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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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Ying J, Liu G, Zhu X. MiR-485-3p/MiR-543/MiR-337-3p is Required for the Oncogenic Potential of the Hsa_circ_0007385-MEMO1 Axis in Colorectal Cancer. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:1182-1199. [PMID: 37561333 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10472-z] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play regulatory roles in the biological processes of multiple tumors, colorectal cancer (CRC) included. Our previous study probed the impact of circ_0007385 on CRC cell malignant behaviors, while the underlying mechanism remains obscure. In this work, the potential mechanism of hsa_circ_0007385 in CRC was probed. Functional experiments were implemented for probing the function of hsa_circ_0007385 in CRC. Further analysis revealed the relation between hsa_circ_0007385 and miRNAs. A xenograft mouse model was implemented for probing the influence of hsa_circ_0007385 on CRC growth and metastasis in vivo. Hsa_circ_0007385 was up-regulated in CRC. Hsa_circ_0007385 positively regulated its host gene mediator of cell motility 1 (MEMO1). Hsa_circ_0007385 silencing inhibited CRC progression. Hsa_circ_0007385 and MEMO1 bond to miR-485-3p/miR-543/miR-337-3p, and these three miRNAs were lowly expressed in CRC, and negatively modulated by hsa_circ_0007385. Hsa_circ_0007385 functioned as an oncogene in CRC in a miR-485-3p/miR-543/miR-337-3p- or MEMO1-dependent manner. Hsa_circ_0007385 promoted CRC progression via modulating miR-485-3p/miR-543/miR-337-3p/MEMO1 axis. Thus, circ-MEMO1 might be a promising therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Ying
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 188 Shizi Street, Gusu District, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanglan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ganyu District People's Hospital, Lianyungang, 222100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinguo Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 188 Shizi Street, Gusu District, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
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Weidle UH, Birzele F. Circular RNA in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Identification of Targets and New Treatment Modalities. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:646-668. [PMID: 38035705 PMCID: PMC10687737 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite availability of several treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the survival rate of patients for five years is in the range of 22%. Therefore, identification of new targets and treatment modalities for this disease is an important issue. In this context, we screened the PubMed database for up-regulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) which promote growth of NSCLC in preclinical models in vitro as well as in vivo xenograft models in immuno-compromised mice. This approach led to potential targets for further validation and inhibition with small molecules or antibody-derived entities. In case of preclinical validation, the corresponding circRNAs can be inhibited with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNA). The identified circRNAs act by sponging microRNAs (miRs) preventing cleavage of the mRNA of the corresponding targets. We identified nine circRNAs up-regulating transmembrane receptors, five circRNAs increasing expression of secreted proteins, nine circRNAs promoting expression of components of signaling pathways, six circRNAs involved in regulation of splicing and RNA processing, six circRNAs up-regulating actin-related and RNA processing components, seven circRNAs increasing the steady-state levels of transcription factors, two circRNAs increasing high-mobility group proteins, four circRNAs increasing components of the epigenetic modification system and three circRNAs up-regulating protein components of additional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany;
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Yao M, Mao X, Zhang Z, Xi Y, Gan H, Cui F, Shao S. Tumor-derived CircRNA_102191 promotes gastric cancer and facilitates M2 macrophage polarization. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:2003-2017. [PMID: 37872772 PMCID: PMC10761078 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2271341] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract and the fourth leading cause of death from cancer-related diseases. In recent years, many studies have found that circular RNAs play an important role in cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are also critical for tumor progression. OBJECTIVE This study examined the role of circRNA_102191 in gastric cancer progression. METHODS The relative mRNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR. Western blotting and ELISA were used to detect the protein levels. In vitro proliferation was assessed using CCK8 and clonogenic assays. The migration and invasion of cell lines were assessed by transwell-based assays. The interactions between molecules were detected using a luciferase reporter assay. M0 macrophages were induced with PMA. M1 macrophages were induced with LPS and IFN-γ, and M2 macrophages were induced with IL-4. RESULTS The expression of circRNA_102191 was enhanced significantly in gastric cancer cell lines and clinical tumor tissues. CircRNA_102191 promotes gastric cancer cell progression by regulating miR-493-3p and its downstream target gene XPR1. CircRNA_102191 can enhance the EMT process of gastric cancer cells by promoting the M2 polarization of macrophages. CONCLUSION CircRNA_102191 promotes the biological function of gastric cancer cells by regulating the miR-493-3p/XPR1 axis and M2 macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Urology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Taizhou Second People's Hospital of Yangzhou University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuhua Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zherui Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Xi
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haining Gan
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feilun Cui
- Department of Urology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Taizhou Second People's Hospital of Yangzhou University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shihe Shao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Dawoud A, Ihab Zakaria Z, Hisham Rashwan H, Braoudaki M, Youness RA. Circular RNAs: New layer of complexity evading breast cancer heterogeneity. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:60-74. [PMID: 36380816 PMCID: PMC9637558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in high-throughput sequencing techniques and bioinformatic analysis have refuted the "junk" RNA hypothesis that was claimed against non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Circular RNAs (circRNAs); a class of single-stranded covalently closed loop RNA molecules have recently emerged as stable epigenetic regulators. Although the exact regulatory role of circRNAs is still to be clarified, it has been proven that circRNAs could exert their functions by interacting with other ncRNAs or proteins in their own physiologically authentic environment, regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways and other classes of ncRNAs. CircRNAs have also been reported to exhibit a tissue-specific expression and have been associated with the malignant transformation process of several hematological and solid malignancies. Along this line of reasoning, this review aims to highlight the importance of circRNAs in Breast Cancer (BC), which is ranked as the most prevalent malignancy among females. Notwithstanding the substantial efforts to develop a suitable anticancer therapeutic regimen against the heterogenous BC, inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity have resulted in an arduous challenge for drug development research, which in turn necessitates the investigation of other markers to be therapeutically targeted. Herein, the potential of circRNAs as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers have been highlighted together with their possible application as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zeina Ihab Zakaria
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hannah Hisham Rashwan
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- Clinical, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Science Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
- Clinical, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Science Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire hosted By Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, 11586, Cairo, Egypt
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