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Kong WS, Li JJ, Deng YQ, Ju HQ, Xu RH. Immunomodulatory molecules in colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217113. [PMID: 39009068 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217113] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to clinical diagnosis and treatment, liver metastasis occurs in approximately 50 % of CRC patients, indicating a poor prognosis. The unique immune tolerance of the liver fosters an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In the context of tumors, numerous membrane and secreted proteins have been linked to tumor immune evasion as immunomodulatory molecules, but much remains unknown about how these proteins contribute to immune evasion in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). This article reviews recently discovered membrane and secreted proteins with roles as both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive molecules within the TME that influence immune evasion in CRC primary and metastatic lesions, particularly their mechanisms in promoting CRLM. This article also addresses screening strategies for identifying proteins involved in immune evasion in CRLM and provides insights into potential protein targets for treating CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Shuai Kong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jia-Jun Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yu-Qing Deng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Chaudhry KA, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a tumor modulator: mechanisms to therapy. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1375905. [PMID: 38807762 PMCID: PMC11130384 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1375905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is widely recognized to play important, but complex, modulatory roles in a variety of tumor types. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the increasingly controversial role of AhR as a tumor regulator and the mechanisms by which it alters tumor progression based on the cancer cell type. Finally, we discuss new and emerging strategies to therapeutically modulate AhR, focusing on novel agents that hold promise in current human clinical trials as well as existing FDA-approved drugs that could potentially be repurposed for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
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3
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Song XQ, Shao ZM. Identification of immune-related prognostic biomarkers in triple-negative breast cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1707-1720. [PMID: 38737702 PMCID: PMC11082668 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1554] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type of breast cancer, lacks immune-related markers that can be used for prognosis or prediction. Therefore, we created a predictive framework for TNBC using a risk assessment. Methods Our previous study group consisted of 360 individuals who were diagnosed with TNBC through pathology using RNA sequencing and had clinical data from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC). A risk scoring model was constructed using the Cox regression method with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). A multivariate Cox regression analysis was utilized to develop the prediction model, which was then assessed using the consistency index and calibration plots. The validation cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) TNBC confirmed the strength of the signatures' predictive value. Results The prognostic risk score model included 12 genes: TDO2, CHIT1, CARML2, HLA-C, ADIRF, C19orf33, CA8, AHNAK2, RHOV, OPLAH, THEM6, and NEBL. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for survivability values at 1, 3, and 5 years in the FUSCC TNBC cohort demonstrated area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.78, 0.83, and 0.75, respectively. These results indicated a high level of accuracy in predicting outcomes, which was further confirmed through validation using TCGA database. The patients in the high-risk group showed worse prognoses and lower levels of immune cell infiltration, specifically CD8+ T cells, than those in the low-risk group. Furthermore, the low-risk group exhibited a significant upregulation of genes that encode immune checkpoints, including CD274 and CTLA4, suggesting that immunotherapy may yield enhanced efficacy within this particular group. Conclusions In conclusion, the prognostic signature consisting of 12 genes can assist in the choice of immunotherapy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Song
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Crump LS, Floyd JL, Kuo LW, Post MD, Bickerdike M, O'Neill K, Sompel K, Jordan KR, Corr BR, Marjon N, Woodruff ER, Richer JK, Bitler BG. Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism in Ovarian Cancer to Attenuate Macrophage Infiltration and PD-L1 Expression. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:822-833. [PMID: 38451784 PMCID: PMC10946310 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) of the fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum is the most common type of ovarian cancer and is predicted to be immunogenic because the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes conveys a better prognosis. However, the efficacy of immunotherapies has been limited because of the immune-suppressed tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor metabolism and immune-suppressive metabolites directly affect immune cell function through the depletion of nutrients and activation of immune-suppressive transcriptional programs. Tryptophan (TRP) catabolism is a contributor to HGSC disease progression. Two structurally distinct rate-limiting TRP catabolizing enzymes, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2), evolved separately to catabolize TRP. IDO1/TDO2 are aberrantly expressed in carcinomas and metabolize TRP into the immune-suppressive metabolite kynurenine (KYN), which can engage the aryl hydrocarbon receptor to drive immunosuppressive transcriptional programs. To date, IDO inhibitors tested in clinical trials have had limited efficacy, but those inhibitors did not target TDO2, and we find that HGSC cell lines and clinical outcomes are more dependent on TDO2 than IDO1. To identify inflammatory HGSC cancers with poor prognosis, we stratified patient ascites samples by IL6 status, which correlates with poor prognosis. Metabolomics revealed that IL6-high patient samples had enriched KYN. TDO2 knockdown significantly inhibited HGSC growth and TRP catabolism. The orally available dual IDO1/TDO2 inhibitor, AT-0174, significantly inhibited tumor progression, reduced tumor-associated macrophages, and reduced expression of immune-suppressive proteins on immune and tumor cells. These studies demonstrate the importance of TDO2 and the therapeutic potential of AT-0174 to overcome an immune-suppressed TME. SIGNIFICANCE Developing strategies to improve response to chemotherapy is essential to extending disease-free intervals for patients with HGSC of the fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum. In this article, we demonstrate that targeting TRP catabolism, particularly with dual inhibition of TDO2 and IDO1, attenuates the immune-suppressive microenvironment and, when combined with chemotherapy, extends survival compared with chemotherapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey S. Crump
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jessica L. Floyd
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Li-Wei Kuo
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Miriam D. Post
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mike Bickerdike
- Antido Therapeutics, Melbourne, Australia
- BioTarget Consulting, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathleen O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kayla Sompel
- Division of Reproductive Sciences Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kimberly R. Jordan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Bradley R. Corr
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nicole Marjon
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elizabeth R. Woodruff
- Division of Reproductive Sciences Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jennifer K. Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Benjamin G. Bitler
- Division of Reproductive Sciences Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Yu L, Lu J, Du W. Tryptophan metabolism in digestive system tumors: unraveling the pathways and implications. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:174. [PMID: 38462620 PMCID: PMC10926624 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism plays a crucial role in influencing the development of digestive system tumors. Dysregulation of Trp and its metabolites has been identified in various digestive system cancers, including esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Aberrantly expressed Trp metabolites are associated with diverse clinical features in digestive system tumors. Moreover, the levels of these metabolites can serve as prognostic indicators and predictors of recurrence risk in patients with digestive system tumors. Trp metabolites exert their influence on tumor growth and metastasis through multiple mechanisms, including immune evasion, angiogenesis promotion, and drug resistance enhancement. Suppressing the expression of key enzymes in Trp metabolism can reduce the accumulation of these metabolites, effectively impacting their role in the promotion of tumor progression and metastasis. Strategies targeting Trp metabolism through specific enzyme inhibitors or tailored drugs exhibit considerable promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes for digestive system tumors. In addition, integrating these approaches with immunotherapy holds the potential to further enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
| | - Weibo Du
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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Wang Z, Zhang Y, Liao Z, Huang M, Shui X. The potential of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as receptors for metabolic changes in tumors. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1328606. [PMID: 38434684 PMCID: PMC10904539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1328606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells can alter their metabolism to meet energy and molecular requirements due to unfavorable environments with oxygen and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, metabolic reprogramming is common in a tumor microenvironment (TME). Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor, which can be activated by many exogenous and endogenous ligands. Multiple AhR ligands can be produced by both TME and tumor cells. By attaching to various ligands, AhR regulates cancer metabolic reprogramming by dysregulating various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. These regulated pathways greatly contribute to cancer cell growth, metastasis, and evading cancer therapies; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we review the relationship between TME and metabolism and describe the important role of AhR in cancer regulation. We also focus on recent findings to discuss the idea that AhR acts as a receptor for metabolic changes in tumors, which may provide new perspectives on the direction of AhR research in tumor metabolic reprogramming and future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Wang
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanqi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihong Liao
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingzhang Huang
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaorong Shui
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Griffith BD, Frankel TL. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Impact on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Modulation as a Potential Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:472. [PMID: 38339226 PMCID: PMC10854841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitous nuclear receptor with a broad range of functions, both in tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Activation of AhR has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect in a variety of organs, through induction of cellular proliferation and migration, promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and inhibition of apoptosis, among other functions. However, the impact on immune cell function is more complicated, with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles identified. Although targeting AhR in cancer has shown significant promise in pre-clinical studies, there has been limited efficacy in phase III clinical trials to date. With the contrasting roles of AhR activation on immune cell polarization, understanding the impact of AhR activation on the tumor immune microenvironment is necessary to guide therapies targeting the AhR. This review article summarizes the state of knowledge of AhR activation on the TME, limitations of current findings, and the potential for modulation of the AhR as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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8
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Zhao Q, Zong H, Zhu P, Su C, Tang W, Chen Z, Jin S. Crosstalk between colorectal CSCs and immune cells in tumorigenesis, and strategies for targeting colorectal CSCs. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38254219 PMCID: PMC10802076 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of colorectal cancer, and relapse after tumor immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities, are resistant to traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, CSCs have been proven to be the cells driving tumor relapse after immunotherapy. However, the mutual interactions between CSCs and cancer niche immune cells are largely uncharacterized. In this review, we focus on colorectal CSCs, CSC-immune cell interactions and CSC-based immunotherapy. Colorectal CSCs are characterized by robust expression of surface markers such as CD44, CD133 and Lgr5; hyperactivation of stemness-related signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo/Yap1, Jak/Stat and Notch pathways; and disordered epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA action. Moreover, colorectal CSCs express abnormal levels of immune-related genes such as MHC and immune checkpoint molecules and mutually interact with cancer niche cells in multiple tumorigenesis-related processes, including tumor initiation, maintenance, metastasis and drug resistance. To date, many therapies targeting CSCs have been evaluated, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody‒drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, tumor vaccines adoptive cell therapy, and small molecule inhibitors. With the development of CSC-/niche-targeting technology, as well as the integration of multidisciplinary studies, novel therapies that eliminate CSCs and reverse their immunosuppressive microenvironment are expected to be developed for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hong Zong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chang Su
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- The Research and Application Center of Precision Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jing‑ba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Shuiling Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Liu H, Deng R, Zhu CW, Han HK, Zong GF, Ren L, Cheng P, Wei ZH, Zhao Y, Yu SY, Lu Y. Rosmarinic acid in combination with ginsenoside Rg1 suppresses colon cancer metastasis via co-inhition of COX-2 and PD1/PD-L1 signaling axis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:193-208. [PMID: 37749237 PMCID: PMC10770033 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01158-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of mortality among CRC patients. Elevated COX-2 and PD-L1 expression in colon cancer tissue has been linked to distant metastasis of tumor cells. Although COX-2 inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate improved anti-tumor efficacy, their toxicity and variable therapeutic effects in individual patients raise concerns. To address this challenge, it is vital to identify traditional Chinese medicine components that modulate COX-2 and PD-1/PD-L1: rosmarinic acid (RA) exerts striking inhibitory effect on COX-2, while ginsenoside Rg1 (GR) possesses the potential to suppress the binding of PD-1/PD-L1. In this study we investigated whether the combination of RA and GR could exert anti-metastatic effects against CRC. MC38 tumor xenograft mouse model with lung metastasis was established. The mice were administered RA (100 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) alone or in combination with GR (100 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.). We showed that RA (50, 100, 150 μM) or a COX-2 inhibitor Celecoxib (1, 3, 9 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited the migration and invasion of MC38 cells in vitro. We further demonstrated that RA and Celecoxib inhibited the metastasis of MC38 tumors in vitro and in vivo via interfering with the COX-2-MYO10 signaling axis and inhibiting the generation of filopodia. In the MC38 tumor xenograft mice, RA administration significantly decreased the number of metastatic foci in the lungs detected by Micro CT scanning; RA in combination with GR that had inhibitory effect on the binding of PD-1 and PD-L1 further suppressed the lung metastasis of colon cancer. Compared to COX-2 inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, RA and GR displayed better safety profiles without disrupting the tissue structures of the liver, stomach and colon, offering insights into the lower toxic effects of clinical traditional Chinese medicine against tumors while retaining its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rui Deng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Cheng-Wei Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hong-Kuan Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Gang-Fan Zong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lang Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhong-Hong Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Su-Yun Yu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yin Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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10
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Kou Z, Tran F, Dai W. Heavy metals, oxidative stress, and the role of AhR signaling. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 482:116769. [PMID: 38007072 PMCID: PMC10988536 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor pivotal in responding to environmental stress and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Exposure to specific xenobiotics or industrial compounds in the environment activates AhR and its subsequent signaling, inducing oxidative stress and related toxicity. Past research has also identified and characterized several classes of endogenous ligands, particularly some tryptophan (Trp) metabolic/catabolic products, that act as AhR agonists, influencing a variety of physiological and pathological states, including the modulation of immune responses and cell death. Heavy metals, being non-essential elements in the human body, are generally perceived as toxic and hazardous, originating either naturally or from industrial activities. Emerging evidence indicates that heavy metals significantly influence AhR activation and its downstream signaling. This review consolidates current knowledge on the modulation of the AhR signaling pathway by heavy metals, explores the consequences of co-exposure to AhR ligands and heavy metals, and investigates the interplay between oxidative stress and AhR activation, focusing on the regulation of immune responses and ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Kou
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, 341 East 25(th) Street, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Franklin Tran
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, 341 East 25(th) Street, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Wei Dai
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, 341 East 25(th) Street, New York, NY 10010, United States of America.
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11
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Kong J, Xu S, Zhang P, Zhao Y. CXCL1 promotes immune escape in colorectal cancer by autophagy-mediated MHC-I degradation. Hum Immunol 2023; 84:110716. [PMID: 37802708 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy is now seen as a potential remedy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Chemokines play a crucial role in tumors, including CRC, which contains CXCL1. We attempted to study how CXCL1 impacts immune escape in CRC. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was used to examine CXCL1 level in CRC. qRT-PCR was used to assess CXCL1 and MHC-I (HLA-A, B, C) levels. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to measure cell viability. Cytotoxicity assay kit was utilized to assay CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity against CRC. Flow cytometry tested proliferation and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells. Chemotaxis assay evaluated chemotaxis of CD8+ T cells towards CRC. Immunofluorescence examined expression of autophagy marker LC3 and localization of NBR1/MHC-I. Western blot analysis measured protein levels of chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, autophagy-related proteins LC3-I and LC3-II, and MHC-I (HLA-A, B, C). RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR presented that CXCL1 was upregulated in CRC. Cell experiments demonstrated that CXCL1 overexpression promoted immune escape in CRC. Rescue experiments revealed that the autophagy inducer Rapa could attenuate the inhibitory effect of CXCL1 low expression on immune escape in CRC. Further studies showed that CXCL1 promoted immune escape in CRC by autophagy-mediated MHC-I degradation. CONCLUSION CXCL1 promoted immune escape in CRC by autophagy-mediated MHC-I degradation, suggesting that CXCL1 may be a possible immunotherapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiao Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China
| | - Song Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China.
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China.
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12
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León-Letelier RA, Dou R, Vykoukal J, Sater AHA, Ostrin E, Hanash S, Fahrmann JF. The kynurenine pathway presents multi-faceted metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1256769. [PMID: 37876966 PMCID: PMC10591110 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1256769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) and associated catabolites play key roles in promoting tumor progression and modulating the host anti-tumor immune response. To date, considerable focus has been on the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and its catabolite, kynurenine (Kyn). However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that downstream KP enzymes and their associated metabolite products can also elicit tumor-microenvironment immune suppression. These advancements in our understanding of the tumor promotive role of the KP have led to the conception of novel therapeutic strategies to target the KP pathway for anti-cancer effects and reversal of immune escape. This review aims to 1) highlight the known biological functions of key enzymes in the KP, and 2) provide a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging therapies aimed at targeting discrete enzymes in the KP for anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A. León-Letelier
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rongzhang Dou
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jody Vykoukal
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ali Hussein Abdel Sater
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Edwin Ostrin
- Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samir Hanash
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Johannes F. Fahrmann
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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13
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Farooqi AA, Rakhmetova V, Kapanova G, Tanbayeva G, Mussakhanova A, Abdykulova A, Ryskulova AG. Role of Ubiquitination and Epigenetics in the Regulation of AhR Signaling in Carcinogenesis and Metastasis: "Albatross around the Neck" or "Blessing in Disguise". Cells 2023; 12:2382. [PMID: 37830596 PMCID: PMC10571945 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms and signal transduction cascades evoked by the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) are becoming increasingly understandable. AhR is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor that integrates environmental, dietary and metabolic cues for the pleiotropic regulation of a wide variety of mechanisms. AhR mediates transcriptional programming in a ligand-specific, context-specific and cell-type-specific manner. Pioneering cutting-edge research works have provided fascinating new insights into the mechanistic role of AhR-driven downstream signaling in a wide variety of cancers. AhR ligands derived from food, environmental contaminants and intestinal microbiota strategically activated AhR signaling and regulated multiple stages of cancer. Although AhR has classically been viewed and characterized as a ligand-regulated transcriptional factor, its role as a ubiquitin ligase is fascinating. Accordingly, recent evidence has paradigmatically shifted our understanding and urged researchers to drill down deep into these novel and clinically valuable facets of AhR biology. Our rapidly increasing realization related to AhR-mediated regulation of the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of different proteins has started to scratch the surface of intriguing mechanisms. Furthermore, AhR and epigenome dynamics have shown previously unprecedented complexity during multiple stages of cancer progression. AhR not only transcriptionally regulated epigenetic-associated molecules, but also worked with epigenetic-modifying enzymes during cancer progression. In this review, we have summarized the findings obtained not only from cell-culture studies, but also from animal models. Different clinical trials are currently being conducted using AhR inhibitors and PD-1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab and nivolumab), which confirm the linchpin role of AhR-related mechanistic details in cancer progression. Therefore, further studies are required to develop a better comprehension of the many-sided and "diametrically opposed" roles of AhR in the regulation of carcinogenesis and metastatic spread of cancer cells to the secondary organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 54000, Pakistan
| | - Venera Rakhmetova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Astana, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnara Kapanova
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
- Scientific Center of Anti-Infectious Drugs, 75 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnur Tanbayeva
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
| | - Akmaral Mussakhanova
- Department of Public Health and Management, Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Akmaral Abdykulova
- Department of General Medical Practice, General Medicine Faculty, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Alma-Gul Ryskulova
- Department of Public Health and Social Sciences, Kazakhstan Medical University “KSPH”, Utenos Str. 19A, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan;
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14
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Hjazi A, Nasir F, Noor R, Alsalamy A, Zabibah RS, Romero-Parra RM, Ullah MI, Mustafa YF, Qasim MT, Akram SV. The pathological role of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression; special focus on molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutics. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154616. [PMID: 37379710 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is comprised of transformed cells and non-malignant cells including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), endothelial vasculature cells, and tumor-infiltrating cells. These nonmalignant cells, as well as soluble factors (e.g., cytokines), and the extracellular matrix (ECM), form the tumor microenvironment (TME). In general, the cancer cells and their surrounding TME can crosstalk by direct cell-to-cell contact and via soluble factors, such as cytokines (e.g., chemokines). TME not only promotes cancer progression through growth-promoting cytokines but also provides resistance to chemotherapy. Understanding the mechanisms of tumor growth and progression and the roles of chemokines in CRC will likely suggest new therapeutic targets. In this line, a plethora of reports has evidenced the critical role of chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12 or SDF-1) axis in CRC pathogenesis. In the current review, we take a glimpse into the role of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in CRC growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and immune escape. Also, a summary of recent reports concerning targeting CXCR4/CXCL12 axis for CRC management and therapy has been delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rabia Noor
- Amna Inayat Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of Medical Technique, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq
| | - Rahman S Zabibah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | | | - Muhammad Ikram Ullah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 75471, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41001, Iraq
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health and Medical Technololgy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Shaik Vaseem Akram
- Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Division of Research & Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
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15
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Ohata H, Shiokawa D, Sakai H, Kanda Y, Okimoto Y, Kaneko S, Hamamoto R, Nakagama H, Okamoto K. PROX1 induction by autolysosomal activity stabilizes persister-like state of colon cancer via feedback repression of the NOX1-mTORC1 pathway. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112519. [PMID: 37224811 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemoresistance is often attributed to slow-cycling persister populations with cancer stem cell (CSC)-like features. However, how persister populations emerge and prevail in cancer remains obscure. We previously demonstrated that while the NOX1-mTORC1 pathway is responsible for proliferation of a fast-cycling CSC population, PROX1 expression is required for chemoresistant persisters in colon cancer. Here, we show that enhanced autolysosomal activity mediated by mTORC1 inhibition induces PROX1 expression and that PROX1 induction in turn inhibits NOX1-mTORC1 activation. CDX2, identified as a transcriptional activator of NOX1, mediates PROX1-dependent NOX1 inhibition. PROX1-positive and CDX2-positive cells are present in distinct populations, and mTOR inhibition triggers conversion of the CDX2-positive population to the PROX1-positive population. Inhibition of autophagy synergizes with mTOR inhibition to block cancer proliferation. Thus, mTORC1 inhibition-mediated induction of PROX1 stabilizes a persister-like state with high autolysosomal activity via a feedback regulation that involves a key cascade of proliferating CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Ohata
- Teikyo University, Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | | | - Hiroaki Sakai
- Teikyo University, Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kanda
- Teikyo University, Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | - Yoshie Okimoto
- Teikyo University, Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
| | - Syuzo Kaneko
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Division of Medical AI Research and Development, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | | | - Koji Okamoto
- Teikyo University, Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan.
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16
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Stone TW, Williams RO. Interactions of IDO and the Kynurenine Pathway with Cell Transduction Systems and Metabolism at the Inflammation-Cancer Interface. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112895. [PMID: 37296860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying a relationship between inflammation and cancer are unclear, but much emphasis has been placed on the role of tryptophan metabolism to kynurenine and downstream metabolites, as these make a substantial contribution to the regulation of immune tolerance and susceptibility to cancer. The proposed link is supported by the induction of tryptophan metabolism by indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) or tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), in response to injury, infection or stress. This review will summarize the kynurenine pathway and will then focus on the bi-directional interactions with other transduction pathways and cancer-related factors. The kynurenine pathway can interact with and modify activity in many other transduction systems, potentially generating an extended web of effects other than the direct effects of kynurenine and its metabolites. Conversely, the pharmacological targeting of those other systems could greatly enhance the efficacy of changes in the kynurenine pathway. Indeed, manipulating those interacting pathways could affect inflammatory status and tumor development indirectly via the kynurenine pathway, while pharmacological modulation of the kynurenine pathway could indirectly influence anti-cancer protection. While current efforts are progressing to account for the failure of selective IDO1 inhibitors to inhibit tumor growth and to devise means of circumventing the issue, it is clear that there are wider factors involving the relationship between kynurenines and cancer that merit detailed consideration as alternative drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
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17
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Selvaggi F, Catalano T, Lattanzio R, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Wingless/It/β-catenin signaling in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer: A focus on biological mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2764-2783. [PMID: 37274070 PMCID: PMC10237106 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i18.2764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common site of metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. Colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) are the result of molecular mechanisms that involve different cells of the liver microenvironment. The aberrant activation of Wingless/It (Wnt)/β-catenin signals downstream of Wnt ligands initially drives the oncogenic transformation of the colon epithelium, but also the progression of metastatization through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition/mesenchymal-epithelial transition interactions. In liver microenvironment, metastatic cells can also survive and adapt through dormancy, which makes them less susceptible to pro-apoptotic signals and therapies. Treatment of CRLMs is challenging due to its variability and heterogeneity. Advances in surgery and oncology have been made in the last decade and a pivotal role for Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been re-cognized in chemoresistance. At the state of art, there is a lack of clear understanding of why and how this occurs and thus where exactly the opportunities for developing anti-CRLMs therapies may lie. In this review, current knowledge on the involvement of Wnt signaling in the development of CRLMs was considered. In addition, an overview of useful biomarkers with a revision of surgical and non-surgical therapies currently accepted in the clinical practice for colorectal liver metastasis patients were provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Selvaggi
- Department of Surgical, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata of Chieti, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, Villa Serena - Del Dott. L. Petruzzi, Città Sant’Angelo 65013, Pescara, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
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18
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Xu H, Hu C, Wang Y, Shi Y, Yuan L, Xu J, Zhang Y, Chen J, Wei Q, Qin J, Xu Z, Cheng X. Glutathione peroxidase 2 knockdown suppresses gastric cancer progression and metastasis via regulation of kynurenine metabolism. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02708-4. [PMID: 37138031 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02708-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most lethal malignancies due to its poor early diagnosis and high metastasis rate, and new therapeutic targets are urgently needed to develop effective anti-GC drugs. Glutathione peroxidase-2 (GPx2) plays various roles in tumor progression and patient survival. Herein, we found that GPx2 was overexpressed and negatively correlated with poor prognosis by using clinical GC samples for validation. GPx2 knockdown suppressed GC proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. In addition, proteomic analysis revealed that GPx2 expression regulated kynureninase (KYNU)-mediated metabolism. As one of the key proteins involved in tryptophan catabolism, KYNU can degrade the tryptophan metabolite kynurenine (kyn), which is an endogenous ligand for AhR. Next, we revealed that the activation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated KYNU-kyn-AhR signaling pathway caused by GPx2 knockdown was involved in GC progression and metastasis. In conclusion, our results showed that GPx2 acted as an oncogene in GC and that GPx2 knockdown suppressed GC progression and metastasis by suppressing the KYNU-kyn-AhR signaling pathway, which was caused by the accumulation of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handong Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Can Hu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yunfu Shi
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy Combining Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Jingli Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Yanqiang Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Qin Wei
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Jiangjiang Qin
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| | - Xiangdong Cheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
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19
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Grishanova AY, Klyushova LS, Perepechaeva ML. AhR and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways and Their Interplay. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3848-3876. [PMID: 37232717 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As evolutionarily conserved signaling cascades, AhR and Wnt signaling pathways play a critical role in the control over numerous vital embryonic and somatic processes. AhR performs many endogenous functions by integrating its signaling pathway into organ homeostasis and into the maintenance of crucial cellular functions and biological processes. The Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and many other phenomena, and this regulation is important for embryonic development and the dynamic balance of adult tissues. AhR and Wnt are the main signaling pathways participating in the control of cell fate and function. They occupy a central position in a variety of processes linked with development and various pathological conditions. Given the importance of these two signaling cascades, it would be interesting to elucidate the biological implications of their interaction. Functional connections between AhR and Wnt signals take place in cases of crosstalk or interplay, about which quite a lot of information has been accumulated in recent years. This review is focused on recent studies about the mutual interactions of key mediators of AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and on the assessment of the complexity of the crosstalk between the AhR signaling cascade and the canonical Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alevtina Y Grishanova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Lyubov S Klyushova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Maria L Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
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20
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Newton A, McCann L, Huo L, Liu A. Kynurenine Pathway Regulation at Its Critical Junctions with Fluctuation of Tryptophan. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040500. [PMID: 37110158 PMCID: PMC10143591 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the primary route for the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan. The central KP metabolites are neurologically active molecules or biosynthetic precursors to critical molecules, such as NAD+. Within this pathway are three enzymes of interest, HAO, ACMSD, and AMSDH, whose substrates and/or products can spontaneously cyclize to form side products such as quinolinic acid (QA or QUIN) and picolinic acid. Due to their unstable nature for spontaneous autocyclization, it might be expected that the levels of these side products would be dependent on tryptophan intake; however, this is not the case in healthy individuals. On top of that, the regulatory mechanisms of the KP remain unknown, even after a deeper understanding of the structure and mechanism of the enzymes that handle these unstable KP metabolic intermediates. Thus, the question arises, how do these enzymes compete with the autocyclization of their substrates, especially amidst increased tryptophan levels? Here, we propose the formation of a transient enzyme complex as a regulatory mechanism for metabolite distribution between enzymatic and non-enzymatic routes during periods of increased metabolic intake. Amid high levels of tryptophan, HAO, ACMSD, and AMSDH may bind together, forming a tunnel to shuttle the metabolites through each enzyme, consequently regulating the autocyclization of their products. Though further research is required to establish the formation of transient complexation as a solution to the regulatory mysteries of the KP, our docking model studies support this new hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Newton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Luree McCann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Lu Huo
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Aimin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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21
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Sweeney C, Lazennec G, Vogel CFA. Environmental exposure and the role of AhR in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1095289. [PMID: 36588678 PMCID: PMC9797527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1095289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through environmental exposure to chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) can lead to severe adverse health effects and increase the risk of breast cancer. This review considers several mechanisms which link the tumor promoting effects of environmental pollutants with the AhR signaling pathway, contributing to the development and progression of breast cancer. We explore AhR's function in shaping the tumor microenvironment, modifying immune tolerance, and regulating cancer stemness, driving breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis. The complexity of AhR, with evidence for both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles is discussed. We propose that AhR functions as a "molecular bridge", linking disproportionate toxin exposure and policies which underlie environmental injustice with tumor cell behaviors which drive poor patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Gwendal Lazennec
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, SYS2DIAG-ALCEN, Cap Delta, Montpellier, France
| | - Christoph F. A. Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Niu Y, Yang W, Qian H, Sun Y. Intracellular and extracellular factors of colorectal cancer liver metastasis: a pivotal perplex to be fully elucidated. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:341. [DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02766-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMetastasis is the leading cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, and the liver is the most common site of metastasis. Tumor cell metastasis can be thought of as an invasion-metastasis cascade and metastatic organotropism is thought to be a process that relies on the intrinsic properties of tumor cells and their interactions with molecules and cells in the microenvironment. Many studies have provided new insights into the molecular mechanism and contributing factors involved in CRC liver metastasis for a better understanding of the organ-specific metastasis process. The purpose of this review is to summarize the theories that explain CRC liver metastasis at multiple molecular dimensions (including genetic and non-genetic factors), as well as the main factors that cause CRC liver metastasis. Many findings suggest that metastasis may occur earlier than expected and with specific organ-anchoring property. The emergence of potential metastatic clones, the timing of dissemination, and the distinct routes of metastasis have been explained by genomic studies. The main force of CRC liver metastasis is also thought to be epigenetic alterations and dynamic phenotypic traits. Furthermore, we review key extrinsic factors that influence CRC cell metastasis and liver tropisms, such as pre-niches, tumor stromal cells, adhesion molecules, and immune/inflammatory responses in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, biomarkers associated with early diagnosis, prognosis, and recurrence of liver metastasis from CRC are summarized to enlighten potential clinical practice, including some markers that can be used as therapeutic targets to provide new perspectives for the treatment strategies of CRC liver metastasis.
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23
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Therachiyil L, Hussein OJ, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cancer and cancer stem cells of gynecological malignancies: An update on signaling pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1186-1202. [PMID: 36252938 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gynecological malignancies are a female type of cancers that affects the reproductive system. Cancer metastasis or recurrence mediated by cellular invasiveness occurs at advanced stages of cancer progression. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) enrichment in tumors leads to chemoresistance, which results in cancer mortality. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with an increased the risk of CSC enrichment in gynecological cancers. One of the important pathways that mediates the metabolism and bioactivation of these environmental chemicals is the transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The present review explores the molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk and interaction of the AhR with cancer-related signaling pathways, such as apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune checkpoints, and G-protein-coupled receptors in several gynecological malignancies such as ovarian, uterine, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The review also discusses the potential of targeting the AhR pathway as a novel chemotherapy for gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ola J Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Perez-Castro L, Venkateswaran N, Garcia R, Hao YH, Lafita-Navarro MC, Kim J, Segal D, Saponzik E, Chang BJ, Fiolka R, Danuser G, Xu L, Brabletz T, Conacci-Sorrell M. The AHR target gene scinderin activates the WNT pathway by facilitating the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs260028. [PMID: 36148682 PMCID: PMC10658791 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) regulates cellular detoxification, proliferation and immune evasion in a range of cell types and tissues, including cancer cells. In this study, we used RNA-sequencing to identify the signature of the AHR target genes regulated by the pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) and the endogenous ligand kynurenine (Kyn), a tryptophan-derived metabolite. This approach identified a signature of six genes (CYP1A1, ALDH1A3, ABCG2, ADGRF1 and SCIN) as commonly activated by endogenous or exogenous ligands of AHR in multiple colon cancer cell lines. Among these, the actin-severing protein scinderin (SCIN) was necessary for cell proliferation; SCIN downregulation limited cell proliferation and its expression increased it. SCIN expression was elevated in a subset of colon cancer patient samples, which also contained elevated β-catenin levels. Remarkably, SCIN expression promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin and activates the WNT pathway. Our study identifies a new mechanism for adhesion-mediated signaling in which SCIN, likely via its ability to alter the actin cytoskeleton, facilitates the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizbeth Perez-Castro
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Roy Garcia
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yi-Heng Hao
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - M. C. Lafita-Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jiwoong Kim
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Dagan Segal
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Etai Saponzik
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bo-Jui Chang
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Reto Fiolka
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gaudenz Danuser
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Maralice Conacci-Sorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Pancancer Analysis of Revealed TDO2 as a Biomarker of Prognosis and Immunotherapy. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:5447017. [PMID: 36118672 PMCID: PMC9481368 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5447017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) encoded by TDO2, a rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine pathway, catabolizes tryptophan to kynurenine, evades immune surveillance, and promotes tumor growth. Although accumulating evidence suggests a crucial role of TDO2 during tumor formation and development, systematic evaluation of TDO2 across human cancers has rarely been reported. Methods To shed more light on the role of TDO2 in human cancer, we explored the expression profiles of TDO2 and identified its prognostic value in pancancer analysis through TCGA, CCLE, and GTEx databases. We further utilized TCGA data to evaluate the association between TDO2 and tumor immunological features, such as mismatch repair (MMR), tumor immune infiltration, immune checkpoint-related genes, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT). Results TDO2 exhibited different expression levels in various cancer cell lines. Frequently, TDO2 was detected to be highly expressed in the majority of cancers. In addition, high TDO2 expression was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis for patients in KIRP, LGG, TGCT, and UVM. Moreover, high TDO2 expression level positively correlated with higher immune infiltration, especially dendritic cells. Additionally, there is a close relationship between TDO2 and immune checkpoint-related gene markers, such as LAIR1, CD276, NRP1, CD80, and CD86. Finally, correlation analysis has demonstrated a high-correlation between TDO2 and TMB, MSI, MMR, and DNMT of multiple cancer types. Conclusion Therefore, our results suggest that TDO2 can function as a potential prognostic biomarker due to its role in tumor immunity regulation.
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Chang YC, Shieh MC, Chang YH, Huang WL, Su WC, Cheng FY, Cheung CHA. Development of a cancer cells self‑activating and miR‑125a‑5p expressing poly‑pharmacological nanodrug for cancer treatment. Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:102. [PMID: 35703361 PMCID: PMC9239037 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5158] [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: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells can acquire resistance to targeted therapeutic agents when the designated targets or their downstream signaling molecules develop protein conformational or activity changes. There is an increasing interest in developing poly-pharmacologic anticancer agents to target multiple oncoproteins or signaling pathways in cancer cells. The microRNA 125a-5p (miR-125a-5p) is a tumor suppressor, and its expression has frequently been downregulated in tumors. By contrast, the anti-apoptotic molecule BIRC5/SURVIVIN is highly expressed in tumors but not in the differentiated normal tissues. In the present study, the development of a BIRC5 gene promoter-driven, miR-125a-5p expressing, poly-L-lysine-conjugated magnetite iron poly-pharmacologic nanodrug (pL-MNP-pSur-125a) was reported. The cancer cells self-activating property and the anticancer effects of this nanodrug were examined in both the multidrug efflux protein ABCB1/MDR1-expressing/-non-expressing cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. It was demonstrated that pL-MNP-pSur-125a decreased the expression of ERBB2/HER2, HDAC5, BIRC5, and SP1, which are hot therapeutic targets for cancer in vitro. Notably, pL-MNP-pSur-125a also downregulated the expression of TDO2 in the human KB cervical carcinoma cells. PL-MNP-pSur-125a decreased the viability of various BIRC5-expressing cancer cells, regardless of the tissue origin or the expression of ABCB1, but not of the human BIRC5-non-expressing HMEC-1 endothelial cells. In vivo, pL-MNP-pSur-125a exhibited potent antitumor growth effects, but without inducing liver toxicity, in various zebrafish human-ABCB1-expressing and ABCB1-non-expressing tumor xenograft models. In conclusion, pL-MNP-pSur-125a is an easy-to-prepare and a promising poly-pharmacological anticancer nanodrug that has the potential to manage numerous malignancies, particularly for patients with BIRC5/ABCB1-related drug resistance after prolonged chemotherapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chieh Chang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Min-Chieh Shieh
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia‑Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 600566, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Lun Huang
- Center of Applied Nanomedicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wu-Chou Su
- Center of Applied Nanomedicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fong-Yu Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 111396, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chun Hei Antonio Cheung
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan, R.O.C
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An Emerging Cross-Species Marker for Organismal Health: Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116300. [PMID: 35682980 PMCID: PMC9181223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP) is an essential dietary amino acid that, unless otherwise committed to protein synthesis, undergoes metabolism via the Tryptophan-Kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway in vertebrate organisms. TRP and its metabolites have key roles in diverse physiological processes including cell growth and maintenance, immunity, disease states and the coordination of adaptive responses to environmental and dietary cues. Changes in TRP metabolism can alter the availability of TRP for protein and serotonin biosynthesis as well as alter levels of the immune-active KYN pathway metabolites. There is now considerable evidence which has shown that the TRP-KYN pathway can be influenced by various stressors including glucocorticoids (marker of chronic stress), infection, inflammation and oxidative stress, and environmental toxicants. While there is little known regarding the role of TRP metabolism following exposure to environmental contaminants, there is evidence of linkages between chemically induced metabolic perturbations and altered TRP enzymes and KYN metabolites. Moreover, the TRP-KYN pathway is conserved across vertebrate species and can be influenced by exposure to xenobiotics, therefore, understanding how this pathway is regulated may have broader implications for environmental and wildlife toxicology. The goal of this narrative review is to (1) identify key pathways affecting Trp-Kyn metabolism in vertebrates and (2) highlight consequences of altered tryptophan metabolism in mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish. We discuss current literature available across species, highlight gaps in the current state of knowledge, and further postulate that the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio can be used as a novel biomarker for assessing organismal and, more broadly, ecosystem health.
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