257. [PMID: 38035101 PMCID: PMC10687432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is primarily caused by interactions between transformed cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages) make up the majority of the invading immune components, which are further categorized as anti-tumor M1 and pro-tumor M2 subtypes. While M1 is known to have anti-cancer properties, M2 is recognized to extend a protective role to the tumor. As a result, the tumor manipulates the TME in such a way that it induces macrophage infiltration and M1 to M2 switching bias to secure its survival. This M2-TAM bias in the TME promotes cancer cell proliferation, neoangiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, matrix remodeling for metastatic support, and TME manipulation to an immunosuppressive state. TAMs additionally promote the emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are known for their ability to originate, metastasize, and relapse into tumors. CSCs also help M2-TAM by revealing immune escape and survival strategies during the initiation and relapse phases. This review describes the reasons for immunotherapy failure and, thereby, devises better strategies to impair the tumor-TAM crosstalk. This study will shed light on the understudied TAM-mediated tumor progression and address the much-needed holistic approach to anti-cancer therapy, which encompasses targeting cancer cells, CSCs, and TAMs all at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udit Basak
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Tania Sarkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sumon Mukherjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Apratim Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Saikat Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Debadatta Nayak
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Kaushik
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Das
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Gaurisankar Sa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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24
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Ibarra AMC, Aguiar EMG, Ferreira CBR, Siqueira JM, Corrêa L, Nunes FD, Franco ALDS, Cecatto RB, Hamblin MR, Rodrigues MFSD. Photodynamic therapy in cancer stem cells - state of the art. Lasers Med Sci 2023; 38:251. [PMID: 37919479 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03911-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant efforts to control cancer progression and to improve oncology treatment outcomes, recurrence and tumor resistance are frequently observed in cancer patients. These problems are partly related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as a therapeutic approach for solid tumors; however, it remains unclear how this therapy can affect CSCs. In this review, we focus on the effects of PDT on CSCs and the possible changes in the CSC population after PDT exposure. Tumor response to PDT varies according to the photosensitizer and light parameters employed, but most studies have reported the successful elimination of CSCs after PDT. However, some studies have reported that CSCs were more resistant to PDT than non-CSCs due to the increased efflux of photosensitizer molecules and the action of autophagy. Additionally, using different PDT approaches to target the CSCs resulted in increased sensitivity, reduction of sphere formation, invasiveness, stem cell phenotype, and improved response to chemotherapy. Lastly, although mainly limited to in vitro studies, PDT, combined with targeted therapies and/or chemotherapy, could successfully target CSCs in different solid tumors and promote the reduction of stemness, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach requiring evaluation in robust pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Melissa C Ibarra
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cássia B R Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Corrêa
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo - FOUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio D Nunes
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo - FOUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rebeca B Cecatto
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maria Fernanda S D Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
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25
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Li R, Dong X, Chen S, Tan J, Chen X, Liu J, Wen T, Ru X. Tn antigen promotes breast cancer metastasis via impairment of CASC4. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1854-1867. [PMID: 37493437 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most serious and deadly cancers in women worldwide, with distant metastases being the leading cause of death. Tn antigen, a tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen, was frequently detected in breast cancer, but its exact role in breast cancer metastasis has not been well elucidated. Here we investigated the impact of Tn antigen expression on breast cancer metastasis and its underlying mechanisms. The expression of Tn antigen was induced in two breast cancer cell lines by deleting T-synthase or Cosmc, both of which are required for normal O-glycosylation. It showed that Tn-expressing cancer cells promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic features as compared to Tn(-) control cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that cancer susceptibility candidate 4 (CASC4), a heavily O-glycosylated protein, was significantly downregulated in both Tn(+) cells. Overexpression of CASC4 suppressed Tn-induced activation of EMT and cancer metastasis via inhibition of Cdc42 signaling. Furthermore, we confirmed that O-glycosylation is essential for the functional role of CASC4 because defective O-glycosylated CASC4 (mutant CASC4, which lacks nine O-glycosylation sites) exerted marginal metastatic-suppressing effects in comparison with WT CASC4. Collectively, these data suggest that Tn-mediated aberrant O-glycosylation contributes to breast cancer metastasis via impairment of CASC4 expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijun Li
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xichen Dong
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shibin Chen
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Tan
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wen
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Ru
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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26
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Olmedo I, Martínez D, Carrasco-Rojas J, Jara JA. Mitochondria in oral cancer stem cells: Unraveling the potential drug targets for new and old drugs. Life Sci 2023; 331:122065. [PMID: 37659591 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is a major health problem worldwide, with most cases arising in the oral cavity. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for over 90% of all cases. Compared to other types of cancer, OSCC, has the worse prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 50%. Additionally, OSCC is characterized by a high rate of resistance to chemotherapy treatment, which may be partly explained by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) subpopulation. CSC can adapt to harmful environmental condition and are highly resistant to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, thus contributing to tumor relapse. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of mitochondria in oral CSC as a potential target for oral cancer treatment. For this purpose, we reviewed some fundamental aspects of the most validated protein markers of stemness, autophagy, the mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in oral CSC. Moreover, a discussion will be made on why energy metabolism, especially oxidative phosphorylation in CSC, may offer such a diverse source of original pharmacological target for new drugs. Finally, we will describe some drugs able to disturb mitochondrial function, with emphasis on those aimed to interrupt the electron transport chain function, as novel therapeutic strategies in multidrug-resistant oral CSC. The reutilization of old drugs approved for clinical use as new antineoplastics, in cancer treatment, is also matter of revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Olmedo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Martínez
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Carrasco-Rojas
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - José A Jara
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Toxicological and Pharmacological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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27
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Zhang MJ, Liu J, Wan SC, Li JX, Wang S, Fidele NB, Huang CF, Sun ZJ. CSRP2 promotes cell stemness in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2023; 45:2161-2172. [PMID: 37466293 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysteine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) is discovered as oncogene. The study aims to investigate the clinical significance and potential mechanism of CSRP2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS CSRP2 expression was explored by immunohistochemistry tissue microarrays and Western blotting in HNSCC. The effect of CSRP2 on the cancer stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HNSCC cells was investigated by sphere formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. The vitro and vivo experiments revealed that CSRP2 modulated cancer stemness and EMT phenotypes in HNSCC. RESULTS CSRP2 was overexpressed in HNSCC patients and presented poor prognosis. CSRP2 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion ability of the HNSCC cells. And CSRP2 expression was closely associated with CSCs markers, EMT-transcription factor, new oncoprotein, and immune checkpoint. CONCLUSION The overexpression of CSRP2 indicates poor prognosis and plays a key role in maintaining the cancer cell stemness and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Cheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Xing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Nyimi Bushabu Fidele
- The National keys laboratory of Basic Sciences of Stomatology of Kinshasa University, School of Medical University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Cong-Fa Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Polak KL, Tamagno I, Parameswaran N, Smigiel J, Chan ER, Yuan X, Rios B, Jackson MW. Oncostatin-M and OSM-Receptor Feed-Forward Activation of MAPK Induces Separable Stem-like and Mesenchymal Programs. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:975-990. [PMID: 37310811 PMCID: PMC10527478 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently present with advanced metastatic disease and exhibit a poor response to therapy, resulting in poor outcomes. The tumor microenvironment cytokine Oncostatin-M (OSM) initiates PDAC plasticity, inducing the reprogramming to a stem-like/mesenchymal state, which enhances metastasis and therapy resistance. Using a panel of PDAC cells driven through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by OSM or the transcription factors ZEB1 or SNAI1, we find that OSM uniquely induces tumor initiation and gemcitabine resistance independently of its ability to induce a CD44HI/mesenchymal phenotype. In contrast, while ZEB1 and SNAI1 induce a CD44HI/mesenchymal phenotype and migration comparable with OSM, they are unable to promote tumor initiation or robust gemcitabine resistance. Transcriptomic analysis identified that OSM-mediated stemness requires MAPK activation and sustained, feed-forward transcription of OSMR. MEK and ERK inhibitors prevented OSM-driven transcription of select target genes and stem-like/mesenchymal reprogramming, resulting in reduced tumor growth and resensitization to gemcitabine. We propose that the unique properties of OSMR, which hyperactivates MAPK signaling when compared with other IL6 family receptors, make it an attractive therapeutic target, and that disrupting the OSM-OSMR-MAPK feed-forward loop may be a novel way to therapeutically target the stem-like behaviors common to aggressive PDAC. IMPLICATIONS Small-molecule MAPK inhibitors may effectively target the OSM/OSMR-axis that leads to EMT and tumor initiating properties that promote aggressive PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Polak
- Department of Pathology and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ilaria Tamagno
- Department of Pathology and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Neetha Parameswaran
- Department of Pathology and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jacob Smigiel
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - E. Ricky Chan
- Department of Pathology and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xueer Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brenda Rios
- Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark W. Jackson
- Department of Pathology and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH, USA
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Liu X, Wang K. Development of a novel, clinically relevant anoikis-related gene signature to forecast prognosis in patients with prostate cancer. Front Genet 2023; 14:1166668. [PMID: 37719710 PMCID: PMC10499615 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1166668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Anoikis is a specific form of programmed cell death and is related to prostate cancer (PC) metastasis. This study aimed to develop a reliable anoikis-related gene signature to accurately forecast PC prognosis. Methods: Based on anoikis-related genes and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, anoikis-related molecular subtypes were identified, and their differences in disease-free survival (DFS), stemness, clinical features, and immune infiltration patterns were compared. Differential expression analysis of the two subtypes and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were employed to identify clinically relevant anoikis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subtypes, which were then selected to construct a prognostic signature. The clinical utility of the signature was verified using the validation datasets GSE116918 and GSE46602. A nomogram was established to predict patient survival. Finally, differentially enriched hallmark gene sets were revealed between the different risk groups. Results: Two anoikis-related molecular subtypes were identified, and cluster 1 had poor prognosis, higher stemness, advanced clinical features, and differential immune cell infiltration. Next, 13 clinically relevant anoikis-related DEGs were identified, and five of them (CKS2, CDC20, FMOD, CD38, and MSMB) were selected to build a prognostic signature. This gene signature had a high prognostic value. A nomogram that combined Gleason score, T stage, and risk score could accurately predict patient survival. Furthermore, gene sets closely related with DNA repair were differentially expressed in the different risk groups. Conclusion: A novel, clinically relevant five-anoikis-related gene signature was a powerful prognostic biomarker for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kunming Wang
- Department of Urology, Sunshine Union Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
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30
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Kahounová Z, Pícková M, Drápela S, Bouchal J, Szczyrbová E, Navrátil J, Souček K. Circulating tumor cell-derived preclinical models: current status and future perspectives. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:530. [PMID: 37591867 PMCID: PMC10435501 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advancements made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the stages associated with metastasis remain largely incurable and represent the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. The dissemination of cancer is facilitated by circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which originate from the primary tumor or metastatic sites and enter the bloodstream, subsequently spreading to distant parts of the body. CTCs have garnered significant attention in research due to their accessibility in peripheral blood, despite their low abundance. They are being extensively studied to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer dissemination and to identify effective therapeutic strategies for advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, substantial efforts have been directed towards establishing and characterizing relevant experimental models derived from CTCs, aiming to provide relevant tools for research. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress in the establishment of preclinical CTC-derived models, such as CTC-derived xenografts (CDX) and cell cultures, which show promise for the study of CTCs. We discuss the advantages and limitations of these models and conclude by summarizing the potential future use of CTCs and CTC-derived models in cancer treatment decisions and their utility as precision medicine tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kahounová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Pícková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Drápela
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Szczyrbová
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Navrátil
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Poothakulath Krishnan R, Pandiar D, Ramani P, Ramalingam K, Jayaraman S. Utility of CD44/CD24 in the Outcome and Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e42899. [PMID: 37664387 PMCID: PMC10474850 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation. CD44 and CD24 are two commonly used markers to identify these CSCs. Despite the enormous amount of data available in the literature, their specificity and coexistence remain elusive in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present review, we aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of the CD44/CD24 combination in tumor development and metastasis in OSCC. Two investigators independently performed a systematic search to identify all the relevant studies from various electronic databases. Out of 694 articles, 9 were found eligible for further evaluation. Details including the number of patients, gender, site, tobacco and alcohol consumption, histological stage, CD24 expression, CD44 expression, CD44/CD24 expression, nodal status, disease-free survival, and overall survival were extracted. CD44+CD24- expression was noted in 35/207 (16.9%) cases, CD44+CD24+ in 53/207 (25.6%) cases, CD44-CD24- in 49/207 subjects (23.67%), and CD44-/CD24+ in 70/207 (33.81%) cases. CD44 or CD24 or their co-expression did not correlate with the disease-free survival rate, and double negatives (CD44-/CD24-) demonstrated a higher overall survival than other immunotypes. CD44/CD24 profile may be used on small incisional biopsies to predict the outcome and treatment planning. This finding may help in developing new therapeutic targets to suppress cancer metastasis and provide a better long-term prognosis for patients diagnosed with OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Poothakulath Krishnan
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Deepak Pandiar
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Pratibha Ramani
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Karthikeyan Ramalingam
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD) Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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32
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Guan J, Zhang ZY, Sun JH, Wang XP, Zhou ZQ, Qin L. LITAF inhibits colorectal cancer stemness and metastatic behavior by regulating FOXO1-mediated SIRT1 expression. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023:10.1007/s10585-023-10213-x. [PMID: 37266842 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha factor (LITAF) is a transcription factor that activates the transcription of TNF-α and regulates the inflammatory response. LITAF has been found to have potential anti-cancer effects of in several tumors. However, the role of LITAF in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Through a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), LITAF was identified as a differentially downregulated gene in CRC. We hypothesized that LITAF may participate in the modulation of CRC progression. The present study was aimed to investigate the expression profile of LITAF in CRC and its effect on metastatic behavior and stemness as well as the underlying molecular mechanism. The expression profile of LITAF in CRC, and its relationship with the prognosis of CRC were explored using public databases. LITAF expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the effects of overexpression or knockdown of LITAF on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and stemness of CRC cells were investigated in vitro. The regulatory effect of LITAF on forkhead Box O 1 (FOXO1)-sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling axis was also explored. In addition, a xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the in-vivo role of LITAF. LITAF was downregulated in tumor tissues and its expression was associated with the prognosis, pathological stage and liver metastasis. In-vitro experiments confirmed that LITAF inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness, and induced cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments demonstrated that LITAF inhibited the tumorigenicity and liver metastasis in tumor-bearing mice. Additionally, LITAF promoted FOXO1-mediated SIRT1 inhibition, thus regulating cancer stemness and malignant phenotypes. LITAF was silenced in CRC and it participated in the progression of CRC by inhibiting CRC cell stemness, and malignant phenotypes. Therefore, LITAF may serve as a novel biomarker of CRC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Guan
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zheng-Yun Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jian-Hua Sun
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xin-Ping Wang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zun-Qiang Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Lei Qin
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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33
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Modvig S, Jeyakumar J, Marquart HV, Christensen C. Integrins and the Metastasis-like Dissemination of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia to the Central Nervous System. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092504. [PMID: 37173970 PMCID: PMC10177281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092504] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) disseminates with high prevalence to the central nervous system (CNS) in a process resembling aspects of the CNS surveillance of normal immune cells as well as aspects of brain metastasis from solid cancers. Importantly, inside the CNS, the ALL blasts are typically confined within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cavities of the subarachnoid space, which they use as a sanctuary protected from both chemotherapy and immune cells. At present, high cumulative doses of intrathecal chemotherapy are administered to patients, but this is associated with neurotoxicity and CNS relapse still occurs. Thus, it is imperative to identify markers and novel therapy targets specific to CNS ALL. Integrins represent a family of adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, implicated in the adhesion and migration of metastatic cancer cells, normal immune cells, and leukemic blasts. The ability of integrins to also facilitate cell-adhesion mediated drug resistance, combined with recent discoveries of integrin-dependent routes of leukemic cells into the CNS, have sparked a renewed interest in integrins as markers and therapeutic targets in CNS leukemia. Here, we review the roles of integrins in CNS surveillance by normal lymphocytes, dissemination to the CNS by ALL cells, and brain metastasis from solid cancers. Furthermore, we discuss whether ALL dissemination to the CNS abides by known hallmarks of metastasis, and the potential roles of integrins in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Modvig
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jenani Jeyakumar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Vibeke Marquart
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Christensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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34
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Deregulated E2F Activity as a Cancer-Cell Specific Therapeutic Tool. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020393. [PMID: 36833320 PMCID: PMC9956157 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor E2F, the principal target of the tumor suppressor pRB, plays crucial roles in cell proliferation and tumor suppression. In almost all cancers, pRB function is disabled, and E2F activity is enhanced. To specifically target cancer cells, trials have been undertaken to suppress enhanced E2F activity to restrain cell proliferation or selectively kill cancer cells, utilizing enhanced E2F activity. However, these approaches may also impact normal growing cells, since growth stimulation also inactivates pRB and enhances E2F activity. E2F activated upon the loss of pRB control (deregulated E2F) activates tumor suppressor genes, which are not activated by E2F induced by growth stimulation, inducing cellular senescence or apoptosis to protect cells from tumorigenesis. Deregulated E2F activity is tolerated in cancer cells due to inactivation of the ARF-p53 pathway, thus representing a feature unique to cancer cells. Deregulated E2F activity, which activates tumor suppressor genes, is distinct from enhanced E2F activity, which activates growth-related genes, in that deregulated E2F activity does not depend on the heterodimeric partner DP. Indeed, the ARF promoter, which is specifically activated by deregulated E2F, showed higher cancer-cell specific activity, compared to the E2F1 promoter, which is also activated by E2F induced by growth stimulation. Thus, deregulated E2F activity is an attractive potential therapeutic tool to specifically target cancer cells.
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35
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From the Catastrophic Objective Irreproducibility of Cancer Research and Unavoidable Failures of Molecular Targeted Therapies to the Sparkling Hope of Supramolecular Targeted Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032796. [PMID: 36769134 PMCID: PMC9917659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented non-reproducibility of the results published in the field of cancer research has recently come under the spotlight. In this short review, we try to highlight some general principles in the organization and evolution of cancerous tumors, which objectively lead to their enormous variability and, consequently, the irreproducibility of the results of their investigation. This heterogeneity is also extremely unfavorable for the effective use of molecularly targeted medicine. Against the seemingly comprehensive background of this heterogeneity, we single out two supramolecular characteristics common to all tumors: the clustered nature of tumor interactions with their microenvironment and the formation of biomolecular condensates with tumor-specific distinctive features. We suggest that these features can form the basis of strategies for tumor-specific supramolecular targeted therapies.
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36
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Mannion AJ, Odell AF, Baker SM, Matthews LC, Jones PF, Cook GP. Pro- and anti-tumour activities of CD146/MCAM in breast cancer result from its heterogeneous expression and association with epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1129015. [PMID: 37138793 PMCID: PMC10150653 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1129015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CD146, also known as melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), is expressed in numerous cancers and has been implicated in the regulation of metastasis. We show that CD146 negatively regulates transendothelial migration (TEM) in breast cancer. This inhibitory activity is reflected by a reduction in MCAM gene expression and increased promoter methylation in tumour tissue compared to normal breast tissue. However, increased CD146/MCAM expression is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer, a characteristic that is difficult to reconcile with inhibition of TEM by CD146 and its epigenetic silencing. Single cell transcriptome data revealed MCAM expression in multiple cell types, including the malignant cells, tumour vasculature and normal epithelium. MCAM expressing malignant cells were in the minority and expression was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, gene expression signatures defining invasiveness and a stem cell-like phenotype were most strongly associated with mesenchymal-like tumour cells with low levels of MCAM mRNA, likely to represent a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) state. Our results show that high levels of MCAM gene expression are associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer because they reflect tumour vascularisation and high levels of EMT. We suggest that high levels of mesenchymal-like malignant cells reflect large populations of hybrid E/M cells and that low CD146 expression on these hybrid cells is permissive for TEM, aiding metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarren J. Mannion
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds School of Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Adam F. Odell
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds School of Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Murtuza Baker
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laura C. Matthews
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds School of Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela F. Jones
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds School of Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Graham P. Cook
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds School of Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Graham P. Cook,
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Sharma G, Pothuraju R, Kanchan RK, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. Chemokines network in bone metastasis: Vital regulators of seeding and soiling. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:457-472. [PMID: 35124194 PMCID: PMC9744380 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines are well equipped with chemo-attractive signals that can regulate cancer cell trafficking to specific organ sites. Currently, updated concepts have revealed the diverse role of chemokines in the biology of cancer initiation and progression. Genomic instabilities and alterations drive tumor heterogeneity, providing more options for the selection and metastatic progression to cancer cells. Tumor heterogeneity and acquired drug resistance are the main obstacles in managing cancer therapy and the primary root cause of metastasis. Studies emphasize that multiple chemokine/receptor axis are involved in cancer cell-mediated organ-specific distant metastasis. One of the persuasive mechanisms for heterogeneity and subsequent events is sturdily interlinked with the crosstalk between chemokines and their receptors on cancer cells and tissue-specific microenvironment. Among different metastatic niches, skeletal metastasis is frequently observed in the late stages of prostate, breast, and lung cancer and significantly reduces the survival of cancer patients. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the role of chemokines and their receptors in metastasis and bone remodeling. Here, we review the potential chemokine/receptor axis in tumorigenesis, tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and vicious cycle in bone microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ranjana Kumari Kanchan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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38
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Fridrichova I, Kalinkova L, Ciernikova S. Clinical Relevancy of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer: Epithelial or Mesenchymal Characteristics, Single Cells or Clusters? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12141. [PMID: 36292996 PMCID: PMC9603393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is typically an incurable disease with high mortality rates; thus, early identification of metastatic features and disease recurrence through precise biomarkers is crucial. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) consisting of heterogeneous subpopulations with different morphology and genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression profiles represent promising candidate biomarkers for metastatic potential. The experimentally verified role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer dissemination has not been clearly described in BC patients, but the stemness features of CTCs strongly contributes to metastatic potency. Single CTCs have been shown to be protected in the bloodstream against recognition by the immune system through impaired interactions with T lymphocytes and NK cells, while associations of heterotypic CTC clusters with platelets, leucocytes, neutrophils, tumor-associated macrophages, and fibroblasts improve their tumorigenic behavior. In addition to single CTC and CTC cluster characteristics, we reviewed CTC evaluation methods and clinical studies in early and metastatic BCs. The variable CTC tests were developed based on specific principles and strategies. However, CTC count and the presence of CTC clusters were shown to be most clinically relevant in existing clinical trials. Despite the known progress in CTC research and sampling of BC patients, implementation of CTCs and CTC clusters in routine diagnostic and treatment strategies still requires improvement in detection sensitivity and precise molecular characterizations, focused predominantly on the role of CTC clusters for their higher metastatic potency.
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39
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Manni W, Min W. Signaling pathways in the regulation of cancer stem cells and associated targeted therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e176. [PMID: 36226253 PMCID: PMC9534377 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of malignant tumor cells with selective capacities for tumor initiation, self-renewal, metastasis, and unlimited growth into bulks, which are believed as a major cause of progressive tumor phenotypes, including recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failure. A number of signaling pathways are involved in the maintenance of stem cell properties and survival of CSCs, including well-established intrinsic pathways, such as the Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling, and extrinsic pathways, such as the vascular microenvironment and tumor-associated immune cells. There is also intricate crosstalk between these signal cascades and other oncogenic pathways. Thus, targeting pathway molecules that regulate CSCs provides a new option for the treatment of therapy-resistant or -refractory tumors. These treatments include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that target key signaling in CSCs, as well as CSC-directed immunotherapies that harness the immune systems to target CSCs. This review aims to provide an overview of the regulating networks and their immune interactions involved in CSC development. We also address the update on the development of CSC-directed therapeutics, with a special focus on those with application approval or under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Manni
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP. R. China
| | - Wu Min
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of North DakotaGrand ForksNorth DakotaUSA
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Ma K, Chen H, Wang K, Han X, Zhang Y, Wang H, Hu Z, Wang J. Pterostilbene inhibits the metastasis of TNBC via suppression of β-catenin-mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition and stemness. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Raina K, Kandhari K, Jain AK, Ravichandran K, Maroni P, Agarwal C, Agarwal R. Stage-Specific Effect of Inositol Hexaphosphate on Cancer Stem Cell Pool during Growth and Progression of Prostate Tumorigenesis in TRAMP Model. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4204. [PMID: 36077751 PMCID: PMC9455012 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we assessed the stage-specific efficacy of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6, phytic acid), a bioactive food component, on prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression in a transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer (TRAMP). Starting at 4, 12, 20, and 30 weeks of age, male TRAMP mice were fed either regular drinking water or 2% IP6 in water for ~8-15 weeks. Pathological assessments at study endpoint indicated that tumor grade is arrested at earlier stages by IP6 treatment; IP6 also prevented progression to more advanced forms of the disease (~55-70% decrease in moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma incidence was observed in advanced stage TRAMP cohorts). Next, we determined whether the protective effects of IP6 are mediated via its effect on the expansion of the cancer stem cells (CSCs) pool; results indicated that the anti-PCa effects of IP6 are associated with its potential to eradicate the PCa CSC pool in TRAMP prostate tumors. Furthermore, in vitro assays corroborated the above findings as IP6 decreased the % of floating PC-3 prostaspheres (self-renewal of CSCs) by ~90%. Together, these findings suggest the multifaceted chemopreventive-translational potential of IP6 intervention in suppressing the growth and progression of PCa and controlling this malignancy at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Raina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Kushal Kandhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anil K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kameswaran Ravichandran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paul Maroni
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Sun Z, Zhao Y, Wei Y, Ding X, Tan C, Wang C. Identification and validation of an anoikis-associated gene signature to predict clinical character, stemness, IDH mutation, and immune filtration in glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:939523. [PMID: 36091049 PMCID: PMC9452727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most prominent and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Anoikis is a specific form of programmed cell death that plays a key role in tumor invasion and metastasis. The presence of anti-anoikis factors is associated with tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance.MethodsThe non-negative matrix factorization algorithm was used for effective dimension reduction for integrated datasets. Differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME), stemness indices, and clinical characteristics between the two clusters were analyzed. Difference analysis, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), univariate Cox regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were leveraged to screen prognosis-related genes and construct a risk score model. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of representative genes in clinical specimens. The relationship between the risk score and the TME, stemness, clinical traits, and immunotherapy response was assessed in GBM and pancancer.ResultsTwo definite clusters were identified on the basis of anoikis-related gene expression. Patients with GBM assigned to C1 were characterized by shortened overall survival, higher suppressive immune infiltration levels, and lower stemness indices. We further constructed a risk scoring model to quantify the regulatory patterns of anoikis-related genes. The higher risk score group was characterized by a poor prognosis, the infiltration of suppressive immune cells and a differentiated phenotype, whereas the lower risk score group exhibited the opposite effects. In addition, patients in the lower risk score group exhibited a higher frequency of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations and a more sensitive response to immunotherapy. Drug sensitivity analysis was performed, revealing that the higher risk group may benefit more from drugs targeting the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway.ConclusionWe revealed potential relationships between anoikis-related genes and clinical features, TME, stemness, IDH mutation, and immunotherapy and elucidated their therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzheng Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongquan Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongying City District People’s Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Yan Wei
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuan Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chenyang Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Chengwei Wang,
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Zhao X, Shu D, Sun W, Si S, Ran W, Guo B, Cui L. PLEK2 promotes cancer stemness and tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via the c-Myc-mediated positive feedback loop. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:987-1007. [PMID: 36002342 PMCID: PMC9558684 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide and is characterized by unfavorable prognosis, high lymph node metastasis and early recurrence. However, the molecular events regulating HNSCC tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. Therefore, uncovering the underlying mechanisms is urgently needed to identify novel and promising therapeutic targets for HNSCC. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of pleckstrin‐2 (PLEK2) in regulating HNSCC tumorigenesis. Methods The expression pattern of PLEK2 and its clinical significance in HNSCC were determined by analyzing publicly assessable datasets and our own independent HNSCC cohort. In vitro and in vivo experiments, including cell proliferation, colony formation, Matrigel invasion, tumor sphere formation, ALDEFLUOR, Western blotting assays and xenograft mouse models, were used to investigate the role of PLEK2 in regulating the malignant behaviors of HNSCC cells. The underlying molecular mechanisms for the tumor‐promoting role of PLEK2 were elucidated using co‐immunoprecipitation, cycloheximide chase analysis, ubiquitination assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, luciferase reporter assays and rescue experiments. Results The expression levels of PLEK2 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in HNSCC tissues, and PLEK2 overexpression was strongly associated with poor overall survival and therapeutic resistance. Additionally, PLEK2 was important for maintaining the proliferation, invasion, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, cancer stemness and tumorigenesis of HNSCC cells and could alter the cellular metabolism of the cancer cells. Mechanistically, PLEK2 interacted with c‐Myc and reduced the association of F‐box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7) with c‐Myc, thereby avoiding ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome‐mediated degradation of c‐Myc. Moreover, the c‐Myc signaling activated by PLEK2 was important for sustaining the aggressive malignant phenotypes and tumorigenesis of HNSCC cells. c‐Myc also directly bounded to the PLEK2 promoter and activated its transcription, forming a positive feedback loop. Conclusions Collectively, these findings uncover a previously unknown molecular basis of PLEK2‐enhanced c‐Myc signaling in HNSCC, suggesting that PLEK2 may represent a promising therapeutic target for treating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhao
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510280, P. R. China
| | - Dalong Shu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Sun
- Department of Stomatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Si
- Department of Oral Emergency, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510280, P. R. China
| | - Wei Ran
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P. R. China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P. R. China.,Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P. R. China
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510280, P. R. China.,Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
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Li X, Chen L, Peng X, Zhan X. Progress of tumor-associated macrophages in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor. Front Oncol 2022; 12:911410. [PMID: 35965509 PMCID: PMC9366252 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.911410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As a significant public health problem with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, tumor is one of the major diseases endangering human life. Moreover, metastasis is the most important contributor to the death of tumor patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential biological process in developing primary tumors to metastasis. It underlies tumor progression and metastasis by inducing a series of alterations in tumor cells that confer the ability to move and migrate. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the primary infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and they play an indispensable role in the EMT process of tumor cells by interacting with tumor cells. With the increasing clarity of the relationship between TAMs and EMT and tumor metastasis, targeting TAMs and EMT processes is emerging as a promising target for developing new cancer therapies. Therefore, this paper reviews the recent research progress of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition and briefly discusses the current anti-tumor therapies targeting TAMs and EMT processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaobo Peng
- *Correspondence: Xiaobo Peng, ; Xianbao Zhan,
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Chen X, Yang M, Yin J, Li P, Zeng S, Zheng G, He Z, Liu H, Wang Q, Zhang F, Chen D. Tumor-associated macrophages promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the cancer stem cell properties in triple-negative breast cancer through CCL2/AKT/β-catenin signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:92. [PMID: 35715860 PMCID: PMC9205034 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00888-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment. As a major component of the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in facilitating the aggressive behavior of TNBC. This study aimed to explore the novel mechanism of TAMs in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in TNBC. METHODS Expression of the M2-like macrophage marker CD163 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in human breast cancer tissues. The phenotype of M2 macrophages polarized from Tohoku-Hospital-Pediatrics-1 (THP1) cells was verified by flow cytometry. Transwell assays, wound healing assays, western blotting, flow cytometry, ELISA, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), luciferase reporter gene assays, and immunofluorescence assays were conducted to investigate the mechanism by which TAMs regulate EMT and CSC properties in BT549 and HCC1937 cells. RESULTS Clinically, we observed a high infiltration of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages in TNBC tissues and confirmed that TAMs were associated with unfavorable prognosis in TNBC patients. Moreover, we found that conditioned medium from M2 macrophages (M2-CM) markedly promoted EMT and CSC properties in BT549 and HCC1937 cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) secretion by TAMs activated Akt signaling, which in turn increased the expression and nuclear localization of β-catenin. Furthermore, β-catenin knockdown reversed TAM-induced EMT and CSC properties. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a novel mechanism by which TAMs promote EMT and enhance CSC properties in TNBC via activation of CCL2/AKT/β-catenin signaling, which may offer new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhou Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingqiang Yang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiang Yin
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Pan Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Zeng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Guopei Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhimin He
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, China.
| | - Danyang Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, No.78 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China.
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Takao T, Masuda H, Kajitani T, Miki F, Miyazaki K, Yoshimasa Y, Katakura S, Tomisato S, Uchida S, Uchida H, Tanaka M, Maruyama T. Sorafenib targets and inhibits the oncogenic properties of endometrial cancer stem cells via the RAF/ERK pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:225. [PMID: 35659728 PMCID: PMC9166406 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Distinct subsets of cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive the initiation and progression of malignant tumors via enhanced self-renewal and development of treatment/apoptosis resistance. Endometrial CSC-selective drugs have not been successfully developed because most endometrial cell lines do not contain a sufficient proportion of stable CSCs. Here, we aimed to identify endometrial CSC-containing cell lines and to search for endometrial CSC-selective drugs.
Methods We first assessed the presence of CSCs by identifying side populations (SPs) in several endometrial cancer cell lines. We then characterized cell viability, colony-formation, transwell invasion and xenotransplantion capability using the isolated SP cells. We also conducted real-time RT-PCR, immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses of the cells’ expression of CSC-associated markers. Focusing on 14 putative CSC-selective drugs, we characterized their effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of endometrial cancer cell lines, examining cell viability and annexin V staining. We further examined the inhibitory effects of the selected drugs, focusing on proliferation, invasion, expression of CSC-associated markers and tumor formation. Results We focused on HHUA cells, an endometrial cancer cell line derived from a well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. HHUA cells contained a sufficient proportion of stable CSCs with an SP phenotype (HHUA-SP). HHUA-SP showed greater proliferation, colony-formation, and invasive capabilities compared with the main population of HHUA cells (HHUA-MP). HHUA-SP generated larger tumors with higher expression of proliferation-related markers, Ki67, c-MYC and phosphorylated ERK compared with HHUA-MP when transplanted into immunodeficient mice. Among the 14 candidate drugs, sorafenib, an inhibitor of RAF pathways and multiple kinase receptors, inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in both HHUA-SP and -MP, but more profoundly in HHUA-SP. In vivo treatment with sorafenib for 4 weeks reduced the weights of HHUA-SP-derived tumors and decreased the expression of Ki67, ZEB1, and RAF1. Conclusions Our results suggest that HHUA is a useful cell line for discovery and identification of endometrial CSC-selective drugs, and that sorafenib may be an effective anti-endometrial cancer drug targeting endometrial CSCs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02888-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoka Takao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Regenerative Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1, Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Masuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Kajitani
- Sakura No Seibo Junior College, 3-6, Hanazonocho, Fukushima, 960-8585, Japan
| | - Fumie Miki
- Sho Hospital, 1-41-14, Itabashi, Tokyo, 173-0004, Japan
| | - Kaoru Miyazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yushi Yoshimasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Satomi Katakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shoko Tomisato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Sayaka Uchida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uchida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Maruyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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Kong F, Ma L, Wang X, You H, Zheng K, Tang R. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by protein lysine acetylation. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:57. [PMID: 35484625 PMCID: PMC9052664 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00870-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital driver of tumor progression. It is a well-known and complex trans-differentiation process in which epithelial cells undergo morphogenetic changes with loss of apical-basal polarity, but acquire spindle-shaped mesenchymal phenotypes. Lysine acetylation is a type of protein modification that favors reversibly altering the structure and function of target molecules via the modulation of lysine acetyltransferases (KATs), as well as lysine deacetylases (KDACs). To date, research has found that histones and non-histone proteins can be acetylated to facilitate EMT. Interestingly, histone acetylation is a type of epigenetic regulation that is capable of modulating the acetylation levels of distinct histones at the promoters of EMT-related markers, EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs), and EMT-related long non-coding RNAs to control EMT. However, non-histone acetylation is a post-translational modification, and its effect on EMT mainly relies on modulating the acetylation of EMT marker proteins, EMT-TFs, and EMT-related signal transduction molecules. In addition, several inhibitors against KATs and KDACs have been developed, some of which can suppress the development of different cancers by targeting EMT. In this review, we discuss the complex biological roles and molecular mechanisms underlying histone acetylation and non-histone protein acetylation in the control of EMT, highlighting lysine acetylation as potential strategy for the treatment of cancer through the regulation of EMT. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Chen J, Shi X, Xiao L, Li Z, Li Z, Sun L. Better or worse? The prognostic role of the mesenchymal subtype in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med 2022; 11:3761-3770. [PMID: 35434908 PMCID: PMC9582683 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor characteristics can be prognostically relevant in patients with high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). This study aimed to determine whether different subtypes of HGSOC, especially the mesenchymal subtype, are associated with overall survival (OS) or progression‐free survival (PFS) in patients with HGSOC. Methods PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published up to September 2020. The eligibility criteria were (1) population: patients with HGSOG with molecular subtyping of their tumor, (2) exposure: mesenchymal subtype, (3) non‐exposure: differentiated, immunoreactive, proliferative, and other non‐mesenchymal subtypes, (4) outcome: survival, with hazard ratios (HRs), and (5) English language. Results The mesenchymal subtype showed no statistically significant difference in OS compared with the immunoreactive subtype (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.78–2.78, p = 0.238; I2 = 81.2%, pheterogeneity = 0.005) or all non‐mesenchymal subtypes (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.97–2.80, p = 0.063; I2 = 79.4%, pheterogeneity = 0.008). The mesenchymal subtype showed no statistically significant difference in PFS compared with the immunoreactive subtype (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.71–2.00, p = 0.514; I2 = 71.6%, pheterogeneity = 0.030) but a significant differences was observed when using all non‐mesenchymal subtypes as reference (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.00–2.28, p = 0.049). The results were robust according to the sensitivity analyses. Conclusions There are no statistically significant differences in OS between the mesenchymal subtype of HGSOC and other subtypes of HGSOC. Because of statistical power, this meta‐analysis cannot conclude about non‐inferiority, and the relationship between the molecular subtypes and HGSOC prognosis remains controversial. Based on one study, the mesenchymal subtype could have a poorer PFS than the non‐mesenchymal subtypes of HGSOC, but this conclusion requires further evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zelian Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Cancer: More than a geneticist’s Pandora’s box. J Biosci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gulla A, Andriusaityte U, Zdanys GT, Babonaite E, Strupas K, Kelly H. The Impact of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metformin on Pancreatic Cancer Chemoresistance: A Pathway towards Individualized Therapy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:467. [PMID: 35454306 PMCID: PMC9032206 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Globally, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains among the most aggressive forms of neoplastic diseases, having a dismal prognostic outcome. Recent findings elucidated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can play an important role in pancreatic tumorigenic processes, as it contributes to the manifestation of malignant proliferative masses, which impede adequate drug delivery. An organized literature search with PubMed, Scopus, Microsoft Academic and the Cochrane library was performed for articles published in English from 2011 to 2021 to review and summarize the latest updates and knowledge on the current understanding of EMT and its implications for tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Furthermore, in the present paper, we investigate the recent findings on metformin as a possible neoadjuvant chemotherapy agent, which affects EMT progression and potentially provides superior oncological outcomes for PDAC patients. Our main conclusions indicate that selectively suppressing EMT in pancreatic cancer cells has a promising therapeutic utility by selectively targeting the chemotherapy-resistant sub-population of cancer stem cells, inhibiting tumor growth via EMT pathways and thereby improving remission in PDAC patients. Moreover, given that TGF-β1-driven EMT generates the migration of tumor-initiating cells by directly linking the acquisition of abnormal cellular motility with the maintenance of tumor initiating potency, the chemoprevention of TGF-β1-induced EMT may have promising clinical applications in the therapeutic management of PDAC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiste Gulla
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Surgery, Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Santariskiu Str. 2, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Center of Visceral Medicine and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road Northwest BLES Building 1st. Floor, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Urte Andriusaityte
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (U.A.); (G.T.Z.); (E.B.)
| | - Gabrielius Tomas Zdanys
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (U.A.); (G.T.Z.); (E.B.)
| | - Elena Babonaite
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (U.A.); (G.T.Z.); (E.B.)
| | - Kestutis Strupas
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Surgery, Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Santariskiu Str. 2, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Helena Kelly
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
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