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Khezrian A, Shojaeian A, Khaghani Boroujeni A, Amini R. Therapeutic Opportunities in Breast Cancer by Targeting Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor as a Pleiotropic Cytokine. Breast Cancer (Auckl) 2024; 18:11782234241276310. [PMID: 39246383 PMCID: PMC11380135 DOI: 10.1177/11782234241276310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
As a heterogeneous disease, breast cancer (BC) has been characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) also contains inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble factors that all promote BC progression. In this sense, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine and an upstream regulator of the immune response, enhances breast tumorigenesis through escalating cancer cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and stemness, which then brings tumorigenic effects by activating key oncogenic signaling pathways and inducing immunosuppression. Against this background, this review was to summarize the current understanding of the MIF pathogenic mechanisms in cancer, particularly BC, and address the central role of this immunoregulatory cytokine in signaling pathways and breast tumorigenesis. Furthermore, different inhibitors, such as small molecules as well as antibodies (Abs) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) and their anti-tumor effects in BC studies were examined. Small molecules and other therapy target MIF. Considering MIF as a promising therapeutic target, further clinical evaluation of MIF-targeted agents in patients with BC was warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khezrian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute (AHRI), Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Shojaeian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute (AHRI), Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Armin Khaghani Boroujeni
- Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute (AHRI), Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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2
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Santiso A, Heinemann A, Kargl J. Prostaglandin E2 in the Tumor Microenvironment, a Convoluted Affair Mediated by EP Receptors 2 and 4. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:388-413. [PMID: 38697857 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) system in cancer progression has long been recognized. PGE2 functions as an autocrine and paracrine signaling molecule with pleiotropic effects in the human body. High levels of intratumoral PGE2 and overexpression of the key metabolic enzymes of PGE2 have been observed and suggested to contribute to tumor progression. This has been claimed for different types of solid tumors, including, but not limited to, lung, breast, and colon cancer. PGE2 has direct effects on tumor cells and angiogenesis that are known to promote tumor development. However, one of the main mechanisms behind PGE2 driving cancerogenesis is currently thought to be anchored in suppressed antitumor immunity, thus providing possible therapeutic targets to be used in cancer immunotherapies. EP2 and EP4, two receptors for PGE2, are emerging as being the most relevant for this purpose. This review aims to summarize the known roles of PGE2 in the immune system and its functions within the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has long been known to be a signaling molecule in cancer. Its presence in tumors has been repeatedly associated with disease progression. Elucidation of its effects on immunological components of the tumor microenvironment has highlighted the potential of PGE2 receptor antagonists in cancer treatment, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapeutics. Adjuvant treatment could increase the response rates and the efficacy of immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santiso
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Kargl
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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3
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Katchborian-Neto A, Nicácio KDJ, Cruz JC, Bueno PCP, Murgu M, Dias DF, Soares MG, Paula ACC, Chagas-Paula DA. Bioprospecting-based untargeted metabolomics identifies alkaloids as potential anti-inflammatory bioactive markers of Ocotea species (Lauraceae). PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 120:155060. [PMID: 37717309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Species within the Ocotea genus (Lauraceae), have demonstrated an interesting profile of bioactivities. Renowned for their diverse morphology and intricate specialized metabolite composition, Ocotea species have re-emerged as compelling candidates for bioprospecting in drug discovery research. However, it is a genus insufficiently studied, particularly regarding anti-inflammatory activity. PURPOSE To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ocotea spp. extracts and determine the major markers in this genus. METHODS Extracts of 60 different Ocotea spp. were analysed by an ex vivo anti-inflammatory assay in human whole blood. The experiment estimates the prostaglandin E2 levels, which is one of the main mediators of the inflammatory cascade, responsible for the classical symptoms of fever, pain, and other common effects of the inflammatory process. Untargeted metabolomics analysis through liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was performed, along with statistical analysis, to investigate which Ocotea metabolites are correlated with their anti-inflammatory activity. RESULTS The anti-inflammatory screening indicated that 49 out of 60 Ocotea spp. extracts exhibited significant inhibition of PGE2 release compared to the vehicle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 10 of these extracts showed statistical similarity to the reference drugs. The bioactive markers were accurately identified using multivariate statistics combined with a fold change (> 1.5) and adjusted false discovery rate analysis as unknown compounds and alkaloids, with a majority of aporphine and benzylisoquinolines. These alkaloids were annotated with an increased level of confidence since MSE spectra were compared with comprehensive databases. CONCLUSION This study represents the first bioprospecting report revealing the anti-inflammatory potential of several Ocotea spp. The determination of their anti-inflammatory markers could contribute to drug discovery and the chemical knowledge of the Ocotea genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Katchborian-Neto
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Karen de Jesus Nicácio
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), 78060-900, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Jonas C Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), 14040-901, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Carolina Pires Bueno
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, 14979 Großbeeren, Germany
| | - Michael Murgu
- Waters Corporation, Alameda Tocantins 125, 27th floor, Alphaville, 06455-020, Barueri, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle F Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marisi G Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana C C Paula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela A Chagas-Paula
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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4
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Liu Z, Cao Y, Guo X, Chen Z. The Potential Role of Timosaponin-AIII in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:5500. [PMID: 37513375 PMCID: PMC10386027 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as one of the leading causes of death worldwide, has challenged current chemotherapy drugs. Considering that treatments are expensive, alongside the resistance of tumor cells to anticancer drugs, the development of alternative medicines is necessary. Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, a recognized and well-known medicinal plant for more than two thousand years, has demonstrated its effectiveness against cancer. Timosaponin-AIII (TSAIII), as a bioactive steroid saponin isolated from A. asphodeloides, has shown multiple pharmacological activities and has been developed as an anticancer agent. However, the molecular mechanisms of TSAIII in protecting against cancer development are still unclear. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the anticancer effects of TSAIII, including proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, autophagy mediation, migration and invasion suppression, anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant effects. The pharmacokinetic profiles of TSAII are also discussed. TSAIII exhibits efficacy against cancer development. However, hydrophobicity and low bioavailability may limit the application of TSAIII. Effective delivery systems, particularly those with tissue/cell-targeted properties, can also significantly improve the anticancer effects of TSAIII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowen Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yifan Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiaohua Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zhixi Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
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5
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Finetti F, Paradisi L, Bernardi C, Pannini M, Trabalzini L. Cooperation between Prostaglandin E2 and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Cancer Progression: A Dual Target for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082374. [PMID: 37190301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
It is recognized that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one key lipid mediator involved in chronic inflammation, and it is directly implicated in tumor development by regulating cancer cell growth and migration, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and immune escape. In addition, the expression of the enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES1), positively correlates with tumor progression and aggressiveness, clearly indicating the crucial role of the entire pathway in cancer. Moreover, several lines of evidence suggest that the COX2/mPGES1/PGE2 inflammatory axis is involved in the modulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling to reinforce the oncogenic drive of EGFR activation. Similarly, EGFR activation promotes the induction of COX2/mPGES1 expression and PGE2 production. In this review, we describe the interplay between COX2/mPGES1/PGE2 and EGFR in cancer, and new therapeutic strategies that target this signaling pathway, to outline the importance of the modulation of the inflammatory process in cancer fighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Finetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Paradisi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Clizia Bernardi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Margherita Pannini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenza Trabalzini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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6
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Petkova M, Kraft M, Stritt S, Martinez-Corral I, Ortsäter H, Vanlandewijck M, Jakic B, Baselga E, Castillo SD, Graupera M, Betsholtz C, Mäkinen T. Immune-interacting lymphatic endothelial subtype at capillary terminals drives lymphatic malformation. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20220741. [PMID: 36688917 PMCID: PMC9884640 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, encoding p110α-PI3K, are a common cause of venous and lymphatic malformations. Vessel type-specific disease pathogenesis is poorly understood, hampering development of efficient therapies. Here, we reveal a new immune-interacting subtype of Ptx3-positive dermal lymphatic capillary endothelial cells (iLECs) that recruit pro-lymphangiogenic macrophages to promote progressive lymphatic overgrowth. Mouse model of Pik3caH1047R-driven vascular malformations showed that proliferation was induced in both venous and lymphatic ECs but sustained selectively in LECs of advanced lesions. Single-cell transcriptomics identified the iLEC population, residing at lymphatic capillary terminals of normal vasculature, that was expanded in Pik3caH1047R mice. Expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including monocyte/macrophage chemokine Ccl2, in Pik3caH1047R-iLECs was associated with recruitment of VEGF-C-producing macrophages. Macrophage depletion, CCL2 blockade, or anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibition limited Pik3caH1047R-driven lymphangiogenesis. Thus, targeting the paracrine crosstalk involving iLECs and macrophages provides a new therapeutic opportunity for lymphatic malformations. Identification of iLECs further indicates that peripheral lymphatic vessels not only respond to but also actively orchestrate inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Petkova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marle Kraft
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Simon Stritt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ines Martinez-Corral
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ortsäter
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael Vanlandewijck
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Campus Flemingsberg, Neo, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Bojana Jakic
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eulàlia Baselga
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Sandra D. Castillo
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Campus Flemingsberg, Neo, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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7
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Chhichholiya Y, Ruthuparna M, Velagaleti H, Munshi A. Brain metastasis in breast cancer: focus on genes and signaling pathways involved, blood-brain barrier and treatment strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:1218-1241. [PMID: 36897508 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in women. Despite advancement in early detection and efficient treatment, recurrence and metastasis continue to pose a significant risk to the life of BC patients. Brain metastasis (BM) reported in 17-20 percent of BC patients is considered as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. BM includes various steps from primary breast tumor to secondary tumor formation. Various steps involved are primary tumor formation, angiogenesis, invasion, extravasation, and brain colonization. Genes involved in different pathways have been reported to be associated with BC cells metastasizing to the brain. ADAM8 gene, EN1 transcription factor, WNT, and VEGF signaling pathway have been associated with primary breast tumor; MMP1, COX2, XCR4, PI3k/Akt, ERK and MAPK pathways in angiogenesis; Noth, CD44, Zo-1, CEMIP, S0X2 and OLIG2 are involved in invasion, extravasation and colonization, respectively. In addition, the blood-brain barrier is also a key factor in BM. Dysregulation of cell junctions, tumor microenvironment and loss of function of microglia leads to BBB disruption ultimately resulting in BM. Various therapeutic strategies are currently used to control the BM in BC. Oncolytic virus therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, mTOR-PI3k inhibitors and immunotherapy have been developed to target various genes involved in BM in BC. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 are novel interventions in the field of BCBM where research to validate these and clinical trials are being carried out. Gaining a better knowledge of metastasis biology is critical for establishing better treatment methods and attaining long-term therapeutic efficacies against BC. The current review has been compiled with an aim to evaluate the role of various genes and signaling pathways involved in multiple steps of BM in BC. The therapeutic strategies being used currently and the novel ones being explored to control BM in BC have also been discussed at length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Chhichholiya
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Malayil Ruthuparna
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harini Velagaleti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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8
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Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effect of Luzula sylvatica. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010127. [PMID: 36613576 PMCID: PMC9820367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Interest in the Juncaceae family has risen as some members have shown anti-inflammatory properties and interesting compounds. In this regard, we decided to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Luzula sylvatica, a Juncaceae not yet extensively studied, in the context of osteoarthritis. (2) The Luzula sylvatica Ethanol extract (LS-E) was used to test the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by leucocytes, the IL1β and PGE2 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the production of EP4, and the activation of NFκB in THP-1, as well as the IL1β-activated normal human knee articular chondrocytes (NHAC-Kn) gene expression, grown in monolayers or maintained in alginate beads. (3) Organic acids, caffeoylquinic acids, quercetin and luteolin, compounds frequently found in this family were identified. The LS-E exhibited inhibited ROS formation. The LS-E did not affect NFκB activation and IL1β secretion but dampened the secretion of PGE2 by PBMCs and the presence of EP4 in THP-1. It also modulated the expression of NHAC-Kn in both models and inhibited the expression of several proteases and inflammatory mediators. (4) Luzula sylvatica might supply interesting antioxidant protection against cartilage damages and lessen joint inflammation, notably by decreasing PGE2 secretion in the synovial fluid. Moreover, it could act directly on chondrocytes by decreasing the expression of proteases and, thus, preventing the degradation of the extracellular matrix.
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9
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Crump LS, Kines KT, Richer JK, Lyons TR. Breast cancers co-opt normal mechanisms of tolerance to promote immune evasion and metastasis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1475-C1495. [PMID: 36189970 PMCID: PMC9662806 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00189.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Normal developmental processes, such as those seen during embryonic development and postpartum mammary gland involution, can be reactivated by cancer cells to promote immune suppression, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. In mammalian embryos, paternal-derived antigens are at risk of being recognized as foreign by the maternal immune system. Suppression of the maternal immune response toward the fetus, which is mediated in part by the trophoblast, is critical to ensure embryonic survival and development. The postpartum mammary microenvironment also exhibits immunosuppressive mechanisms accompanying the massive cell death and tissue remodeling that occurs during mammary gland involution. These normal immunosuppressive mechanisms are paralleled during malignant transformation, where tumors can develop neoantigens that may be recognized as foreign by the immune system. To circumvent this, tumors can dedifferentiate and co-opt immune-suppressive mechanisms normally utilized during fetal tolerance and postpartum mammary involution. In this review, we discuss those similarities and how they can inform our understanding of cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey S Crump
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kelsey T Kines
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Traci R Lyons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
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10
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Wang W, He J, Yang J, Zhang C, Cheng Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Wang P, Tang S, Wang X, Liu M, Lu W, Zhang HK. Scaffold Hopping Strategy to Identify Prostanoid EP4 Receptor Antagonists for Cancer Immunotherapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7896-7917. [PMID: 35640059 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can effectively suppress the natural immune response in humans, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a key mediator in the development of tumor cell resistance to immunotherapy. As a major contributor to PGE2-elicited immunosuppressive activity, the EP4 receptor promotes tumor development and progression in the tumor microenvironment, and the development of selective and potent EP4 receptor antagonists should have promising potential for tumor immunotherapy. Aiming at improving the drug-like properties, a series of 4,7-dihydro-5H-thieno[2,3-c]pyran derivatives were designed and synthesized through a scaffold hopping strategy. The most promising compound 47 exhibited good EP4 antagonistic activity and excellent subtype selectivity, as well as favorable drug-like properties. It effectively suppressed the expression of multiple immunosuppression-related genes in macrophages. Meanwhile, oral administration of compound 47, alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody, significantly enhanced the antitumor immune response and inhibited tumor growth in the mouse CT26 colon carcinoma model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiacheng He
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Junjie Yang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chan Zhang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhiyuan Cheng
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Peili Wang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Shuowen Tang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Han-Kun Zhang
- Drug Discovery Unit, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
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11
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Walker OL, Dahn ML, Power Coombs MR, Marcato P. The Prostaglandin E2 Pathway and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Evidence of Increased Signaling and Potential Targeting. Front Oncol 2022; 11:791696. [PMID: 35127497 PMCID: PMC8807694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.791696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Culprits of cancer development, metastasis, and drug resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by specific markers, active developmental signaling pathways, metabolic plasticity, increased motility, invasiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In breast cancer, these cells are often more prominent in aggressive disease, are amplified in drug-resistant tumors, and contribute to recurrence. For breast cancer, two distinct CSC populations exist and are typically defined by CD44+/CD24- cell surface marker expression or increased aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. These CSC populations share many of the same properties but also exhibit signaling pathways that are more active in CD44+/CD24- or ALDH+ populations. Understanding these CSC populations and their shared or specific signaling pathways may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that will improve breast cancer patient outcomes. Herein, we review the current evidence and assess published patient tumor datasets of sorted breast CSC populations for evidence of heightened prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling and activity in these breast CSC populations. PGE2 is a biologically active lipid mediator and in cancer PGE2 promotes tumor progression and poor patient prognosis. Overall, the data suggests that PGE2 signaling is important in propagating breast CSCs by enhancing inherent tumor-initiating capacities. Development of anti-PGE2 signaling therapeutics may be beneficial in inhibiting tumor growth and limiting breast CSC populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie R. Power Coombs
- Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Paola Marcato,
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Wang Q, Morris RJ, Bode AM, Zhang T. Prostaglandin Pathways: Opportunities for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancer Res 2021; 82:949-965. [PMID: 34949672 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Because of profound effects observed in carcinogenesis, prostaglandins (PGs), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthases, and PG receptors are implicated in cancer development and progression. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PG actions has potential clinical relevance for cancer prevention and therapy. This review focuses on the current status of PG signaling pathways in modulating cancer progression and aims to provide insights into the mechanistic actions of PGs and their receptors in influencing tumor progression. We also examine several small molecules identified as having anticancer activity that target prostaglandin receptors. The literature suggests that targeting PG pathways could provide opportunities for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota
| | | | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota
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13
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Sorrin AJ, Liu C, Cicalo J, Reader J, Najafali D, Zhang Y, Roque DM, Huang HC. Photodynamic Priming Improves the Anti-Migratory Activity of Prostaglandin E Receptor 4 Antagonist in Cancer Cells In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5259. [PMID: 34771424 PMCID: PMC8582354 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of photodynamic agents and biological inhibitors is rapidly gaining attention for its promise and approval in treating advanced cancer. The activity of photodynamic treatment is mainly governed by the formation of reactive oxygen species upon light activation of photosensitizers. Exposure to reactive oxygen species above a threshold dose can induce cellular damage and cancer cell death, while the surviving cancer cells are "photodynamically primed", or sensitized, to respond better to other drugs and biological treatments. Here, we report a new combination regimen of photodynamic priming (PDP) and prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4) inhibition that reduces the migration and invasion of two human ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-5 and CAOV3) in vitro. PDP is achieved by red light activation of the FDA-approved photosensitizer, benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD), or a chemical conjugate composed of the BPD linked to cetuximab, an anti-epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody. Immunoblotting data identify co-inhibition of EGFR, cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) as key in the signaling cascades modulated by the combination of EGFR-targeted PDP and EP4 inhibition. This study provides valuable insights into the development of a molecular-targeted photochemical strategy to improve the anti-metastatic effects of EP4 receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Sorrin
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Cindy Liu
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Julia Cicalo
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Jocelyn Reader
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.R.); (D.M.R.)
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Daniel Najafali
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Yuji Zhang
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Dana M. Roque
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.R.); (D.M.R.)
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Huang-Chiao Huang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
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Abstract
Cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy, induces tumor cell death (“debris”), which can stimulate metastasis. Chemotherapy-generated debris upregulates soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and the prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4), which triggers a macrophage-derived storm of proinflammatory and proangiogenic lipid autacoid and cytokine mediators. Although sEH inhibitors and EP4 antagonists are in clinical development for multiple inflammatory diseases, their combined role in cancer is unknown. Here, we show that the synergistic antitumor activity of sEH and EP4 inhibition suppresses hepato-pancreatic tumor growth, without overt toxicity, via macrophage phagocytosis of debris and counterregulation of a debris-stimulated cytokine storm. Thus, stimulating the resolution of inflammation via combined inhibition of sEH and EP4 may be an approach for preventing metastatic progression driven by cancer therapy. Cancer therapy reduces tumor burden via tumor cell death (“debris”), which can accelerate tumor progression via the failure of inflammation resolution. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop treatment modalities that stimulate the clearance or resolution of inflammation-associated debris. Here, we demonstrate that chemotherapy-generated debris stimulates metastasis by up-regulating soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and the prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4). Therapy-induced tumor cell debris triggers a storm of proinflammatory and proangiogenic eicosanoid-driven cytokines. Thus, targeting a single eicosanoid or cytokine is unlikely to prevent chemotherapy-induced metastasis. Pharmacological abrogation of both sEH and EP4 eicosanoid pathways prevents hepato-pancreatic tumor growth and liver metastasis by promoting macrophage phagocytosis of debris and counterregulating a protumorigenic eicosanoid and cytokine storm. Therefore, stimulating the clearance of tumor cell debris via combined sEH and EP4 inhibition is an approach to prevent debris-stimulated metastasis and tumor growth.
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15
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Sethy C, Goutam K, Das B, Dash SR, Kundu CN. Nectin-4 promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer by regulating CXCR4-LYVE-1 axis. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 140:106865. [PMID: 33945869 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis promotes tumor progression by generating new lymphatic vessels that helps in tumor dissemination to regional lymph nodes and distant sites. Recently, the role of Nectin-4 in cancer metastasis and angiogenesis has been studied, but its role in lymphangiogenesis is unknown. Here, we systematically delineated the role of Nectin-4 in lymphangiogenesis and its regulation in invasive duct carcinoma (IDC). Nectin-4 expression positively correlated with occurrence risk factors associated with breast cancer (alcohol, smoke, lifestyle habit, etc), CXCR4 expression, and LYVE-1-lymphatic vessel density (LVD). LVD was significantly higher in axillary lymph node (ALN) than primary tumor. Depleting Nectin-4, VEGF-C or both attenuated the important lymphangiogenic marker LYVE-1 expression, tube formation, and migration of ALN derived primary cells. Nectin-4 stimulated the expressions of CXCR4 and CXCL12 under hypoxic conditions in ALN derived primary cells. Further, Nectin-4 augmented expressions of lymphatic metastatic markers (e.g. eNOS, TGF-β, CD-105) and MMPs. Induced expressions of Nectin-4 along with other representative metastatic markers were noted in lymph and blood circulating tumor cells (LCTCs and BCTCs) of local and distant metastatic samples. Thus, Nectin-4 displayed a predominant role in promoting tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis by modulating CXCR4/CXCL12-LYVE-1- axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmayee Sethy
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Kunal Goutam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack, Odisha 753007, India
| | - Biswajit Das
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Somya Ranjan Dash
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India.
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16
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Morales-Guadarrama G, García-Becerra R, Méndez-Pérez EA, García-Quiroz J, Avila E, Díaz L. Vasculogenic Mimicry in Breast Cancer: Clinical Relevance and Drivers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071758. [PMID: 34359928 PMCID: PMC8304745 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In solid tumors, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the formation of vascular structures by cancer cells, allowing to generate a channel-network able to transport blood and tumor cells. While angiogenesis is undertaken by endothelial cells, VM is assumed by cancer cells. Besides the participation of VM in tumor neovascularization, the clinical relevance of this process resides in its ability to favor metastasis and to drive resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. VM occurs in many tumor types, including breast cancer, where it has been associated with a more malignant phenotype, such as triple-negative and HER2-positive tumors. The latter may be explained by known drivers of VM, like hypoxia, TGFB, TWIST1, EPHA2, VEGF, matrix metalloproteinases, and other tumor microenvironment-derived factors, which altogether induce the transformation of tumor cells to a mesenchymal phenotype with a high expression rate of stemness markers. This review analyzes the current literature in the field, including the participation of some microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in VM-regulation and tumorigenesis of breast cancer. Considering the clinical relevance of VM and its association with the tumor phenotype and clinicopathological parameters, further studies are granted to target VM in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Morales-Guadarrama
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Rocío García-Becerra
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Edgar Armando Méndez-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Janice García-Quiroz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Euclides Avila
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Lorenza Díaz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-(55)-5487-0900
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17
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Combinatorial targeting of microRNA-26b and microRNA-101 exerts a synergistic inhibition on cyclooxygenase-2 in brain metastatic triple-negative breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 187:695-713. [PMID: 34041621 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Extravasation of triple-negative (TN) metastatic breast cancer (BC) cells through the brain endothelium (BE) is a critical step in brain metastasis (BM). During extravasation, metastatic cells induce alteration in the inter-endothelial junctions and transmigrate through the endothelial barrier. Transmigration of metastatic cells is mediated by the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) that induces matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) capable of degrading inter-endothelial junctional proteins. Despite their important role in BM, the molecular mechanisms upregulating COX-2 and MMP-1 in TNBC cells remain poorly understood. In this study, we unraveled a synergistic effect of a pair of micro-RNAs (miR-26b-5p and miR-101-3p) on COX-2 expression and the brain transmigration ability of BC cells. METHODS Using a gain-and-loss of function approach, we modulated levels of miR-26b-5p and miR-101-3p in two TNBC cell lines (the parental MDA-MB-231 and its brain metastatic variant MDA-MB-231-BrM2), and examined the resultant effect on COX-2/MMP-1 expression and the transmigration of cancer cells through the BE. RESULTS We observed that the dual inhibition of miR-26b-5p and miR-101-3p in BC cells results in higher increase of COX-2/MMP-1 expression and a higher trans-endothelial migration compared to either micro-RNA alone. The dual restoration of both micro-RNAs exerted a synergistic inhibition on COX-2/MMP-1 by targeting COX-2 and potentiated the suppression of trans-endothelial migration compared to single micro-RNA. CONCLUSION These findings provide new insights on a synergism between miR-26-5p and miR-101-3p in regulating COX-2 in metastatic TNBC cells and shed light on miR-26-5p and miR-101-3p as prognostic and therapeutic targets that can be exploited to predict or prevent BM.
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18
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Shirakami Y, Nakanishi T, Ozawa N, Ideta T, Kochi T, Kubota M, Sakai H, Ibuka T, Tanaka T, Shimizu M. Inhibitory effects of a selective prostaglandin E2 receptor antagonist RQ-15986 on inflammation-related colon tumorigenesis in APC-mutant rats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251942. [PMID: 34003864 PMCID: PMC8130959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 is involved in inflammation and related tumorigenesis in the colorectum. This study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive ability of RQ-15986, a selective EP4 antagonist, in colitis-related colorectal tumorigenesis. Male Kyoto APC delta rats, which have APC mutations, were treated with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium and subsequently administered RQ-15986 for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the development of colorectal tumor was significantly inhibited in the RQ-15986-treated group. The cell proliferation of the crypts and tumors in the colorectum was decreased following RQ-15986 treatment. RQ-15986 also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-18, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, in the colon mucosa. In addition, the expression levels of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which is involved in immune tolerance, were decreased in the colorectal epithelium and tumors of the RQ-15986-treated group. These findings indicate that RQ-15986 inhibits colitis-associated colorectal tumorigenesis by attenuating inflammation, suppressing cell proliferation, and modulating the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Targeting prostaglandin E2/EP4 signaling might be a useful strategy for chemoprevention of inflammation-related colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shirakami
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takayuki Nakanishi
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ozawa
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takayasu Ideta
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kochi
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masaya Kubota
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Sakai
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Ibuka
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takuji Tanaka
- Department of Pathological Diagnosis, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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19
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Wang Y, Cui L, Georgiev P, Singh L, Zheng Y, Yu Y, Grein J, Zhang C, Muise ES, Sloman DL, Ferguson H, Yu H, Pierre CS, Dakle PJ, Pucci V, Baker J, Loboda A, Linn D, Brynczka C, Wilson D, Haines BB, Long B, Wnek R, Sadekova S, Rosenzweig M, Haidle A, Han Y, Ranganath SH. Combination of EP 4 antagonist MF-766 and anti-PD-1 promotes anti-tumor efficacy by modulating both lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1896643. [PMID: 33796403 PMCID: PMC7993229 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1896643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an arachidonic acid pathway metabolite produced by cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/2, has been shown to impair anti-tumor immunity through engagement with one or more E-type prostanoid receptors (EP1-4). Specific targeting of EP receptors, as opposed to COX-1/2 inhibition, has been proposed to achieve preferential antagonism of PGE2–mediated immune suppression. Here we describe the anti-tumor activity of MF-766, a potent and highly selective small-molecule inhibitor of the EP4 receptor. EP4 inhibition by MF-766 synergistically improved the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy in CT26 and EMT6 syngeneic tumor mouse models. Multiparameter flow cytometry analysis revealed that treatment with MF-766 promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), induced M1-like macrophage reprogramming, and reduced granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In vitro experiments demonstrated that MF-766 restored PGE2-mediated inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in THP-1 cells and human blood, and PGE2-mediated inhibition of interleukin (IL)-2-induced interferon (IFN)-γ production in human NK cells. MF-766 reversed the inhibition of IFN-γ in CD8+ T-cells by PGE2 and impaired suppression of CD8+ T-cells induced by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC)/PGE2. In translational studies using primary human tumors, MF-766 enhanced anti-CD3-stimulated IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α production in primary histoculture and synergized with pembrolizumab in a PGE2 high TME. Our studies demonstrate that the combination of EP4 blockade with anti-PD-1 therapy enhances antitumor activity by differentially modulating myeloid cell, NK cell, cDC and T-cell infiltration profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Georgiev
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Latika Singh
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeff Grein
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chunsheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric S Muise
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David L Sloman
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heidi Ferguson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongshi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cristina St Pierre
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pranal J Dakle
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincenzo Pucci
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics & Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Baker
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics & Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey Loboda
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doug Linn
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Brynczka
- Dept. Safety and Exploratory Pharmacology, Safety Assessment and Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doug Wilson
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian B Haines
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian Long
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard Wnek
- Department of Translational Biomarkers, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Svetlana Sadekova
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Rosenzweig
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Haidle
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yongxin Han
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheila H Ranganath
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Li Y, Hodge J, Liu Q, Wang J, Wang Y, Evans TD, Altomare D, Yao Y, Murphy EA, Razani B, Fan D. TFEB is a master regulator of tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000543. [PMID: 32487570 PMCID: PMC7269543 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play key roles in the development of many malignant solid tumors including breast cancer. They are educated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance. However, the phenotype of TAMs is elusive and how to regulate them for therapeutic purpose remains unclear; therefore, TAM-targeting therapies have not yet achieved clinical success. The purposes of this study were to examine the role of transcription factor EB (TFEB) in regulating TAM gene expression and function and to determine if TFEB activation can halt breast tumor development. Methods Microarrays were used to analyze the gene expression profile of macrophages (MΦs) in the context of breast cancer and to examine the impact of TFEB overexpression. Cell culture studies were performed to define the mechanisms by which TFEB affects MΦ gene expression and function. Mouse studies were carried out to investigate the impact of MΦ TFEB deficiency or activation on breast tumor growth. Human cancer genome data were analyzed to reveal the prognostic value of TFEB and its regulated genes. Results TAM-mimic MΦs display a unique gene expression profile, including significant reduction in TFEB expression. TFEB overexpression favorably modulates TAM gene expression through multiple signaling pathways. Specifically, TFEB upregulates suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression and autophagy/lysosome activities, inhibits NLRP3 (NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3) inflammasome and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α mediated hypoxia response, and thereby suppresses an array of effector molecules in TAMs including arginase 1, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1β, IL-6 and prostaglandin E2. MΦ-specific TFEB deficiency promotes, while activation of TFEB using the natural disaccharide trehalose halts, breast tumor development by modulating TAMs. Analysis of human patient genome database reveals that expression levels of TFEB, SOCS3 and PPARγ are positive prognostic markers, while HIF-1α is a negative prognostic marker of breast cancer. Conclusions Our study identifies TFEB as a master regulator of TAMs in breast cancer. TFEB controls TAM gene expression and function through multiple autophagy/lysosome-dependent and independent pathways. Therefore, pharmacological activation of TFEB would be a promising therapeutic approach to improve the efficacy of existing treatment including immune therapies for breast cancer by favorably modulating TAM function and the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Johnie Hodge
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Trent D Evans
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Diego Altomare
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Yongzhong Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medicine School, Nanjing, China
| | - E Angela Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Babak Razani
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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21
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Prostaglandin E2 Receptor 4 (EP4) as a Therapeutic Target to Impede Breast Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050942. [PMID: 33668160 PMCID: PMC7956318 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood (angiogenesis) and lymphatic (lymphangiogenesis) vessels are major events associated with most epithelial malignancies, including breast cancer. Angiogenesis is essential for cancer cell survival. Lymphangiogenesis is critical in maintaining tumoral interstitial fluid balance and importing tumor-facilitatory immune cells. Both vascular routes also serve as conduits for cancer metastasis. Intratumoral hypoxia promotes both events by stimulating multiple angiogenic/lymphangiogenic growth factors. Studies on tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and its exploitation for therapy have received less attention from the research community than those on angiogenesis. Inflammation is a key mediator of both processes, hijacked by many cancers by the aberrant expression of the inflammation-associated enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2. In this review, we focus on breast cancer and showed that COX-2 is a major promoter of both events, primarily resulting from the activation of prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP4 on tumor cells, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and endothelial cells; and the induction of oncogenic microRNAs. The COX-2/EP4 pathway also promotes additional events in breast cancer progression, such as cancer cell migration, invasion, and the stimulation of stem-like cells. Based on a combination of studies using multiple breast cancer models, we show that EP4 antagonists hold a major promise in breast cancer therapy in combination with other modalities including immune check-point inhibitors.
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22
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Vleeshouwers W, van den Dries K, de Keijzer S, Joosten B, Lidke DS, Cambi A. Characterization of the Signaling Modalities of Prostaglandin E2 Receptors EP2 and EP4 Reveals Crosstalk and a Role for Microtubules. Front Immunol 2021; 11:613286. [PMID: 33643295 PMCID: PMC7907432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.613286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid mediator that modulates the function of myeloid immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) through the activation of the G protein-coupled receptors EP2 and EP4. While both EP2 and EP4 signaling leads to an elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels through the stimulating Gαs protein, EP4 also couples to the inhibitory Gαi protein to decrease the production of cAMP. The receptor-specific contributions to downstream immune modulatory functions are still poorly defined. Here, we employed quantitative imaging methods to characterize the early EP2 and EP4 signaling events in myeloid cells and their contribution to the dissolution of adhesion structures called podosomes, which is a first and essential step in DC maturation. We first show that podosome loss in DCs is primarily mediated by EP4. Next, we demonstrate that EP2 and EP4 signaling leads to distinct cAMP production profiles, with EP4 inducing a transient cAMP response and EP2 inducing a sustained cAMP response only at high PGE2 levels. We further find that simultaneous EP2 and EP4 stimulation attenuates cAMP production, suggesting a reciprocal control of EP2 and EP4 signaling. Finally, we demonstrate that efficient signaling of both EP2 and EP4 relies on an intact microtubule network. Together, these results enhance our understanding of early EP2 and EP4 signaling in myeloid cells. Considering that modulation of PGE2 signaling is regarded as an important therapeutic possibility in anti-tumor immunotherapy, our findings may facilitate the development of efficient and specific immune modulators of PGE2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ward Vleeshouwers
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Koen van den Dries
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sandra de Keijzer
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ben Joosten
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Diane S Lidke
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Alessandra Cambi
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Makabe T, Koga K, Nagabukuro H, Asada M, Satake E, Taguchi A, Takeuchi A, Miyashita M, Harada M, Hirata T, Hirota Y, Wada-Hiraike O, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Use of selective PGE2 receptor antagonists on human endometriotic stromal cells and peritoneal macrophages. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa077. [PMID: 33543288 PMCID: PMC7846198 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-hormonal therapeutic strategies for endometriosis are needed. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of prostaglandin (PG)E2 receptor inhibitors to explore their potential as novel therapeutic strategies for endometriosis. The expression of PGE2 receptors (EP2 and EP4) in donated tissues from human ovarian endometriosis, adenomyosis and peritoneal endometriosis was examined using immunohistochemistry. Human endometriotic stromal cells (ESC) isolated from ovarian endometriotic tissue and peritoneal macrophages were treated with EP2 and EP4 antagonists. cAMP accumulation and the effect of EP antagonists were measured using cAMP assays. DNA synthesis in ESC was detected using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation analysis. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 protein levels in ESC supernatants were measured using ELISAs. mRNA expression level for aromatase by ESC, and selected cytokines by peritoneal macrophages was measured using RT-PCR. EP2 and EP4 receptors were expressed in cells derived from control and diseased tissue, ovarian endometriotic, adenomyotic and peritoneal lesions. A selective EP2 antagonist reduced DNA synthesis, cAMP accumulation and IL-1β-induced proinflammatory cytokine secretion and aromatase expression. A selective EP4 antagonist negated IL-1β-induced IL-6 secretion and aromatase expression. In peritoneal macrophages, EP expression was elevated in endometriosis samples but the EP4 antagonist reduced cAMP levels and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, chemokine ligand 2 and chemokine ligand 3 mRNA. EP2 and EP4 are functioning in endometriosis lesions and peritoneal macrophages, and their selective antagonists can reduce EP-mediated actions, therefore, the EP antagonists are potential therapeutic agents for controlling endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Makabe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nagabukuro
- Extra Value Generation Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Mari Asada
- Extra Value Generation Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Erina Satake
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ayumi Taguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Arisa Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mariko Miyashita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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COX-2 promotes mammary adipose tissue inflammation, local estrogen biosynthesis, and carcinogenesis in high-sugar/fat diet treated mice. Cancer Lett 2021; 502:44-57. [PMID: 33429006 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a major risk factor for breast cancer, especially in post-menopausal women. In the breast tissue of obese women, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production has been correlated with inflammation and local estrogen biosynthesis via aromatase. Using a mouse model of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene/medroxyprogesterone-acetate (DMBA/MPA)-induced carcinogenesis, we demonstrated that an obesogenic diet promotes mammary tissue inflammation and local estrogen production, and accelerates mammary tumor formation in a COX-2-dependent manner. High-sugar/fat (HSF) diet augmented the levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators MCP-1, IL-6, COX-2, and PGE2 in mammary tissue, and this was accompanied by crown-like structures of breast (CLS-B) formation and aromatase/estrogen upregulation. Treatment with a COX-2 selective inhibitor, etoricoxib, decreased PGE2, IL-6, MCP-1, and CLS-B formation as well as reduced aromatase protein and estrogen levels in the mammary tissue of mice fed a HSF diet. Etoricoxib-treated mice showed increased latency and decreased incidence of mammary tumors, which resulted in prolonged animal survival when compared to HSF diet alone. Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis also seemed to account for the prolonged survival of COX-2 inhibitor-treated animals. In conclusion, obesogenic diet-induced COX-2 is sufficient to trigger inflammation, local estrogen biosynthesis, and mammary tumorigenesis.
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Chemically Induced Hypoxia Enhances miRNA Functions in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082008. [PMID: 32707933 PMCID: PMC7465874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In aggressively growing tumors, hypoxia induces HIF-1α expression promoting angiogenesis. Previously, we have shown that overexpression of oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) miR526b/miR655 in poorly metastatic breast cancer cell lines promotes aggressive cancer phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, miR526b/miR655 expression is significantly higher in human breast tumors, and high miR526b/miR655 expression is associated with poor prognosis. However, the roles of miR526b/miR655 in hypoxia are unknown. To test the relationship between miR526b/miR655 and hypoxia, we used various in vitro, in silico, and in situ assays. In normoxia, miRNA-high aggressive breast cancer cell lines show higher HIF-1α expression than miRNA-low poorly metastatic breast cancer cell lines. To test direct involvement of miR526b/miR655 in hypoxia, we analyzed miRNA-high cell lines (MCF7-miR526b, MCF7-miR655, MCF7-COX2, and SKBR3-miR526b) compared to controls (MCF7 and SKBR3). CoCl2-induced hypoxia in breast cancer further promotes HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression while reducing VHL expression (a negative HIF-1α regulator), especially in miRNA-high cell lines. Hypoxia enhances oxidative stress, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and vascular mimicry more prominently in MCF7-miR526b/MCF7-miR655 cell lines compared to MCF7 cells. Hypoxia promotes inflammatory and angiogenesis marker (COX-2, EP4, NFκB1, VEGFA) expression in all miRNA-high cells. Hypoxia upregulates miR526b/miR655 expression in MCF7 cells, thus observed enhancement of hypoxia-induced functions in MCF7 could be attributed to miR526b/miR655 upregulation. In silico bioinformatics analysis shows miR526b/miR655 regulate PTEN (a negative regulator of HIF-1α) and NFκB1 (positive regulator of COX-2 and EP4) expression by downregulation of transcription factors NR2C2, SALL4, and ZNF207. Hypoxia-enhanced functions in miRNA-high cells are inhibited by COX-2 inhibitor (Celecoxib), EP4 antagonist (ONO-AE3-208), and irreversible PI3K/Akt inhibitor (Wortmannin). This establishes that hypoxia enhances miRNA functions following the COX-2/EP4/PI3K/Akt pathways and this pathway can serve as a therapeutic target to abrogate hypoxia and miRNA induced functions in breast cancer. In situ, HIF-1α expression is significantly higher in human breast tumors (n = 96) compared to non-cancerous control tissues (n = 20) and is positively correlated with miR526b/miR655 expression. In stratified tumor samples, HIF-1α expression was significantly higher in ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2-negative breast tumors. Data extracted from the TCGA database also show a strong correlation between HIF-1α and miRNA-cluster expression in breast tumors. This study, for the first time, establishes the dynamic roles of miR526b/miR655 in hypoxia.
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Jiang Y, Zhuo X, Mao C. G Protein-coupled Receptors in Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1952-1963. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200305130009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are highly expressed on a variety of tumour tissues while several
GPCR exogenous ligands become marketed pharmaceuticals. In recent decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) become
widely investigated drug targets for cancer therapy but the underlying mechanism is still not fully elucidated.
There are vigorous participations of GPCRs in CSCs-related signalling and functions, such as biomarkers for
CSCs, activation of Wnt, Hedgehog (HH) and other signalling to facilitate CSCs progressions. This relationship
can not only uncover a novel molecular mechanism for GPCR-mediated cancer cell functions but also assist our
understanding of maintaining and modulating CSCs. Moreover, GPCR antagonists and monoclonal antibodies
could be applied to impair CSCs functions and consequently attenuate tumour growth, some of which have been
undergoing clinical studies and are anticipated to turn into marketed anticancer drugs. Therefore, this review
summarizes and provides sufficient evidences on the regulation of GPCR signalling in the maintenance, differentiation
and pluripotency of CSCs, suggesting that targeting GPCRs on the surface of CSCs could be potential
therapeutic strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Zhuo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Canquan Mao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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27
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Ching MM, Reader J, Fulton AM. Eicosanoids in Cancer: Prostaglandin E 2 Receptor 4 in Cancer Therapeutics and Immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:819. [PMID: 32547404 PMCID: PMC7273839 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is frequently overexpressed in epithelial malignancies including those of the breast, prostate, lung, kidney, ovary, and liver and elevated expression is associated with worse outcomes. COX-2 catalyzes the metabolism of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The COX-2 product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binds to four G-protein-coupled EP receptors designated EP1-EP4. EP4 is commonly upregulated in cancer and supports cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis through activation of multiple signaling pathways including ERK, cAMP/PKA, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB. EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis in preclinical models. Cancer stem cells, that underlie therapy resistance and disease relapse, are driven by the expression of EP4. Resistance to several chemotherapies is reversed in the presence of EP4 antagonists. In addition to tumor cell-autonomous roles of EP4, many EP4-positive host cells play a role in tumor behavior. Endothelial cell-EP4 supports tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical to the mechanism by which systemically administered EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis. PGE2 acts on EP4 expressed on the NK cell to inhibit tumor target cell killing, cytokine production, and chemotactic activity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), that inhibit the development of cytotoxic T cells, are induced by PGE2 acting on myeloid-expressed EP2 and EP4 receptors. Inhibition of MDSC-EP4 leads to maturation of effector T cells and suppresses the induction of T regulatory cells. A number of EP4 antagonists have proven useful in dissecting these mechanisms. There is growing evidence that EP4 antagonism, particularly in combination with either chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or immune-based therapies, should be investigated further as a promising novel approach to cancer therapy. Several EP4 antagonists have now progressed to early phase clinical trials and we eagerly await the results of those studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mc Millan Ching
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jocelyn Reader
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amy M. Fulton
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
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28
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Take Y, Koizumi S, Nagahisa A. Prostaglandin E Receptor 4 Antagonist in Cancer Immunotherapy: Mechanisms of Action. Front Immunol 2020; 11:324. [PMID: 32210957 PMCID: PMC7076081 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A highly expressed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in tumor tissues suppresses antitumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and causes tumor immune evasion leading to disease progression. In animal studies, selective inhibition of the prostaglandin E receptor 4 (EP4), one of four PGE2 receptors, suppresses tumor growth, restoring the tumor immune response toward an antitumorigenic condition. This review summarizes PGE2/EP4 signal inhibition in relation to the cancer-immunity cycle (C-IC), which describes fundamental tumor-immune interactions in cancer immunotherapy. PGE2 is suggested to slow down C-IC by inhibiting natural killer cell functions, suppressing the supply of conventional dendritic cell precursors to the TME. This is critical for the tumor-associated antigen priming of CD8+ T cells and their translocation to the tumor tissue from the tumor-draining lymph node. Furthermore, PGE2 activates several key immune-suppressive cells present in tumors and counteracts tumoricidal properties of the effector CD8+ T cells. These effects of PGE2 drive the tumors to non-T-cell-inflamed tumors and cause refractory conditions to cancer immunotherapies, e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. EP4 antagonist therapy is suggested to inhibit the immune-suppressive and tumorigenic roles of PGE2 in tumors, and it may sensitize the therapeutic effects of ICIs in patients with non-inflamed and C-IC-deficient tumors. This review provides insight into the mechanism of action of EP4 antagonists in cancer immunotherapy and suggests a C-IC modulating opportunity for EP4 antagonist therapy in combination with ICIs and/or other cancer therapies.
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Reader J, Harper AK, Legesse T, Staats PN, Goloubeva O, Rao GG, Fulton A, Roque DM. EP4 and Class III β-Tubulin Expression in Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors: Implications for Prognosis and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101590. [PMID: 31635323 PMCID: PMC6826612 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-stabilizing agent docetaxel in combination with gemcitabine represents one of the most effective regimens against the aggressive gynecologic tumor leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Upregulation of class III β-tubulin has previously been shown to confer taxane resistance in a variety of human cancers. Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 is linked to progression of a variety of human cancers and may represent a novel target for tumor inhibition in LMS. We evaluated the hypotheses that EP4 and class III β-tubulin have increased expression in LMS in comparison to normal myometrium or benign tumors and that expression of class III β-tubulin correlates with resistance to taxanes and poor clinical outcome. Gene expression was examined using TCGA data and correlated with clinicopathologic outcome which demonstrated that class III β-tubulin is more highly expressed in more aggressive sarcomas with EP4 being widely expressed in all subtypes of sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry for EP4 and class III β-tubulin was performed on patients with LMS, leiomyomatosis/STUMP, leiomyoma, and normal myometrium. Expression of EP4 and class III β-tubulin were characterized for cell lines SK-UT-1, SK-UT-1B, and PHM-41 and these cell lines were treated with docetaxel alone and in combination with EP4 inhibitors. In taxane-resistant cell lines that overexpress class III β-tubulin and EP4, treatment with EP4 inhibitor resulted in at least 2-fold sensitization to docetaxel. Expression of class III β-tubulin and EP4 in LMS may identify patients at risk of resistance to standard chemotherapies and candidates for augmentation of therapy through EP4 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Reader
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Amy K Harper
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Teklu Legesse
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Paul N Staats
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Olga Goloubeva
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Gautam G Rao
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Amy Fulton
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Dana M Roque
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Pu Y, Dong Z, Xia Y, Zhang M, Song J, Han J, Liu H. LncRNA NONHSAT113026 represses renal cell carcinoma tumorigenesis through interacting with NF-κB/p50 and SLUG. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109382. [PMID: 31545257 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urological malignancies, yet its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we reported a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), NONHSAT 113026 (NOAT113026), which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RCC. The expression level of NOAT113026 was estimated by qPCR from 76 pairs of RCC and non-tumor (NT) samples. The correlation between NOAT113026 and clinical data of RCC patients was analyzed. NOAT113026 was overexpressed in 786-O and ACHN cell lines by lentivirus-mediated technology and the oncological behavioral changes of RCC cells were observed along with tumorigenicity in experimental nude mice. Compared to the adjacent tissues, NOAT113026 was noticeably downregulated in RCC. Survival analysis showed that the lower the expression level of NOAT113026 was, the shorter the disease-free survival and overall survival in RCC would be. Overexpression of NOAT113026 can decrease the ability of cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and colony formation by regulating NF-κB/p50 and SLUG through a mechanism that involves lncRNA-mRNA interactions. In conclusion, our data suggest that NOAT113026 could be a carcinostatic RNA in RCC, which may serve as a potential prognostic factor and a promising therapeutic target for malignant RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Pu
- Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, PR China
| | - Zhihong Dong
- Oncology Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, PR China
| | - Yu Xia
- Gastroenterology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, PR China
| | - Jianzhong Song
- Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, PR China
| | - Jing Han
- Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, PR China
| | - Huibin Liu
- Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, PR China.
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Imamura M, Okamoto Y, Nishikawa T, Yoneyama T, Yamasaki Y, Kawamura J, Kawano Y. Celecoxib as a Potential Treatment for Intractable Lymphatic Malformation. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0319. [PMID: 31462447 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic malformation (LM) is a congenital disorder resulting from an abnormal development of lymphatic vessels. LM may result in problems of cosmesis and functional impairment, including airway compression. An 11-year-old girl was referred to our department with increasing dysphagia caused by a large left cervical LM with a long history of treatment. Because of the LM location, surgical resection was not an option, and various therapies, including use of picibanil, had proven ineffective. Celecoxib treatment (100 mg/day) was initiated for local pain management. Softening of the lesion was observed 2 weeks after treatment initiation, and the dose was increased to 200 mg/day with additional shrinking of the LM over the next 2 weeks. With parental consent, celecoxib was continued, with a 65% reduction in volume achieved at 6 months. The patient discontinued treatment at 12 months, and the LM volume increased. Control over the LM was achieved with resumption of celecoxib treatment. After 2 years of treatment, the LM persists, but the size of the malformation is significantly smaller. No adverse effects of celecoxib treatment were observed. The anti-cyclooxygenase-2 effect of celecoxib prevented lymphatic vessel growth through an inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity in the conversion of prostaglandin to prostaglandin E2. In conclusion, celecoxib may be a promising therapeutic agent for LM management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasuhiro Okamoto
- Departments of Pediatrics and .,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takuro Nishikawa
- Departments of Pediatrics and.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Yoshifumi Kawano
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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32
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Shin B, Feser R, Nault B, Hunter S, Maiti S, Ugwuagbo KC, Majumder M. miR526b and miR655 Induce Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20164039. [PMID: 31430859 PMCID: PMC6720387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes oxidative stress, which contributes to chronic inflammation and cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenously produced RNAs that play a major role in cancer progression. We established that overexpression of miR526b/miR655 promotes aggressive breast cancer phenotypes. Here, we investigated the roles of miR526b/miR655 in oxidative stress in breast cancer using in vitro and in silico assays. miRNA-overexpression in MCF7 cells directly enhances ROS and superoxide (SO) production, detected with fluorescence assays. We found that cell-free conditioned media contain extracellular miR526b/miR655 and treatment with these miRNA-conditioned media causes overproduction of ROS/SO in MCF7 and primary cells (HUVECs). Thioredoxin Reductase 1 (TXNRD1) is an oxidoreductase that maintains ROS/SO concentration. Overexpression of TXNRD1 is associated with breast cancer progression. We observed that miR526b/miR655 overexpression upregulates TXNRD1 expression in MCF7 cells, and treatment with miRNA-conditioned media upregulates TXNRD1 in both MCF7 and HUVECs. Bioinformatic analysis identifies two negative regulators of TXNRD1, TCF21 and PBRM1, as direct targets of miR526b/miR655. We validated that TCF21 and PBRM1 were significantly downregulated with miRNA upregulation, establishing a link between miR526b/miR655 and TXNRD1. Finally, treatments with oxidative stress inducers such as H2O2 or miRNA-conditioned media showed an upregulation of miR526b/miR655 expression in MCF7 cells, indicating that oxidative stress also induces miRNA overexpression. This study establishes the dynamic functions of miR526b/miR655 in oxidative stress induction in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonita Shin
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, 3rd Floor, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada
| | - Riley Feser
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, 3rd Floor, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada
| | - Braydon Nault
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, 3rd Floor, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada
| | - Stephanie Hunter
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, 3rd Floor, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada
| | - Sujit Maiti
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, 3rd Floor, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada
| | - Kingsley Chukwunonso Ugwuagbo
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, 3rd Floor, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada
| | - Mousumi Majumder
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, 3rd Floor, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada.
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Hester A, Salzmann B, Rahmeh M, Kolben T, Czogalla B, Ditsch N, Mahner S, Jeschke U, Kolben TM. EP3 receptor antagonist L798,106 reduces proliferation and migration of SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:6053-6068. [PMID: 31534346 PMCID: PMC6680222 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s204919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: COX-2 overexpression and elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) play an important role in breast cancer carcinogenesis. Recently, expression of the PGE2 receptor EP3 has been shown to be a positive prognostic factor in breast cancer. This study analyzes the functional aspects of targeting EP3 in breast cancer cell lines. Material and methods: EP3 and EP1 expressions were determined in five breast cancer cell lines on the mRNA- and the protein-level. The selected cell lines were subsequently stimulated for 24-72 hrs with 10-1,000 nM of PGE2, the EP1/EP3 agonist sulprostone and the EP3 antagonist L798,106. Cell proliferation was determined via BrdU-assay, migration via scratch assay, EP3, Gi-protein and p-ERK1/2 expressions via Western blot and cAMP concentrations via ELISA. The Mann-Whitney-U-test was used to test for statistical significance. Results: The cell lines T-47D (EP3 expression 77.7%) and SK-BR-3 (EP3 expression 48.7%) were chosen. EP3 antagonism reduced its expression on SK-BR-3 significantly, while no effect was observed on T-47D. The proliferation and migration of SK-BR-3 cells were significantly reduced due to treatment with the EP1/3 agonist, the EP3 antagonist or a combination of both. Neither agonism nor antagonism influenced cell proliferation or migration in T-47D. In SK-BR-3, EP3 antagonism showed a significant decrease in Gi-protein levels, an increase in cAMP levels, and no significant change in p-ERK1/2 expression. Conclusion: Antagonism of the EP3 receptor results in a reduced proliferation and migration of SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells, potentially mediated via a Gi-protein-cAMP pathway. The results suggest that EP3 plays a role in tumorigenesis. This is in accordance with the cell culture data of other gynecological tumors, but it is conflicting in so far, as positive EP3 expression is clinically a positive prognostic marker in breast cancer. Therefore, other factors may be important in explaining this contradiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Salzmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Rahmeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bastian Czogalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Maria Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Mir526b and Mir655 Promote Tumour Associated Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070938. [PMID: 31277414 PMCID: PMC6678879 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenously produced RNAs, which regulate growth and development, and oncogenic miRNA regulate tumor growth and metastasis. Tumour-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are processes involving the release of growth factors from tumour cells into the microenvioronemnt to communicate with endothelial cells to induce vascular propagation. Here, we examined the roles of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 induced miR526b and miR655 in tumour-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Ectopic overexpression of miR526b and miR655 in poorly metastatic estrogen receptor (ER) positive MCF7 breast cancer cells resulted in upregulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis markers vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA); VEGFC; VEGFD; COX-2; lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE1); and receptors VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and EP4. Further, miRNA-high cell free conditioned media promoted migration and tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and upregulated VEGFR1,VEGFR2, and EP4 expression, showing paracrine stimulation of miRNA in the tumor microenvironment. The miRNA-induced migration and tube formation phenotypes were abrogated with EP4 antagonist or PI3K/Akt inhibitor treatments, confirming the involvement of the EP4 and PI3K/Akt pathway. Tumour supressor gene PTEN was found to be downregulated in miRNA high cells, confirming that it is a target of both miRNAs. PTEN inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1α) and the PI3K/Akt pathway, and loss of regulation of these pathways through PTEN results in upregulation of VEGF expression. Moreover, in breast tumors, angiogenesis marker VEGFA and lymphangiogenesis marker VEGFD expression was found to be significantly higher compared with non-adjacent control, and expression of miR526b and miR655 was positively correlated with VEGFA,VEGFC,VEGFD,CD31, and LYVE1 expression in breast tumour samples. These findings further strengthen the role of miRNAs as breast cancer biomarkers and EP4 as a potential therapeutic target to abrogate miRNA-induced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer.
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Abstract
Tumor tissue is composed of tumor cells and surrounding non-tumor endothelial and immune cells, collectively known as the tumor microenvironment. Tumor cells manipulate tumor microenvironment to obtain sufficient oxygen and nutrient supply, and evade anti-tumor immunosurveillance. Various types of signaling molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and lipid mediators, are secreted, which co-operate to make up the complex tumor microenvironment. Prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, are abundantly produced in tumor tissues. Ever since treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed anti-tumor effect in mouse models and human patients by inhibiting whole prostaglandin production, investigators have focused on the importance of prostaglandins in tumor malignancies. However, most studies that followed focused on the role of an eminent prostaglandin, prostaglandin E2, in tumor onset, growth, and metastasis. It remained unclear how other prostaglandin species affected tumor malignancies. Recently, we identified prostaglandin D2, a well-known sleep-inducing prostaglandin, as a factor with strong anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor properties, in genetically modified mice. In this review, we summarize recent studies focusing on the importance of prostaglandins and their metabolites in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kobayashi
- Department of Animal Radiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Keisuke Omori
- Department of Animal Radiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takahisa Murata
- Department of Animal Radiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
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Ugwuagbo KC, Maiti S, Omar A, Hunter S, Nault B, Northam C, Majumder M. Prostaglandin E2 promotes embryonic vascular development and maturation in zebrafish. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.039768. [PMID: 30890523 PMCID: PMC6504002 DOI: 10.1242/bio.039768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin (PG)-E2 is essential for growth and development of vertebrates. PGE2 binds to G-coupled receptors to regulate embryonic stem cell differentiation and maintains tissue homeostasis. Overproduction of PGE2 by breast tumor cells promotes aggressive breast cancer phenotypes and tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. In this study, we investigated novel roles of PGE2 in early embryonic vascular development and maturation with the microinjection of PGE2 in fertilized zebrafish (Danio rerio) eggs. We injected Texas Red dextran to trace vascular development. Embryos injected with the solvent of PGE2 served as vehicle. Distinct developmental changes were noted from 28-96 h post fertilization (hpf), showing an increase in embryonic tail flicks, pigmentation, growth, hatching and larval movement post-hatching in the PGE2-injected group compared to the vehicle. We recorded a significant increase in trunk vascular fluorescence and maturation of vascular anatomy, embryo heartbeat and blood vessel formation in the PGE2 injected group. At 96 hpf, all larvae were euthanized to measure vascular marker mRNA expression. We observed a significant increase in the expression of stem cell markers efnb2a, ephb4a, angiogenesis markers vegfa, kdrl, etv2 and lymphangiogenesis marker prox1 in the PGE2-group compared to the vehicle. This study shows the novel roles of PGE2 in promoting embryonic vascular maturation and angiogenesis in zebrafish.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujit Maiti
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada
| | - Ahmed Omar
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada
| | - Stephanie Hunter
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada
| | - Braydon Nault
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada
| | - Caleb Northam
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada
| | - Mousumi Majumder
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada
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Tumor mechanisms of resistance to immune attack. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 164:61-100. [PMID: 31383409 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The immune system plays a key role in the interactions between host and tumor. Immune selection pressure is a driving force behind the sculpting and evolution of malignant cancer cells to escape this immune attack. Several common tumor cell-based mechanisms of resistance to immune attack have been identified and can be broadly categorized into three main classes: loss of antigenicity, loss of immunogenicity, and creation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this review, we will discuss in detail the relevant literature associated with each class of resistance and will describe the relevance of these mechanisms to human cancer patients. To conclude, we will outline the implications these mechanisms have for the treatment of cancer using currently available therapeutic approaches. Immunotherapy has been a successful addition to current treatment approaches, but many patients either do not respond or quickly become resistant. This reflects the ability of tumors to continue to adapt to immune selection pressure at all stages of development. Additional study of immune escape mechanisms and immunotherapy resistance mechanisms will be needed to inform future treatment approaches.
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Roles of prostaglandins in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis with special reference to breast cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2019; 37:369-384. [PMID: 29858743 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-018-9734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis (formation of new lymphatic vessels), unlike angiogenesis, has been a lesser-focused field in cancer biology, because of earlier controversy regarding whether lymphatic metastasis occurs via pre-existing or newly formed lymphatics. Recent evidence reveals that peri-tumoral or intra-tumoral lymphangiogenesis is a precursor for lymphatic metastasis in most carcinomas and melanomas. Two major lymphangiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D, are produced by cancer cells or immune cells such as macrophages in the tumor-stroma to promote sprouting of lymphatics from lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) or LEC precursors (LECP) by binding to their primary (high affinity) receptor VEGF-R3 or secondary receptors VEGF-R2, neuropilin (NRP)2 and α9/β1 integrin. Many other growth factors/receptors such as VEGF-A/VEGF-R2, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2/FGF-R, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/PDGF-R, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/C-Met, angiopoietins (Ang)1, 2/Tie2, and chemokines/ chemokine receptors (CCL21/CCR7, CCL12/CCR4) can also stimulate LEC sprouting directly or indirectly. This review deals with the roles of prostaglandins (PG), in particular PGE2, in cancer-associated lymphangiogenesis, with special emphasis on breast cancer. We show that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression by breast cancer cells or tumor stroma leading to high PGE2 levels in the tumor milieu promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastases, resulting from binding of PGE2 to PGE receptors (EP, in particular EP4) on multiple cell types: tumor cells, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and LEC. EP4 activation on cancer cells and macrophages upregulated VEGF-C/D production to stimulate LEC sprouting. Furthermore, ligation of EP4 with PGE2 on cancer or host cells can initiate a new cascade of molecular events leading to cross-talk between cancer cells and LEC, facilitating lymphangiogenesis and lympho-vascular transport of cancer cells. We make a case for EP4 as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Navigating metabolic pathways to enhance antitumour immunity and immunotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 16:425-441. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Woodward DF, Wang JW, Ni M, Bauer AJ, Poloso NJ. In Vivo Choroidal Neovascularization and Macrophage Studies Provide Further Evidence for a Broad Role of Prostacyclin in Angiogenesis. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2019; 35:98-105. [DOI: 10.1089/jop.2018.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David F. Woodward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California
| | - Jenny W. Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California
| | - Ming Ni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California
| | - Alex J. Bauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California
| | - Neil J. Poloso
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California
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Ndiaye PD, Dufies M, Giuliano S, Douguet L, Grépin R, Durivault J, Lenormand P, Glisse N, Mintcheva J, Vouret-Craviari V, Mograbi B, Wurmser M, Ambrosetti D, Rioux-Leclercq N, Maire P, Pagès G. VEGFC acts as a double-edged sword in renal cell carcinoma aggressiveness. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:661-675. [PMID: 30809300 PMCID: PMC6376471 DOI: 10.7150/thno.27794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic zones are common features of metastatic tumors. Due to inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau gene (VHL), renal cell carcinomas (RCC) show constitutive stabilization of the alpha subunit of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Thus, RCC represents a model of chronic hypoxia. Development of the lymphatic network is dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and lies at the front line of metastatic spreading. Here, we addressed the role of VEGFC in RCC aggressiveness and the regulation of its expression in hypoxia. Methods: Transcriptional and post transcriptional regulation of VEGFC expression was evaluated by qPCR and with reporter genes. The involvement of HIF was evaluated using a siRNA approach. Experimental RCC were performed with immuno-competent/deficient mice using human and mouse cells knocked-out for the VEGFC gene by a CRISPR/Cas9 method. The VEGFC axis was analyzed with an online available data base (TCGA) and using an independent cohort of patients. Results: Hypoxia induced VEGFC protein expression but down-regulated VEGFC gene transcription and mRNA stability. Increased proliferation, migration, over-activation of the AKT signaling pathway and enhanced expression of mesenchymal markers characterized VEGFC-/- cells. VEGFC-/- cells did not form tumors in immuno-deficient mice but developed aggressive tumors in immuno-competent mice. These tumors showed down-regulation of markers of activated lymphocytes and M1 macrophages, and up-regulation of M2 macrophages markers and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1). Over-expression of lymphangiogenic genes including VEGFC was linked to increased disease-free and overall survival in patients with non-metastatic tumors, whereas its over-expression correlated with decreased progression-free and overall survival of metastatic patients. Conclusion: Our study revisited the admitted dogma linking VEGFC to tumor aggressiveness. We conclude that targeting VEGFC for therapy must be considered with caution.
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Malik P, Mukherjee TK. Recent advances in gold and silver nanoparticle based therapies for lung and breast cancers. Int J Pharm 2018; 553:483-509. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
Breast cancer has a high incidence worldwide. The results of substantial studis reveal that inflammation plays an important role in the initiation, development, and aggressiveness of many malignancies. The use of celecoxib, a novel NSAID, is repetitively associated with the reduced risk of the occurrence and progression of a number of types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. This observation is also substantiated by various meta-analyses. Clinical trials have been implemented on integration treatment of celecoxib and shown encouraging results. Celecoxib could be treated as a potential candidate for antitumor agent. There are, nonetheless, some unaddressed questions concerning the precise mechanism underlying the anticancer effect of celecoxib as well as its activity against different types of cancer. In this review, we discuss different mechanisms of anticancer effect of celecoxib as well as preclinical/clinical results signifying this beneficial effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqing Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin, China.,Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles,CA, USA, ;
| | - Qiongyu Hao
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles,CA, USA, ;
| | - Wei Cao
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles,CA, USA, ; .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jaydutt V Vadgama
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles,CA, USA, ; .,David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, ;
| | - Yong Wu
- Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles,CA, USA, ; .,David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, ;
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Tong D, Liu Q, Wang LA, Xie Q, Pang J, Huang Y, Wang L, Liu G, Zhang D, Lan W, Jiang J. The roles of the COX2/PGE2/EP axis in therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2018; 37:355-368. [DOI: 10.1007/s10555-018-9752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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EP3 (prostaglandin E2 receptor 3) expression is a prognostic factor for progression-free and overall survival in sporadic breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:431. [PMID: 29661238 PMCID: PMC5902996 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4286-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In various cancers, overexpression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and elevated prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis have been associated with tumor development and progression. The potential of COX-2 inhibitors in cancer prevention and treatment has been shown repeatedly; however, their clinical use is limited due to toxicity. PGE2 signals via EP receptors 1–4, whose functions are analyzed in current research in search for targeted anti-PG therapies. EP2 and EP4 rather promote tumorigenesis, while the role of EP3, especially in breast cancer, is not yet clear and both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects have been described. Our study evaluates EP3 receptor expression in sporadic breast cancer and its association with clinicopathological parameters, progression-free and overall survival. Methods Two hundred eighty-nine sporadic breast cancer samples without primary distant metastasis were immunohistochemically analyzed for EP3 receptor expression. Tissue was stained with primary anti-EP3-antibodies. Immunoreactivity was quantified by the immunoreactivity-score (IRS); samples with an IRS ≥ 2 scored as EP3 positive. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney-U test were used for comparison of data; Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox-regression were used for survival analyses. Results EP3 receptor was expressed in 205 of 289 samples analyzed (70.9%). EP3 receptor expression was not associated with clinicopathological parameters (e. g. tumor size, hormone receptors, lymph node status). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a significant association of EP3 positivity with improved progression-free survival (p = 0.002) and improved overall survival (p = 0.001) after up to 10 years. Cox regression analysis confirmed EP3 positivity as a significant prognostic factor even when other known prognosticators were accounted for. Conclusions In sporadic breast cancer, EP3 receptor expression is not significantly associated with clinicopathological parameters but is a significant prognostic factor for improved progression-free and overall survival. However, the functional aspects of EP3 receptor in breast cancer and the way how EP3 may oppose the pro-tumorigenic effects of PGE2 elevation and COX-2 overexpression are not fully understood so far. Further studies aiming at identification of the factors regulated by EP3 are necessary to evaluate the possibility of targeting EP3 in future anti-tumor therapy in breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4286-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Majumder M, Nandi P, Omar A, Ugwuagbo KC, Lala PK. EP4 as a Therapeutic Target for Aggressive Human Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041019. [PMID: 29596308 PMCID: PMC5979567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs, also called seven-transmembrane or heptahelical receptors) are a superfamily of cell surface receptor proteins that bind to many extracellular ligands and transmit signals to an intracellular guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein). When a ligand binds, the receptor activates the attached G-protein by causing the exchange of Guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP) for guanosine diphosphate (GDP). They play a major role in many physiological functions, as well as in the pathology of many diseases, including cancer progression and metastasis. Only a few GPCR members have been exploited as targets for developing drugs with therapeutic benefit in cancer. Present review briefly summarizes the signaling pathways utilized by the EP (prostaglandin E receptor) family of GPCR, their physiological and pathological roles in carcinogenesis, with special emphasis on the roles of EP4 in breast cancer progression. We make a case for EP4 as a promising newer therapeutic target for treating breast cancer. We show that an aberrant over-expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, which is an inflammation-associated enzyme, occurring in 40–50% of breast cancer patients leads to tumor progression and metastasis due to multiple cellular events resulting from an increased prostaglandin (PG) E2 production in the tumor milieu. They include inactivation of host anti-tumor immune cells, such as Natural Killer (NK) and T cells, increased immuno-suppressor function of tumor-associated macrophages, promotion of tumor cell migration, invasiveness and tumor-associated angiogenesis, due to upregulation of multiple angiogenic factors including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-A, increased lymphangiogenesis (due to upregulation of VEGF-C/D), and a stimulation of stem-like cell (SLC) phenotype in cancer cells. All of these events were primarily mediated by activation of the Prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP4 on tumor or host cells. We show that selective EP4 antagonists (EP4A) could mitigate all of these events tested with cells in vitro as well as in vivo in syngeneic COX-2 expressing mammary cancer bearing mice or immune-deficient mice bearing COX-2 over-expressing human breast cancer xenografts. We suggest that EP4A can avoid thrombo-embolic side effects of long term use of COX-2 inhibitors by sparing cardio-protective roles of PGI2 via IP receptor activation or PGE2 via EP3 receptor activation. Furthermore, we identified two COX-2/EP4 induced oncogenic and SLC-stimulating microRNAs—miR526b and miR655, one of which (miR655) appears to be a potential blood biomarker in breast cancer patients for monitoring SLC-ablative therapies, such as with EP4A. We suggest that EP4A will likely produce the highest benefit in aggressive breast cancers, such as COX-2 expressing triple-negative breast cancers, when combined with other newer agents, such as inhibitors of programmed cell death (PD)-1 or PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Majumder
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada.
| | - Pinki Nandi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Ahmed Omar
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada.
| | | | - Peeyush K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada.
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47
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Arima K, Komohara Y, Bu L, Tsukamoto M, Itoyama R, Miyake K, Uchihara T, Ogata Y, Nakagawa S, Okabe H, Imai K, Hashimoto D, Chikamoto A, Yamashita YI, Baba H, Ishimoto T. Downregulation of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase by interleukin-1β from activated macrophages leads to poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:462-470. [PMID: 29224225 PMCID: PMC5797824 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation has a crucial role in cancer development and the progression of various tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The arachidonate cascade is a major inflammatory pathway that produces several metabolites, such as prostaglandin E2. The enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) degrades prostaglandin and is frequently decreased in several types of cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms of 15-PGDH suppression are unclear. The current study was carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of 15-PGDH suppression in PDAC. Here, we showed that interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, downregulates 15-PGDH expression in PDAC cells, and that IL-1β expression was inversely correlated with 15-PGDH levels in frozen PDAC tissues. We also found that activated macrophages produced IL-1β and reduced 15-PGDH expression in PDAC cells. Furthermore, the number of CD163-positive tumor-associated macrophages was shown to be inversely correlated with 15-PGDH levels in PDAC cells by immunohistochemical staining of 107 PDAC samples. Finally, we found that low 15-PGDH expression was significantly associated with advanced tumors, presence of lymph node metastasis and nerve invasion, and poor prognosis in PDAC patients. Our results indicate that IL-1β derived from TAMs suppresses 15-PGDH expression in PDAC cells, resulting in poor prognosis of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Arima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Komohara
- Department of Cell Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Luke Bu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masayo Tsukamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Rumi Itoyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Keisuke Miyake
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Uchihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoko Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Katsunori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hashimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akira Chikamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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48
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Majumder M, Dunn L, Liu L, Hasan A, Vincent K, Brackstone M, Hess D, Lala PK. COX-2 induces oncogenic micro RNA miR655 in human breast cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:327. [PMID: 29321644 PMCID: PMC5762661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We show that Cyclooxygenase-2 over-expression induces an oncogenic microRNA miR655 in human breast cancer cells by activation of EP4. MiR655 expression positively correlated with COX-2 in genetically disparate breast cancer cell lines and increased in all cell lines when grown as spheroids, implicating its link with stem-like cells (SLCs). Ectopic miR655 over-expression in MCF7 and SKBR3 cells resulted in increased proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation and Epithelial to Masenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, knocking down miR655 in aggressive MCF7-COX2 and SKBR3-COX2 cells reverted these phenotypes. MCF7-miR655 cells displayed upregulated NOTCH/WNT genes; both pathway inhibitors abrogated miR655-induced spheroid formation, linking miR655 with SLC-related pathways. MiR655 expression was dependent on EP4 activity and EP4 downstream signaling pathways PI3K/AKT, ERK and NF-kB and led to TGFβ resistance for Smad3 phosphorylation. Tail vein injection of MCF7-miR655 and SKBR3-miR655 cells in NOD/SCID/GUSB-null mice revealed increased lung colony growth and micrometastases to liver and spleen. MiR655 expression was significantly high in human breast tumors (n = 105) compared to non-tumor tissues (n = 20) and associated with reduced patient survival. Thus miR655 could serve as a prognostic breast cancer biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Majumder
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Leanna Dunn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Asma Hasan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krista Vincent
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Muriel Brackstone
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Hess
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peeyush K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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49
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Ooki A, Del Carmen Rodriguez Pena M, Marchionni L, Dinalankara W, Begum A, Hahn NM, VandenBussche CJ, Rasheed ZA, Mao S, Netto GJ, Sidransky D, Hoque MO. YAP1 and COX2 Coordinately Regulate Urothelial Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancer Res 2017; 78:168-181. [PMID: 29180467 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-0836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Overcoming acquired drug resistance remains a core challenge in the clinical management of human cancer, including in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) have been implicated in the emergence of drug resistance but mechanisms and intervention points are not completely understood. Here, we report that the proinflammatory COX2/PGE2 pathway and the YAP1 growth-regulatory pathway cooperate to recruit the stem cell factor SOX2 in expanding and sustaining the accumulation of urothelial CSCs. Mechanistically, COX2/PGE2 signaling induced promoter methylation of let-7, resulting in its downregulation and subsequent SOX2 upregulation. YAP1 induced SOX2 expression more directly by binding its enhancer region. In UCB clinical specimens, positive correlations in the expression of SOX2, COX2, and YAP1 were observed, with coexpression of COX2 and YAP1 particularly commonly observed. Additional investigations suggested that activation of the COX2/PGE2 and YAP1 pathways also promoted acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors in basal-type UCB. In a mouse xenograft model of UCB, dual inhibition of COX2 and YAP1 elicited a long-lasting therapeutic response by limiting CSC expansion after chemotherapy and EGFR inhibition. Our findings provide a preclinical rationale to target these pathways concurrently with systemic chemotherapy as a strategy to improve the clinical management of UCB.Significance: These findings offer a preclinical rationale to target the COX2 and YAP1 pathways concurrently with systemic chemotherapy to improve the clinical management of UCB, based on evidence that these two pathways expand cancer stem-like cell populations that mediate resistance to chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 78(1); 168-81. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ooki
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Luigi Marchionni
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wikum Dinalankara
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Asma Begum
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Noah M Hahn
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Zeshaan A Rasheed
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shifeng Mao
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - George J Netto
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Sidransky
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mohammad O Hoque
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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50
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Nieto Gutierrez A, McDonald PH. GPCRs: Emerging anti-cancer drug targets. Cell Signal 2017; 41:65-74. [PMID: 28931490 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest and most diverse protein family in the human genome with over 800 members identified to date. They play critical roles in numerous cellular and physiological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, neurotransmission, development and apoptosis. Consequently, aberrant receptor activity has been demonstrated in numerous disorders/diseases, and as a result GPCRs have become the most successful drug target class in pharmaceuticals treating a wide variety of indications such as pain, inflammation, neurobiological and metabolic disorders. Many independent studies have also demonstrated a key role for GPCRs in tumourigenesis, establishing their involvement in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Given the growing appreciation of the role(s) that GPCRs play in cancer pathogenesis, it is surprising to note that very few GPCRs have been effectively exploited in pursuit of anti-cancer therapies. The present review provides a broad overview of the roles that various GPCRs play in cancer growth and development, highlighting the potential of pharmacologically modulating these receptors for the development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Nieto Gutierrez
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States.
| | - Patricia H McDonald
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States.
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