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Agbana S, McIlroy M. Extra-nuclear and cytoplasmic steroid receptor signalling in hormone dependent cancers. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106559. [PMID: 38823459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Steroid hormone receptors are key mediators in the execution of hormone action through a combination of genomic and non-genomic action. Since their isolation and characterisation in the early 20th Century much of our understanding of the biological actions of steroid hormones are underpinned by their activated receptor activity. Over the past two decades there has been an acceleration of more omics-based research which has resulted in a major uptick in our comprehension of genomic steroid action. However, it is well understood that steroid hormones can induce very rapid signalling events in tandem with their genomic actions wherein they exert their influence through alterations in gene expression. Thus the totality of genomic and non-genomic steroid action occurs in a simultaneous and reciprocal manner and a greater appreciation of whole cell action is required to fully evaluate steroid hormone activity in vivo. In this mini-review we outline the most recent developments in non-genomic steroid action and cytoplasmic steroid hormone receptor biology in endocrine-related cancers with a focus on the 3-keto steroid receptors, in particular the androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Agbana
- Androgens in Health and Disease research group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
| | - Marie McIlroy
- Androgens in Health and Disease research group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland.
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Simińska D, Kojder K, Jeżewski D, Tarnowski M, Tomasiak P, Piotrowska K, Kolasa A, Patrycja K, Chlubek D, Baranowska-Bosiacka I. Estrogen α and β Receptor Expression in the Various Regions of Resected Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors and in an In Vitro Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4130. [PMID: 38612938 PMCID: PMC11012502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant tumor with a higher prevalence in men and a higher survival rate in transmenopausal women. It exhibits distinct areas influenced by changing environmental conditions. This study examines how these areas differ in the levels of estrogen receptors (ERs) which play an important role in the development and progression of many cancers, and whose expression levels are often correlated with patient survival. This study utilized two research models: an in vitro model employing the U87 cell line and a second model involving tumors resected from patients (including tumor core, enhancing tumor region, and peritumoral area). ER expression was assessed at both gene and protein levels, with the results validated using confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Under hypoxic conditions, the U87 line displayed a decrease in ERβ mRNA expression and an increase in ERα mRNA expression. In patient samples, ERβ mRNA expression was lower in the tumor core compared to the enhancing tumor region (only in males when the study group was divided by sex). In addition, ERβ protein expression was lower in the tumor core than in the peritumoral area (only in women when the study group was divided by sex). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated the highest ERβ protein expression in the enhancing tumor area, followed by the peritumoral area, and the lowest in the tumor core. The findings suggest that ER expression may significantly influence the development of GBM, exhibiting variability under the influence of conditions present in different tumor areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donata Simińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (D.S.); (K.P.); (I.B.-B.)
| | - Klaudyna Kojder
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Jeżewski
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland;
- Department of Applied Neurocognitivistics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maciej Tarnowski
- Department of Physiology in Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 70-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Tomasiak
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Piotrowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Kolasa
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Kapczuk Patrycja
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (D.S.); (K.P.); (I.B.-B.)
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (D.S.); (K.P.); (I.B.-B.)
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (D.S.); (K.P.); (I.B.-B.)
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3
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Hirtz A, Rech F, Dubois-Pot-Schneider H, Dumond H. Estrogen signaling in healthy and tumor brain. Steroids 2023; 199:109285. [PMID: 37543222 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex-specific differences in brain organization and function are widely explored in multidisciplinary studies, ranging from sociology and biology to digital modelling. In addition, there is growing evidence that natural or disturbed hormonal environments play a crucial role in the onset of brain disorders and pathogenesis. For example, steroid hormones, but also enzymes involved in steroidogenesis and receptors triggering hormone signaling are key players of gliomagenesis. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge about steroid hormone, particularly estrogens synthesis and signaling, in normal brain compared to the tumor brain. We will focus on two key molecular players, aromatase and the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor, GPER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hirtz
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | - Fabien Rech
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Service de Neurochirurgie, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | | | - Hélène Dumond
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France.
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Li H, Ge N, Guan X, Han C, Li Y, Shen L, Chen M, Zhang B, Qu C, Zou W. The location of estrogen receptor variant ER-α36 is associated with the invasion of glioblastoma. Steroids 2023; 194:109224. [PMID: 36924815 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common central nervous system tumor and is associated with poor outcomes. There have been no significant improvements in GBM mortality in recent decades. ER-α36 is a variant of ER-α66 that may be involved in carcinoma growth and proliferation via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. This variant might play an essential role in tamoxifen resistance of several tumors. Previously, our laboratory found that ER-α36 is expressed in GBM and participates in proliferation; nevertheless, the role of ER-α36 in GBM invasion remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of the ER-α36 modulator SNG162 on GBM growth and invasion. U251 cells, U87cells, and U87-36KD cells with knockdown of ER-α36 expression were cultured under the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional (3D) environments. GBM cells growth was examined by cell counting, flow cytometry, western blot, and MTT assays. Invasiveness was measured using confocal microscopy in the 3D environment. Growth of U87 cells with downregulated EGFR and ER-α36 expression was significantly reduced after treatment with 1 µM, 3 µM, and 5 µM of SNG162; growth inhibition in U251 cells was more potent than in U87 cells, although the expression level of ER-α36 in U251 cells was lower than in U87 cells. We found that 1 μM SNG162 suppressed E2-induced MAPK/ERK pathway activation in U87 cells. We also showed that SNG162 inhibited U87 cells invasion; however, it did not significantly affect U251 and U87-36KD cells invasion using the 3D culture method. Finally, we determined that ER-α36 was expressed in the nucleus of invading GBM cells, and SNG162 significantly inhibited the expression of ER-α36 in these cells. SNG162 inhibited the expression of EGFR on cell membranes of non-invasive GBM cells. These results suggest that SNG162 could be a therapeutic agent for GBM by targeting ER-α36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Nan Ge
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chao Han
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Li
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Liming Shen
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Mengmeng Chen
- Qingdao Re-store Life Science Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Bingqiang Zhang
- Qingdao Re-store Life Science Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Qu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Wei Zou
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Qingdao Re-store Life Science Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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Davis D, Vajaria R, Delivopoulos E, Vasudevan N. Localisation of oestrogen receptors in stem cells and in stem cell-derived neurons of the mouse. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13220. [PMID: 36510342 PMCID: PMC10909416 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oestrogen receptors (ER) transduce the effects of the endogenous ligand, 17β-estradiol in cells to regulate a number of important processes such as reproduction, neuroprotection, learning and memory and anxiety. The ERα or ERβ are classical intracellular nuclear hormone receptors while some of their variants or novel proteins such as the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), GPER1/GPR30 are reported to localise in intracellular as well as plasma membrane locations. Although the brain is an important target for oestrogen with oestrogen receptors expressed differentially in various nuclei, subcellular organisation and crosstalk between these receptors is under-explored. Using an adapted protocol that is rapid, we first generated neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells. Our immunocytochemistry approach shows that the full length ERα (ERα-66) and for the first time, that an ERα variant, ERα-36, as well as GPER1 is present in embryonic stem cells. In addition, these receptors typically decrease their nuclear localisation as neuronal maturation proceeds. Finally, although these ERs are present in many subcellular compartments such as the nucleus and plasma membrane, we show that they are specifically not colocalised with each other, suggesting that they initiate distinct signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeAsia Davis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Ruby Vajaria
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Anagnostakis F, Piperi C. Targeting Options of Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAM) Activity in Gliomas. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:457-470. [PMID: 35048810 PMCID: PMC10207914 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220120120203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the most plastic cells of the hematopoietic system, exhibit increased tumor-infiltrating properties and functional heterogeneity depending on tumor type and associated microenvironment. TAMs constitute a major cell type of cancer-related inflammation, commonly enhancing tumor growth. They are profoundly involved in glioma pathogenesis, contributing to many cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, survival, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Efficient targeting of TAMs presents a promising approach to tackle glioma progression. Several targeting options involve chemokine signaling axes inhibitors and antibodies, antiangiogenic factors, immunomodulatory molecules, surface immunoglobulins blockers, receptor and transcription factor inhibitors, as well as microRNAs (miRNAs), administered either as standalone or in combination with other conventional therapies. Herein, we provide a critical overview of current therapeutic approaches targeting TAMs in gliomas with the promising outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527Athens, Greece
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7
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Han CH, Ma JY, Zou W, Qu JL, Du Y, Li N, Liu Y, Jin G, Leng AJ, Liu J. 3D Microfluidic System for Evaluating Inhibitory Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Oldenlandia diffusa on Human Malignant Glioma Invasion Combined with Network Pharmacology Analysis. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:52-60. [PMID: 36401750 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-021-3726-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-invasion efficacy of the ethanol extract of Oldenlandia diffusa Will. (EEOD) on a three-dimensional (3D) human malignant glioma (MG) cell invasion and perfusion model based on microfluidic chip culture and the possible mechanism of action of Oldenlandia diffusa Will. (OD). METHODS The comprehensive pharmacodynamic analysis method in this study was based on microfluidic chip 3D cell perfusion culture technology, and the action mechanism of Chinese medicine (CM) on human MG cells was investigated through network pharmacology analysis. First, the components of EEOD were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Then, cell viability and apoptosis were assessed to determine the optimum concentration of EEOD for invasion experiments, and two-dimensional (2D) migration and invasion abilities of U87 and U251 MG cells were evaluated using scratch wound and Transwell assays. The possible mechanism underlying the effects of EEOD on glioma was analyzed through a network pharmacology approach. RESULTS Thirty-five compounds of EEOD were detected by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. EEOD suppressed the viability of MG cells, promoted their apoptosis, and inhibited their migratory and invasive potentials (all P<0.05). Network pharmacology analysis showed that OD inhibited the invasion of MG cells by directly regulating MAPK and Wnt pathways through MAPK, EGFR, MYC, GSK3B, and other targets. The anti-invasion effect of OD was also found to be related to the indirect regulation of microtubule cytoskeleton organization. CONCLUSIONS ]EEOD could inhibit the invasion of human MG cells, and the anti-invasion mechanism of OD might be regulating MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways and microtubule cytoskeleton organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Han
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China.,Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing-Yun Ma
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China.,Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei Zou
- Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jia-Lin Qu
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Na Li
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guo Jin
- Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ai-Jing Leng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China. .,Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China.
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Ashwini K, Shilpa S. Shetty, Ananthan Raghotham, Suchetha Kumari N., Praveen Kumar Shetty. Sex hormone receptors and glioblastoma. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2022. [DOI: 10.51248/.v42i4.1634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the primary brain tumor of the central nervous system which is most common and the most aggressive of all other types of tumors. Current therapy for GBM involves surgical removal (excision) of the tumor followed by radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant therapy with temozolomide. Despite the improvement in therapy for GBM, survival of the patients remains poor, only up to 1 year. Treatment for GBM is limited due to the presence of blood brain barrier which prevents the entry of molecules with molecular weight >500 Dalton. Various gene mutations or over expressions lead to GBM growth. Evidence from the earlier reports suggest that epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in 60% of GBM. Interestingly, recent studies have suggested the involvement of sex hormones in the development and progression of GBM though the underlying mechanism of action of these hormones is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the role of sex hormones and their receptors, a contributing factor in the development of GBM
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Cruz JVR, Batista C, Afonso BDH, Alexandre-Moreira MS, Dubois LG, Pontes B, Moura Neto V, Mendes FDA. Obstacles to Glioblastoma Treatment Two Decades after Temozolomide. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133203. [PMID: 35804976 PMCID: PMC9265128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastomas are the most common and aggressive brain tumors in adults, with a median survival of 15 months. Treatment is surgical removal, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Current chemotherapeutics do not kill all the tumor cells and some cells survive, leading to the appearance of a new tumor resistant to the treatment. These treatment-resistant cells are called tumor stem cells. In addition, glioblastoma cells have a high capacity for migration, forming new tumors in areas distant from the original tumor. Studies are now focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and controlling drug entry into the brain to improve drug performance. Another promising therapeutic approach is the use of viruses that specifically destroy glioblastoma cells, preserving the neural tissue around the tumor. In this review, we summarize the main biological features of glioblastoma and the therapeutic targets that are currently under study for new clinical trials. Abstract Glioblastomas are considered the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with an average of 15 months’ survival rate. The treatment is surgery resection, followed by chemotherapy with temozolomide, and/or radiotherapy. Glioblastoma must have wild-type IDH gene and some characteristics, such as TERT promoter mutation, EGFR gene amplification, microvascular proliferation, among others. Glioblastomas have great heterogeneity at cellular and molecular levels, presenting distinct phenotypes and diversified molecular signatures in each tumor mass, making it difficult to define a specific therapeutic target. It is believed that the main responsibility for the emerge of these distinct patterns lies in subcellular populations of tumor stem cells, capable of tumor initiation and asymmetric division. Studies are now focused on understanding molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance, the tumor microenvironment, due to hypoxic and necrotic areas, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix remodeling, and in controlling blood brain barrier permeabilization to improve drug delivery. Another promising therapeutic approach is the use of oncolytic viruses that are able to destroy specifically glioblastoma cells, preserving the neural tissue around the tumor. In this review, we summarize the main biological characteristics of glioblastoma and the cutting-edge therapeutic targets that are currently under study for promising new clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Victor Roza Cruz
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Carolina Batista
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Bernardo de Holanda Afonso
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
- Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
| | - Magna Suzana Alexandre-Moreira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Avenida Lourival Melo Mota, Maceio 57072-970, Brazil;
| | - Luiz Gustavo Dubois
- UFRJ Campus Duque de Caxias Professor Geraldo Cidade, Rodovia Washington Luiz, n. 19.593, km 104.5, Santa Cruz da Serra, Duque de Caxias 25240-005, Brazil;
| | - Bruno Pontes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
| | - Vivaldo Moura Neto
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
- Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092, Brazil
| | - Fabio de Almeida Mendes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco F, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil; (J.V.R.C.); (C.B.); (B.d.H.A.); (B.P.); (V.M.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Li S, Wang J, Li J, Yue M, Liu C, Ma L, Liu Y. Integrative analysis of transcriptome complexity in pig granulosa cells by long-read isoform sequencing. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13446. [PMID: 35637716 PMCID: PMC9147391 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13446] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In intensive and large-scale farms, abnormal estradiol levels in sows can cause reproductive disorders. The high incidence rate of reproductive disturbance will induce the elimination of productive sows in large quantities, and the poor management will bring great losses to the pig farms. The change in estradiol level has an important effect on follicular development and estrus of sows. To solve this practical problem and improve the productive capacity of sows, it is significant to further clarify the regulatory mechanism of estradiol synthesis in porcine granulosa cells (GCs). The most important function of granulosa cells is to synthesize estradiol. Thus, the studies about the complex transcriptome in porcine GCs are significant. As for precursor-messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs), their post-transcriptional modification, such as alternative polyadenylation (APA) and alternative splicing (AS), together with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), may regulate the functions of granulosa cells. However, the above modification events and their function are unclear within pig granulosa cells. Methods Combined PacBio long-read isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) was conducted in this work for generating porcine granulosa cells' transcriptomic data. We discovered new transcripts and possible gene loci via comparison against reference genome. Later, combined Iso-Seq data were adopted to uncover those post-transcriptional modifications such as APA or AS, together with lncRNA within porcine granulosa cells. For confirming that the Iso-Seq data were reliable, we chose four AS genes and analyzed them through RT-PCR. Results The present article illustrated that pig GCs had a complex transcriptome, which gave rise to 8,793 APA, 3,465 AS events, 703 candidate new gene loci, as well as 92 lncRNAs. The results of this study revealed the complex transcriptome in pig GCs. It provided a basis for the interpretation of the molecular mechanism in GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiale Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Meihong Yue
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Chuncheng Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Libing Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
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The Advances in Glioblastoma On-a-Chip for Therapy Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040869. [PMID: 35205617 PMCID: PMC8870462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This systematic review showed different therapeutic approaches to glioblastoma on-a-chip with varying levels of complexity, answering, from the simplest question to the most sophisticated questions, in a biological system integrated in an efficient way. With advances in manufacturing protocols, soft lithography in PDMS material was the most used in the studies, applying different strategy geometrics in device construction. The microenvironment showed the relevant elaborations in co-culture between mainly human tumor cells and support cells involved in the collagen type I matrix; remaining an adequate way to assess the therapeutic approach. The most complex devices showed efficient intersection between different systems, allowing in vitro studies with major human genetic similarity, reproducibility, and low cost, on a highly customizable platform. Abstract This systematic review aimed to verify the use of microfluidic devices in the process of implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches in glioblastoma on-a-chip, providing a broad view of advances to date in the use of this technology and their perspectives. We searched studies with the variations of the keywords “Glioblastoma”, “microfluidic devices”, “organ-on-a-chip” and “therapy” of the last ten years in PubMed and Scopus databases. Of 446 articles identified, only 22 articles were selected for analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The microfluidic devices were mainly produced by soft lithography technology, using the PDMS material (72%). In the microenvironment, the main extracellular matrix used was collagen type I. Most studies used U87-MG glioblastoma cells from humans and 31.8% were co-cultivated with HUVEC, hCMEC/D3, and astrocytes. Chemotherapy was the majority of therapeutic approaches, assessing mainly the cellular viability and proliferation. Furthermore, some alternative therapies were reported in a few studies (22.6%). This study identified a diversity of glioblastoma on-a-chip to assess therapeutic approaches, often using intermediate levels of complexity. The most advanced level implemented the intersection between different biological systems (liver–brain or intestine–liver–brain), BBB model, allowing in vitro studies with greater human genetic similarity, reproducibility, and low cost, in a highly customizable platform.
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12
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Lopez-Garcia CA, Lopez-Rivera V, Dono A, Salazar-Marioni S, Novo JE, Sheth SA, Ballester LY, Esquenazi Y. Hormone exposure and its suppressive effect on risk of high-grade gliomas among patients with breast cancer. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 94:200-203. [PMID: 34863438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior reports demonstrate the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in high-grade gliomas (HGGs), but the relationship between hormone receptor-positive disease and risk of HHGs in patients with breast cancer (BC) remains uncharacterized. METHODS Using the SEER 18 registries (2000-2017), we examined the temporal trend of the incidence of HGGs and BC. The standardized incidence ratio was calculated to assess the risk of subsequent HGG in BC patients. RESULTS During the study period, the incidence of BC and HGGs remained comparable for men and women. Among 976,134 patients with BC, we found a decreased incidence of HGGs in females, but not in males. Female BC patients with hormone receptor-positive disease were at a lower risk of developing glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. CONCLUSION Our study findings allude to the protective role of hormone exposure in the development of HGGs, which may lead to the development of therapies targeting hormonal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Lopez-Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Victor Lopez-Rivera
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Antonio Dono
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sergio Salazar-Marioni
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jorge E Novo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Northwestern, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sunil A Sheth
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leomar Y Ballester
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Yoshua Esquenazi
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Center of Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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Estrogen Receptors as Molecular Targets of Endocrine Therapy for Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212404. [PMID: 34830286 PMCID: PMC8626012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormonal factors may participate in the development and progression of glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system. Many studies have been conducted on the possible involvement of estrogen receptors (ERs) in gliomas. Since there is a tendency for a reduced expression of ERs as the degree of malignancy of such tumors increases, it is important to understand the role of these receptors in the progression and treatment of this disease. ERs belong to the family of nuclear receptors, although they can also be in the plasmatic membrane, cytoplasm and mitochondria. They are classified as estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ER⍺ and ERβ), each with different isoforms that have a distinct function in the organism. ERs regulate multiple physiological and pathological processes through the activation of genomic and nongenomic pathways in the cell. Nevertheless, the role of each isoform in the development and progression of glioblastoma is not completely clear. Diverse in vitro and in vivo studies have shown encouraging results for endocrine therapy as a treatment for gliomas. At the same time, many questions have arisen concerning the nature of ERs as well as the mechanism of action of the proposed drugs. Hence, the aim of the current review is to describe the drugs that could possibly be utilized in endocrine therapy for the treatment of high-grade gliomas, analyze their interaction with ERs, and explore the involvement of these drugs and receptors in resistance to standard chemotherapy.
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14
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Zhao B, Ye X, Yang Y, Wang Y, Wang R, Pan X, Wang M. Knockdown of ER-α36 expression inhibits glioma proliferation, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:321-332. [PMID: 34331393 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-α36 (ER-α36), a subtype of the estrogen receptor, is reported to play roles in tumorigenesis and tamoxifen resistance in several tumors, especially breast cancer. However, the role of ER-α36 in glioma proliferation and invasion remains unknown. Here, we explored the function of ER-α36 in glioma cells, using U87 and U251 cell lines. We found that ER-α36 was upregulated in glioma tissues compared to adjacent nontumor tissues. In U87 and U251 glioma cell lines, inhibition of ER-α36 expression by shRNA suppressed cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, the expression of an epithelial marker, ZO-1, was upregulated while that of one mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin, was downregulated with ER-α36 knockdown. We also found that inhibition of ER-α36 inactivated both PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signals. Taken together, these data indicated that overexpression of ER-α36 is associated with glioma proliferation and progression but that inhibition of ER-α36 leads to suppressed invasion and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathway inactivation in glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiang Ye
- Department of Neurology, Cadre Clinic, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yuxing Wang
- Department of Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Ru Wang
- Department of Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Molin Wang
- Department of Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, China
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15
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Janjua TI, Rewatkar P, Ahmed-Cox A, Saeed I, Mansfeld FM, Kulshreshtha R, Kumeria T, Ziegler DS, Kavallaris M, Mazzieri R, Popat A. Frontiers in the treatment of glioblastoma: Past, present and emerging. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 171:108-138. [PMID: 33486006 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive cancers of the brain. Despite extensive research over the last several decades, the survival rates for GBM have not improved and prognosis remains poor. To date, only a few therapies are approved for the treatment of GBM with the main reasons being: 1) significant tumour heterogeneity which promotes the selection of resistant subpopulations 2) GBM induced immunosuppression and 3) fortified location of the tumour in the brain which hinders the delivery of therapeutics. Existing therapies for GBM such as radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy have been unable to reach the clinical efficacy necessary to prolong patient survival more than a few months. This comprehensive review evaluates the current and emerging therapies including those in clinical trials that may potentially improve both targeted delivery of therapeutics directly to the tumour site and the development of agents that may specifically target GBM. Particular focus has also been given to emerging delivery technologies such as focused ultrasound, cellular delivery systems nanomedicines and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the importance of developing novel materials for improved delivery efficacy of nanoparticles and therapeutics to reduce the suffering of GBM patients.
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16
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Mahboobifard F, Dargahi L, Jorjani M, Ramezani Tehrani F, Pourgholami MH. The role of ERα36 in cell type-specific functions of estrogen and cancer development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 163:105307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Panada J, Klopava V, Kulahava T, Frolova N, Faletrov Y, Shkumatov V. New 3β-hydroxysteroid-indolamine conjugates: Design, synthesis and inhibition of C6 glioma cell proliferation. Steroids 2020; 164:108728. [PMID: 32931809 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Four novel indole steroids based on dehydroepiandrosterone (IS-1), estrone (IS-2) and pregnenolone (IS-3) were obtained and studied for their ability to inhibit C6 glioma proliferation. A reduction in cell proliferation by 52 ± 13% was observed for IS-1 at 10 μM, whereas IS-3 and abiraterone acetate at 10 μM caused a 36 ± 8% decrease. Surprisingly, the cellular effects reported for abiraterone, namely, cytochrome P450 CYP17A1 inhibition and endoplasmic reticulum stress were not detected for IS-1. However, both abiraterone and IS-1 significantly increased glutathione levels. Docking studies predicted good affinity of IS-1 to liver X receptors and regulatory protein Keap1, which are proposed to be involved in the compounds' antiproliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Panada
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus; Chemistry Faculty of Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Valeriya Klopava
- Department of Biophysics, Physics Faculty of Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Tatsiana Kulahava
- Department of Biophysics, Physics Faculty of Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus; Institute for Nuclear Problems of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Nina Frolova
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Yaroslav Faletrov
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus; Chemistry Faculty of Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Vladimir Shkumatov
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus; Chemistry Faculty of Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus.
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18
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Astrocytoma: A Hormone-Sensitive Tumor? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239114. [PMID: 33266110 PMCID: PMC7730176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239114] [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: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytomas and, in particular, their most severe form, glioblastoma, are the most aggressive primary brain tumors and those with the poorest vital prognosis. Standard treatment only slightly improves patient survival. Therefore, new therapies are needed. Very few risk factors have been clearly identified but many epidemiological studies have reported a higher incidence in men than women with a sex ratio of 1:4. Based on these observations, it has been proposed that the neurosteroids and especially the estrogens found in higher concentrations in women's brains could, in part, explain this difference. Estrogens can bind to nuclear or membrane receptors and potentially stimulate many different interconnected signaling pathways. The study of these receptors is even more complex since many isoforms are produced from each estrogen receptor encoding gene through alternative promoter usage or splicing, with each of them potentially having a specific role in the cell. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent data supporting the involvement of steroids during gliomagenesis and to focus on the potential neuroprotective role as well as the mechanisms of action of estrogens in gliomas.
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19
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Misiak P, Niemirowicz-Laskowska K, Markiewicz KH, Misztalewska-Turkowicz I, Wielgat P, Kurowska I, Siemiaszko G, Destarac M, Car H, Wilczewska AZ. Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect of Cholesterol End-Capped Poly( N-Isopropylacrylamide)s on Selected Normal and Neoplastic Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:7263-7278. [PMID: 33061380 PMCID: PMC7533236 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s262582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Efficient intracellular delivery of a therapeutic compound is an important feature of smart drug delivery systems (SDDS). Modification of a carrier structure with a cell-penetrating ligand, ie, cholesterol moiety, is a strategy to improve cellular uptake. Cholesterol end-capped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)s offer a promising foundation for the design of efficient thermoresponsive drug delivery systems. Methods A series of cholesterol end-capped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)s (PNIPAAm) with number-average molar masses ranging from 3200 to 11000 g·mol–1 were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization from original xanthate-functionalized cholesterol and self-assembled into micelles. The physicochemical characteristics and cytotoxicity of cholesterol end-capped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)s have been thoroughly investigated. Results Phase transition temperature dependence on the molecular weight and hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio in the polymers were observed in water. Biological test results showed that the obtained materials, both in disordered and micellar form, are non-hemolytic, highly compatible with fibroblasts, and toxic to glioblastoma cells. It was found that the polymer termini dictates the mode of action of the system. Conclusion The cholesteryl moiety acts as a cell-penetrating agent, which enables disruption of the plasma membrane and in effect leads to the restriction of the tumor growth. Cholesterol end-capped PNIPAAm showing in vitro anticancer efficacy can be developed not only as drug carriers but also as components of combined/synergistic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Misiak
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Przemysław Wielgat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Izabela Kurowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.,Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | | | - Halina Car
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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20
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Anderson G. Glioblastoma chemoresistance: roles of the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:334-355. [PMID: 35582450 PMCID: PMC8992488 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Treatment-resistance is common in glioblastoma (GBM) and the glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSC) from which they arise. Current treatment options are generally regarded as very poor and this arises from a poor conceptualization of the biological underpinnings of GBM/GSC and of the plasticity that these cells are capable of utilizing in response to different treatments. A number of studies indicate melatonin to have utility in the management of GBM/GSC, both per se and when adjunctive to chemotherapy. Recent work shows melatonin to be produced in mitochondria, with the mitochondrial melatonergic pathway proposed to be a crucial factor in driving the wide array of changes in intra- and inter-cellular processes, as well as receptors that can be evident in the cells of the GBM/GSC microenvironment. Variations in the enzymatic conversion of N-acetylserotonin (NAS) to melatonin may be especially important in GSC, as NAS can activate the tyrosine receptor kinase B to increase GSC survival and proliferation. Consequently, variations in the NAS/melatonin ratio may have contrasting effects on GBM/GSC survival. It is proposed that mitochondrial communication across cell types in the tumour microenvironment is strongly driven by the need to carefully control the mitochondrial melatonergic pathways across cell types, with a number of intra- and inter-cellular processes occurring as a consequence of the need to carefully regulate the NAS/melatonin ratio. This better integrates previously disparate data on GBM/GSC as well as providing clear future research and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PG, UK
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21
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Bailly C. Molecular and cellular basis of the anticancer activity of the prenylated flavonoid icaritin in hepatocellular carcinoma. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 325:109124. [PMID: 32437694 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prenylated flavonoid icaritin (ICT) is currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on a solid array of preclinical and clinical data. The antitumor activity originates from the capacity of the drug to modulate several signaling effectors in cancer cells, mainly the estrogen receptor splice variant ERα36, the transcription factors STAT3 and NFκB, and the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Recent studies have implicated additional components, including different microRNAs, the generation of reactive oxygen species and the targeting of sphingosine kinase-1. ICT also engages the RAGE-HMGB1 signaling route and modulates the apoptosis/autophagy crosstalk to promote its anticancer activity. In addition, ICT exerts profound changes on the tumor microenvironment to favor an immune-response. Collectively, these multiple biochemical and cellular characteristics confer to ICT a robust activity profile which can be exploited to treat HCC, as well as other cancers, including glioblastoma and onco-hematological diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia. This review provides an update of the pharmacological properties of ICT and its metabolic characteristics. It also addresses the design of derivatives, including both natural products and synthetic molecules, such as SNG1153 also in clinical trial. The prenylated flavonoid ICT deserves attention as a multifunctional natural product potentially useful to improve the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
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22
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Wu J, Liu J, Qu C, Wang Y, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhang B, Sun Y, Zou W. Study of immune responses in mice to oral administration of Flor·Essence. Mol Clin Oncol 2020; 12:533-540. [PMID: 32337035 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2020.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Flor·Essence (FE), a natural food grade herbal formula product manufactured by Flora Manufacturing & Distributing Ltd., has been used by patients with cancer in North America to stimulate immune cells in order to attenuate or reverse immune damage. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of FE on the immune system, spleen lymphocyte proliferation was analyzed by an MTT assay, and the phagocytic capacity of macrophages was measured via the neutral red phagocytosis method. The cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells towards K562 cells was assessed via a CytoTox 96 assay. The production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ in the peripheral blood was determined via ELISA and PCR analysis. The expression levels of caveolin-1 and NF-κB were measured via western blotting. In addition, cyclophosphamide was used to establish a mouse model of immunosuppression. It was found that the proliferation of splenocytes, the phagocytic capacity of macrophages and the cytotoxicity of NK cells against K562 cells were increased after oral administration of FE to mice. FE augmented the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood of mice. FE significantly increased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and caveolin-1, and decreased NF-κB expression. Finally, FE enhanced the viability of immune cells from cyclophosphamide-treated immunosuppressed mice. The results indicated that FE could activate immune responses and enhance natural immunity, suggesting that oral administration of FE can activate the body's immune response and resist damage caused by cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Wu
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning 116081, P.R. China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, P.R. China
| | - Chao Qu
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning 116081, P.R. China.,Liaoning Key Laboratories of Biotechnology and Molecular Drug Research and Development, Dalian, Liaoning 116029, P.R. China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning 116081, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhu
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning 116081, P.R. China
| | - Yejun Zhang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning 116081, P.R. China.,Liaoning Key Laboratories of Biotechnology and Molecular Drug Research and Development, Dalian, Liaoning 116029, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Li
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning 116081, P.R. China.,Liaoning Key Laboratories of Biotechnology and Molecular Drug Research and Development, Dalian, Liaoning 116029, P.R. China
| | - Bingqiang Zhang
- Qingdao Ruiside Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong 266111, P.R. China
| | - Yaru Sun
- Qingdao Ruiside Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong 266111, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zou
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning 116081, P.R. China.,Liaoning Key Laboratories of Biotechnology and Molecular Drug Research and Development, Dalian, Liaoning 116029, P.R. China
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Pagano MT, Ortona E, Dupuis ML. A Role for Estrogen Receptor alpha36 in Cancer Progression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:506. [PMID: 32849292 PMCID: PMC7411082 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) functions as a ligand dependent transcription factor that directly binds specific estrogen responsive elements, thus regulating the transcription of estrogen sensitive genes. ERα has also been shown to be associated with the plasma membrane (membrane associated ERα, mERα), concentrated in lipid rafts, plasma membrane microdomains with a distinct lipid composition, where it transduces membrane-initiated estrogen-dependent activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway. Two isoforms of ERα have been described: the "traditional" ERα66 (66 kDa) and a lower molecular weight variant: the ERα46 (46 kDa). More recently, a novel ERα variant with a molecular mass of 36 kDa (ERα36) has been discovered. Notably, ERα36 has been found expressed in different human tumor cells, including both ER- positive and ER- negative breast cancer cells. Estrogen signaling at the cell membrane via ERα36 appears as capable of activating multiple pathways of importance for cancer aggressiveness and metastatic potential. The presence of serum autoantibodies reacting with mERα (anti-ERα Abs) in a large percentage of patients with breast cancer has recently been reported by our group. These anti-ERα Abs seem to act as estrogen agonists rapidly triggering MAP kinase pathway activation thus inducing tumor cell proliferation and overcoming cell resistance to anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen. In this review, we describe the involvement of ERα36 in different tumors. We also report the potential pathogenetic activity of anti-ERα Abs and their implication in drug resistance.
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24
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Matteoni S, Abbruzzese C, Villani V, Malorni W, Pace A, Matarrese P, Paggi MG. The influence of patient sex on clinical approaches to malignant glioma. Cancer Lett 2019; 468:41-47. [PMID: 31605777 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are tumors that originate from the glial tissue, thus involving the central nervous system with varying degrees of malignancy. The most aggressive and frequent form is glioblastoma multiforme, a disease characterized by resistance to therapies, frequent recurrences, and extremely poor median survival time. Data on overall glioma case studies demonstrate clear sex disparities regarding incidence, prognosis, drug toxicity, clinical outcome, and, recently, prediction of therapeutic response. In this study, we analyze data in the literature regarding malignant glioma, mainly glioblastoma multiforme, focusing on epidemiological and clinical evaluations. Less discussed issues, such as the role of viral infections, energy metabolism, and predictive aspects concerning the possible use of dedicated therapeutic approaches for male or female patients, will be reported together with different estimated pathogenetic mechanisms underlying astrocyte transformation and glioma chemosensitivity. In this era, where personalized/precision medicine is the most important driver for targeted cancer therapies, the lines of evidence discussed herein strongly suggest that clinical approaches to malignant glioma should consider the patient's sex. Furthermore, retrospectively revising previous clinical studies considering patient sex as a crucial variable is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Matteoni
- IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Villani
- IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy; University of Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco G Paggi
- IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy.
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25
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Qu C, Ma J, Zhang Y, Han C, Huang L, Shen L, Li H, Wang X, Liu J, Zou W. Estrogen receptor variant ER-α36 promotes tamoxifen agonist activity in glioblastoma cells. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:221-234. [PMID: 30417588 PMCID: PMC6317923 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly infiltrative and malignant primary brain tumor. Despite aggressive therapy, patients with GBM have a dismal prognosis with median survival of approximately 1 year. Tamoxifen (TAM), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has been used to treat GBM for many years. ER‐α36 is a novel variant of estrogen receptor‐alpha66 (ER‐α66) and can mediate cell proliferation through estrogen or anti‐estrogen signaling in different cancer cells. Previously, we found that ER‐α36 was highly expressed in GBM and was involved in the tamoxifen sensitivity of glioblastoma cells. However, the molecular mechanism responsible has not been well established. Here, we found that ER‐α36 is highly expressed in glioblastoma specimens. We further found that ER‐α36 knockdown increased sensitivity of glioblastoma U87 cells to TAM and decreased autophagy in these cells. However, ER‐α36 overexpression decreased TAM sensitivity and induced autophagy. We also established TAM‐resistant glioblastoma U251 cells by a long‐term culture in TAM‐containing medium and found that TAM‐resistant cells showed a six‐fold increase of ER‐α36 mRNA expression and elevated basal autophagy. ER‐α36 knockdown in these TAM‐resistant cells restored TAM sensitivity. In addition, we recapitulated the physiologically relevant tumor microenvironment in an integrated microfluidic device, and U87 cells were treated with a gradient of TAM. We found that ER‐α36 expression is consistent with autophagy protein P62 in a three‐dimensional microenvironment. In summary, these results indicate that ER‐α36 contributes to tamoxifen resistance in glioblastoma cells presumably through regulation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Qu
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.,Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Research Centre, No. 210 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Jingyun Ma
- Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yejun Zhang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Chao Han
- Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liang Huang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Liming Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Research Centre, No. 210 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Zou
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
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