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Liu R, Yu Y, Wang Q, Zhao Q, Yao Y, Sun M, Zhuang J, Sun C, Qi Y. Interactions between hedgehog signaling pathway and the complex tumor microenvironment in breast cancer: current knowledge and therapeutic promises. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:432. [PMID: 39252010 PMCID: PMC11382420 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01812-6] [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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer ranks as one of the most common malignancies among women, with its prognosis and therapeutic efficacy heavily influenced by factors associated with the tumor cell biology, particularly the tumor microenvironment (TME). The diverse elements of the TME are engaged in dynamic bidirectional signaling interactions with various pathways, which together dictate the growth, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of breast cancer. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, first identified in Drosophila, has been established as playing a critical role in human development and disease. Notably, the dysregulation of the Hh pathway is recognized as a major driver in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of breast cancer. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms by which the Hh pathway interacts with the distinct components of the breast cancer TME is essential for comprehensively evaluating the link between Hh pathway activation and breast cancer risk. This understanding is also imperative for devising novel targeted therapeutic strategies and preventive measures against breast cancer. In this review, we delineate the current understanding of the impact of Hh pathway perturbations on the breast cancer TME, including the intricate and complex network of intersecting signaling cascades. Additionally, we focus on the therapeutic promise and clinical challenges of Hh pathway inhibitors that target the TME, providing insights into their potential clinical utility and the obstacles that must be overcome to harness their full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Qingyang Wang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Qianxiang Zhao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Yan Yao
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Mengxuan Sun
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China.
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, 261000, China.
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261000, China.
| | - Yuanfu Qi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
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Dong K, Geng C, Zhan X, Sun Z, Pu Q, Li P, Song H, Zhao G, Gao H. GREB1L overexpression is associated with good clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:510. [PMID: 37964281 PMCID: PMC10644546 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. GREB1L is a protein-coding gene. Previous studies have shown that GREB1L plays a vital role in lung and gastric adenocarcinoma. Currently, there is no relevant report about its role in breast cancer. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to compare the expression level of GREB1L between tumor and normal tissues. The TISIDB website was used for prognosis analysis. The LinkedOmics database was used to predict the potential biological mechanism of GREB1L in breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the GREB1L expression level in breast tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the GREB1L expression level in cell lines. Transwell assays, CCK-8 cell proliferation assays, and colony formation assays were used to detect the migration, invasion, proliferation, and colony formation abilities of cells. Subcutaneous xenograft models were used to detect the in vivo tumor formation abilities of cells. RESULTS GREB1L is highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cells. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that GREB1L participates in the regulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway; changes in GREB1L expression affected the migration and invasion abilities of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Although changes in GREB1L expression did not affect their proliferation and colony formation abilities in vitro and in vivo, they affected the expression of tumor metastasis-related genes in vivo. The overexpression of GREB1L in breast cancer predicted a favorable prognosis. CONCLUSION These results showed that GREB1L is involved in the development of breast cancer, and it may be a potential molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Dong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Chenchen Geng
- Department of Ultrasound, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhan
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 58 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhi Sun
- Department of Breast Diseases, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, No. 4 Duanxing West Road, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Pu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyun Song
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- Women and Children's Hospital, Peking University People's Hospital (Qingdao), No. 7, Jinsheng 1St Road, Qingdao, 266111, Shandong, China.
- Medical Laboratory Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
| | - Haidong Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
- Oncology Laboratory, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China.
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3
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Chemotherapy suppresses SHH gene expression via a specific enhancer. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:27-37. [PMID: 35998878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.08.002] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is a key regulator of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis that is involved in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer progression. Regulation of SHH gene expression is a paradigm of long-range enhancer function. Using the classical chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5FU) as an example, here we show that SHH gene expression is suppressed by chemotherapy. SHH is downstream of immediate early genes (IEGs), including Early growth response 1 (Egr1). A specific 139 kb upstream enhancer is responsible for its down-regulation. Knocking down EGR1 expression or blocking its binding to this enhancer renders SHH unresponsive to chemotherapy. We further demonstrate that down-regulation of SHH expression does not depend on 5FU's impact on nucleotide metabolism or DNA damage; rather, a sustained oxidative stress response mediates this rapid suppression. This enhancer is present in a wide range of tumors and normal tissues, thus providing a target for cancer chemotherapy and its adverse effects on normal tissues. We propose that SHH is a stress-responsive gene downstream of IEGs, and that traditional chemotherapy targets a specific enhancer to suppress its expression.
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Jinling D, Liyuan F, Wenying F, Yuting H, Xiangyu T, Xiuning H, Yu T, Qianliang M, Linming G, Ning G, Peng L. Parthenolide promotes expansion of Nestin+ progenitor cells via Shh modulation and contributes to post-injury cerebellar replenishment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1051103. [PMID: 36386224 PMCID: PMC9651157 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1051103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Regeneration of injuries occurring in the central nervous system is extremely difficult. Studies have shown that the developing cerebellum can be repopulated by a group of Nestin-expressing progenitors (NEPs) after irradiation injury, suggesting that modulating the mobilization of NEPs is beneficial to promoting nerve regeneration. To date, however, effect of exogenous pharmaceutical agonist on NEPs mobilization remains unknown. Parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from shoots of feverfew. Although it has been shown to possess several pharmacological activities and is considered to have potential therapeutic effects on the regeneration of peripheral nerve injury, its efficacy in promoting central nervous system (CNS) regeneration is unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role and possible mechanism of PTL on regeneration in injured CNS after irradiation using a developing cerebellum model. Methods: We investigated the radioprotective effects of PTL on the developing cerebellum by immunoblotting as well as immunofluorescence staining and ROS detection in vivo and in vitro experiments, and then determined the effects of PTL on NEPs in Nestin CFP and Nestin GFP fluorescent mice. Inducible lineage tracing analysis was used in Nestin-CreERT2×ROSA26-LSL YFP mice to label and track the fate of NEPs in the cerebellum after irradiation. Combined with cell biology and molecular biology techniques to determine changes in various cellular components in the cerebellum and possible mechanisms of PTL on NEPs mobilization in the injured developing cerebellum. Results: We found that PTL could attenuate radiation-induced acute injury of granule neuron progenitors (GNPs) in irradiated cerebellar external granule layer (EGL) by alleviating apoptosis through regulation of the cells' redox state. Moreover, PTL increased cerebellar Shh production and secretion by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway, thus promoting expansion of NEPs, which is the compensatory replenishment of granule neurons after radiation damage. Conclusion: Collectively, our results indicate that activation and expansion of NEPs are critical for regeneration of the injured cerebellum, and that PTL is a promising drug candidate to influence this process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Peng
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Budimir I, Tomasović-Lončarić Č, Kralik K, Čonkaš J, Eljuga D, Žic R, Gorjanc B, Tucaković H, Caktaš D, Jaman J, Lisek V, Vlajčić Z, Martić K, Ozretić P. Higher Expressions of SHH and AR Are Associated with a Positive Receptor Status and Have Impact on Survival in a Cohort of Croatian Breast Cancer Patients. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101559. [PMID: 36294994 PMCID: PMC9605052 DOI: 10.3390/life12101559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers (BC) are usually classified into four molecular subtypes according to the expression of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) receptors and proliferation marker Ki-67. Despite available anti-hormonal therapies and due to the inherent propensity of some subtypes to develop metastasis, there is a permanent need to discover new prognostic and predictive biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets for BC. In this study, we used immunohistochemical staining to determine the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and sonic hedgehog protein (SHH), the main ligand of the Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling pathway, in 185 archival primary BC tissue samples and correlated it with clinicopathological characteristics, molecular subtypes, receptors statuses, and survival in a cohort of Croatian BC patients. Results showed that higher SHH and AR expressions were associated with positive receptor status, but increased SHH expression had a negative impact on survival in receptor-negative BCs. On the contrary, higher AR expression was mostly protective. However, multivariate analysis showed that only higher AR expression could be considered as an independent prognostic biomarker for poorer overall survival in triple-negative breast cancer patients (TNBC) (HR 10.9, 95% CI 1.43-83.67; p = 0.021), what could be Croatian population-related. SHH could be a potential target for treating TNBCs and HER2-enriched BCs, in cases where HH-GLI signaling is canonical (SHH-dependent).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Budimir
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Čedna Tomasović-Lončarić
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Kralik
- Department of Medical Statistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Josipa Čonkaš
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Eljuga
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Libertas International University, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rado Žic
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Božo Gorjanc
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Tucaković
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Doroteja Caktaš
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Jaman
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentino Lisek
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zlatko Vlajčić
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Martić
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (P.O.); Tel.: +385-98-752-178 (K.M.); +385-98-659-083 (P.O.)
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (P.O.); Tel.: +385-98-752-178 (K.M.); +385-98-659-083 (P.O.)
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6
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Sahoo OS, Pethusamy K, Srivastava TP, Talukdar J, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Dhar R, Karmakar S. The metabolic addiction of cancer stem cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:955892. [PMID: 35957877 PMCID: PMC9357939 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.955892] [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: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) are the minor population of cancer originating cells that have the capacity of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity (when transplanted into an immunocompromised animal). These low-copy number cell populations are believed to be resistant to conventional chemo and radiotherapy. It was reported that metabolic adaptation of these elusive cell populations is to a large extent responsible for their survival and distant metastasis. Warburg effect is a hallmark of most cancer in which the cancer cells prefer to metabolize glucose anaerobically, even under normoxic conditions. Warburg's aerobic glycolysis produces ATP efficiently promoting cell proliferation by reprogramming metabolism to increase glucose uptake and stimulating lactate production. This metabolic adaptation also seems to contribute to chemoresistance and immune evasion, a prerequisite for cancer cell survival and proliferation. Though we know a lot about metabolic fine-tuning in cancer, what is still in shadow is the identity of upstream regulators that orchestrates this process. Epigenetic modification of key metabolic enzymes seems to play a decisive role in this. By altering the metabolic flux, cancer cells polarize the biochemical reactions to selectively generate "onco-metabolites" that provide an added advantage for cell proliferation and survival. In this review, we explored the metabolic-epigenetic circuity in relation to cancer growth and proliferation and establish the fact how cancer cells may be addicted to specific metabolic pathways to meet their needs. Interestingly, even the immune system is re-calibrated to adapt to this altered scenario. Knowing the details is crucial for selective targeting of cancer stem cells by choking the rate-limiting stems and crucial branch points, preventing the formation of onco-metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om Saswat Sahoo
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of technology, Durgapur, India
| | - Karthikeyan Pethusamy
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Joyeeta Talukdar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed S. Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Computers and communications Department, College of Engineering, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Ruby Dhar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhradip Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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7
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Wilczyński JR. Cancer Stem Cells: An Ever-Hiding Foe. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:219-251. [PMID: 35165866 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a population of cells enable to reproduce the original phenotype of the tumor and capable to self-renewal, which is crucial for tumor proliferation, differentiation, recurrence, and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Therefore, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become one of the main targets for anticancer therapy and many ongoing clinical trials test anti-CSCs efficacy of plenty of drugs. This chapter describes CSCs starting from general description of this cell population, through CSCs markers, signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulation, role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transition and autophagy, cooperation with microenvironment (CSCs niche), and finally role of CSCs in escaping host immunosurveillance against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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8
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Lucanus AJ, Thike AA, Tan XF, Lee KW, Guo S, King VPC, Yap VB, Bay BH, Tan PH, Yip GW. KIF21A regulates breast cancer aggressiveness and is prognostic of patient survival and tumor recurrence. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 191:63-75. [PMID: 34698969 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06426-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Invasion of carcinoma cells into surrounding tissue affects breast cancer staging, influences choice of treatment, and impacts on patient outcome. KIF21A is a member of the kinesin superfamily that has been well-studied in congenital extraocular muscle fibrosis. However, its biological relevance in breast cancer is unknown. This study investigated the functional roles of KIF21A in this malignancy and examined its expression pattern in breast cancer tissue. METHODS The function of KIF21A in breast carcinoma was studied in vitro by silencing its expression in breast cancer cells and examining the changes in cellular activities. Immunohistochemical staining of breast cancer tissue microarrays was performed to determine the expression patterns of KIF21A. RESULTS Knocking down the expression of KIF21A using siRNA in MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 human breast cancer cells resulted in significant decreases in tumor cell migration and invasiveness. This was associated with reduced Patched 1 expression and F-actin microfilaments. Additionally, the number of focal adhesion kinase- and paxillin-associated focal adhesions was increased. Immunohistochemical staining of breast cancer tissue microarrays showed that KIF21A was expressed in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of carcinoma cells. Predominance of cytoplasmic KIF21A was significantly associated with larger tumors and high grade cancer, and prognostic of cause-specific overall patient survival and breast cancer recurrence. CONCLUSION The data demonstrates that KIF21A is an important regulator of breast cancer aggressiveness and may be useful in refining prognostication of this malignant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton J Lucanus
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117594, Singapore.,School of Anatomy, Human Biology and Physiology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Aye Aye Thike
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Xing Fei Tan
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117594, Singapore
| | - Kee Wah Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117594, Singapore
| | - Shiyuan Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117594, Singapore
| | - Victoria P C King
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117594, Singapore
| | - Von Bing Yap
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117546, Singapore
| | - Boon Huat Bay
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117594, Singapore
| | - Puay Hoon Tan
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - George W Yip
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117594, Singapore.
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshawsh MA, Wong WF, Arya A, Chong PP, Looi CY. The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1188. [PMID: 34572373 PMCID: PMC8466551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | | | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Aditya Arya
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Building 184, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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10
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Mani C, Tripathi K, Chaudhary S, Somasagara RR, Rocconi RP, Crasto C, Reedy M, Athar M, Palle K. Hedgehog/GLI1 Transcriptionally Regulates FANCD2 in Ovarian Tumor Cells: Its Inhibition Induces HR-Deficiency and Synergistic Lethality with PARP Inhibition. Neoplasia 2021; 23:1002-1015. [PMID: 34380074 PMCID: PMC8361230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal type of cancer in women due to a lack of effective targeted therapies and high rates of treatment resistance and disease recurrence. Recently Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have shown promise as chemotherapeutic agents; however, their efficacy is limited to a small fraction of patients with BRCA mutations. Here we show a novel function for the Hedgehog (Hh) transcription factor Glioma associated protein 1 (GLI1) in regulation of key Fanconi anemia (FA) gene, FANCD2 in OC cells. GLI1 inhibition in HR-proficient OC cells induces HR deficiency (BRCAness), replication stress and synergistic lethality when combined with PARP inhibition. Treatment of OC cells with combination of GLI1 and PARP inhibitors shows enhanced DNA damage, synergy in cytotoxicity, and strong in vivo anticancer responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinnadurai Mani
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Kaushlendra Tripathi
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Al 36904, USA
| | - Sandeep Chaudhary
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Al 35294, USA
| | - Ranganatha R Somasagara
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Al 36904, USA
| | - Rodney P Rocconi
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Al 36904, USA
| | - Chiquito Crasto
- Center for BioTechnology and Genomics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Mark Reedy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Al 35294, USA
| | - Komaraiah Palle
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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11
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Ko YC, Choi HS, Liu R, Lee DS. Physalin A, 13,14-Seco-16, 24-Cyclo-Steroid, Inhibits Stemness of Breast Cancer Cells by Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway and Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168718. [PMID: 34445421 PMCID: PMC8395918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays an important role in embryonic development and adult organ homeostasis. Aberrant activity of the Hedgehog signaling pathway induces many developmental disorders and cancers. Recent studies have investigated the relationship of this pathway with various cancers. GPCR-like protein Smoothened (SMO) and the glioma-associated oncogene (GLI1) are the main effectors of Hedgehog signaling. Physalin A, a bioactive substance derived from Physalis alkekengi, inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and mammospheres formation. Physalin A-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition of mammospheres, and reduced transcripts of cancer stem cell (CSC) marker genes. Physalin A reduced protein expressions of SMO and GLI1/2. Down-regulation of SMO and GLI1 using siRNA inhibited mammosphere formation. Physalin A reduced mammosphere formation by reducing GLI1 gene expression. Down-regulation of GLI1 reduced CSC marker genes. Physalin A reduced protein level of YAP1. Down-regulation of YAP1 using siRNA inhibited mammosphere formation. Physalin A reduced mammosphere formation through reduction of YAP1 gene expression. Down-regulation of YAP1 reduced CSC marker genes. We showed that treatment of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with GLI1 siRNA induced inhibition of mammosphere formation and down-regulation of YAP1, a Hippo pathway effector. These results show that Hippo signaling is regulated by the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Physalin A also inhibits the canonical Hedgehog and Hippo signaling pathways, CSC-specific genes, and the formation of mammospheres. These findings suggest that physalin A is a potential therapeutic agent for targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chan Ko
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.-C.K.); (R.L.)
| | - Hack Sun Choi
- Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea;
- Bio-Health Materials Core-Facility Center, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Ren Liu
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.-C.K.); (R.L.)
| | - Dong-Sun Lee
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.-C.K.); (R.L.)
- Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea;
- Bio-Health Materials Core-Facility Center, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Practical Translational Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Correspondence:
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12
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Keyvani-Ghamsari S, Khorsandi K, Rasul A, Zaman MK. Current understanding of epigenetics mechanism as a novel target in reducing cancer stem cells resistance. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:120. [PMID: 34051847 PMCID: PMC8164819 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, after extensive studies in the field of cancer, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed as a major factor in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. CSCs are a subpopulation of bulk tumors, with stem cell-like properties and tumorigenic capabilities, having the abilities of self-renewal and differentiation, thereby being able to generate heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells and lead to resistance toward anti-tumor treatments. Highly resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, CSCs have heterogeneity and can migrate to different organs and metastasize. Recent studies have demonstrated that the population of CSCs and the progression of cancer are increased by the deregulation of different epigenetic pathways having effects on gene expression patterns and key pathways connected with cell proliferation and survival. Further, epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA methylations) have been revealed to be key drivers in the formation and maintenance of CSCs. Hence, identifying CSCs and targeting epigenetic pathways therein can offer new insights into the treatment of cancer. In the present review, recent studies are addressed in terms of the characteristics of CSCs, the resistance thereof, and the factors influencing the development thereof, with an emphasis on different types of epigenetic changes in genes and main signaling pathways involved therein. Finally, targeted therapy for CSCs by epigenetic drugs is referred to, which is a new approach in overcoming resistance and recurrence of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khatereh Khorsandi
- Department of Photodynamic, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azhar Rasul
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khatir Zaman
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
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13
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Khalaf K, Hana D, Chou JTT, Singh C, Mackiewicz A, Kaczmarek M. Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment Involved in Immune Resistance and Drug Resistance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:656364. [PMID: 34122412 PMCID: PMC8190405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and ever-changing "rogue organ" composed of its own blood supply, lymphatic and nervous systems, stroma, immune cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). These complex components, utilizing both benign and malignant cells, nurture the harsh, immunosuppressive and nutrient-deficient environment necessary for tumor cell growth, proliferation and phenotypic flexibility and variation. An important aspect of the TME is cellular crosstalk and cell-to-ECM communication. This interaction induces the release of soluble factors responsible for immune evasion and ECM remodeling, which further contribute to therapy resistance. Other aspects are the presence of exosomes contributed by both malignant and benign cells, circulating deregulated microRNAs and TME-specific metabolic patterns which further potentiate the progression and/or resistance to therapy. In addition to biochemical signaling, specific TME characteristics such as the hypoxic environment, metabolic derangements, and abnormal mechanical forces have been implicated in the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will provide an overview of tumor microenvironmental composition, structure, and features that influence immune suppression and contribute to treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Khalaf
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Doris Hana
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jadzia Tin-Tsen Chou
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Chandpreet Singh
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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14
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García-Martínez A, Pérez-Balaguer A, Ortiz-Martínez F, Pomares-Navarro E, Sanmartín E, García-Escolano M, Montoyo-Pujol YG, Castellón-Molla E, Peiró G. Hedgehog gene expression patterns among intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer: Prognostic relevance. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 223:153478. [PMID: 34022683 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a crucial developmental regulatory pathway recognized as a primary oncogenesis driver in various human cancers. However, its role in breast carcinoma (BC) has been underexplored. METHODS We analyzed the expression of several Hh associated genes in a clinical series and breast cancer cell lines. We included 193 BC stratified according to intrinsic immunophenotypes. Gene expression profiling ofBOC, PTCH, SMO, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 was performed by qRT-PCR. Results were correlated with clinical-pathological variables and outcome. RESULTS We observed expression ofGLI2 in triple-negative/basal-like (TN/BL) and GLI3 in luminal cells. In samples, BOC, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 expression correlated significantly with luminal tumors and good prognostic factors. In contrast, PTCH and SMO correlated with TN/BL phenotype and nodal involvement. Patients whose tumors expressed SMO had a poorer outcome, especially those with HER2 phenotype. Positive lymph-node status and high SMO remained independent poor prognostic factors. CONCLUSION Our results support a differential Hh pathway activation in BC phenotypes.SMO levels stratified patients at risk of recurrence and death in HER2 phenotype, and it showed an independent prognostic value. Therefore, SMO could be a potential therapeutic target for a subset of BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli García-Martínez
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Ariadna Pérez-Balaguer
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Fernando Ortiz-Martínez
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Eloy Pomares-Navarro
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Sanmartín
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Marta García-Escolano
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Yoel G Montoyo-Pujol
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Castellón-Molla
- Pathology Dept., University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Gloria Peiró
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain; Pathology Dept., University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
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15
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Targeting Hedgehog Pathway and DNA Methyltransferases in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cells. Cells 2020; 10:cells10010053. [PMID: 33396427 PMCID: PMC7824187 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive tumor that presents poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Because of its rarity, there is no information available concerning LMS molecular mechanisms of origin and development. Here, we assessed the expression profile of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway markers and the effects of their pharmacological inhibition on uterine smooth muscle (UTSM), leiomyoma and LMS cells. Additionally, we also evaluated the effects of DNMTs inhibition on LMS cells behavior. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis rates were evaluated by MTT, Scratch and Annexin V assays, respectively. RNA expression and protein levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. We found that SMO and GLIs (1, 2 and 3) expression was upregulated in LMS cells, with increased nuclear levels of GLI proteins. Treatment with LDE225 (SMOi) and Gant61 (GLIi) resulted in a significant reduction in Glis protein levels in LMS (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of DNMT (1, 3a, and 3b), as well as GLI1 nuclear expression, was significantly decreased after treatment with HH inhibitor in LMS cells. Our results showed that blocking of SMO, GLI and DNMTs is able to inhibit LMS proliferation, migration and invasion. Importantly, the combination of those treatments exhibited a potentiated effect on LMS malignant features due to HH pathway deactivation.
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16
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Cui W, Fang T, Duan Z, Xiang D, Wang Y, Zhang M, Zhai F, Cui X, Yang L. Dihydroartemisinin Sensitizes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Cisplatin by Inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:596788. [PMID: 33363149 PMCID: PMC7758349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.596788] [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: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based regimens have been routinely used in the clinical treatment of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, administration of these drugs is frequently accompanied by drug resistance. Revealing the underlying mechanisms of the drug resistance and developing agents that enhance the sensitivity to platinum may provide new therapeutic strategies for the patients. In the present study, we found that the poor outcome of ESCC patients receiving platinum-based regimens was associated with co-expression of Shh and Sox2. The sensitivity of ESCC cell lines to cisplatin was related to their activity of Shh signaling. Manipulating of Shh expression markedly changed the sensitivity of ESCC cells to platinum. Continuous treatment with cisplatin resulted in the activation of Shh signaling and enhanced cancer stem cell-like phenotypes in ESCC cells. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a classic antimalarial drug, was identified as a novel inhibitor of Shh pathway. Treatment with DHA attenuated the cisplatin-induced activation of the Shh pathway in ESCC cells and synergized the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on proliferation, sphere and colony formation of ALDH-positive ESCC cells in vitro and growth of ESCC cell-derived xenograft tumors in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Shh pathway is an important player in cisplatin-resistant ESCC and DHA acts as a promising therapeutic agent to sensitize ESCC to cisplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingting Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaoheng Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dongfang Xiang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yanxia Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Mengsi Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fangzheng Zhai
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiang Cui
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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17
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AEBP1 is a Novel Oncogene: Mechanisms of Action and Signaling Pathways. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:8097872. [PMID: 32565808 PMCID: PMC7273425 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8097872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) is a transcriptional repressor involved in the regulation of critical biological processes including adipogenesis, mammary gland development, inflammation, macrophage cholesterol homeostasis, and atherogenesis. Several years ago, we first reported the ability of AEBP1 to exert a positive control over the canonical NF-κB pathway. Indeed, AEBP1 positively regulates NF-κB activity via its direct interaction with IκBα, a key NF-κB inhibitor. AEBP1 overexpression results in uncontrollable activation of NF-κB, which may have severe pathogenic outcomes. Recently, the regulatory relationship between AEBP1 and NF-κB pathway has been of great interest to many researchers primarily due to the implication of NF-κB signaling in critical cellular processes such as inflammation and cancer. Since constitutive activation of NF-κB is widely implicated in carcinogenesis, AEBP1 overexpression is associated with tumor development and progression. Recent studies sought to explore the effects of the overexpression of AEBP1, as a potential oncogene, in different types of cancer. In this review, we analyze the effects of AEBP1 overexpression in a variety of malignancies (e.g., breast cancer, glioblastoma, bladder cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and skin cancer), with a specific focus on the AEBP1-mediated control over the canonical NF-κB pathway. We also underscore the ability of AEBP1 to regulate crucial cancer-related events like cell proliferation and apoptosis in light of other key pathways (e.g., PI3K-Akt, sonic hedgehog (Shh), p53, parthanatos (PARP-1), and PTEN). Identifying AEBP1 as a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis may lead to a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and/or treatment of various types of cancer.
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18
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Ghazimoradi MH, Farivar S. The role of DNA demethylation in induction of stem cells. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 153:17-22. [PMID: 31901417 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic factor, which plays important roles in embryo and many other diseases development. This factor determines gene expression, and when half of them have CpG islands, DNA methylation and its enzyme effectors have been under the vast studies. Whole genome DNA demethylation is a crucial step of embryogenesis and also cell fate determination in embryos. Therefore, demethylation agents were used as a tool for dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation. Although many of these efforts have been successful, but using this method gave us a vast spectral cell type which is confusing. In this article, we briefly reviewed DNA methylation, and its role in embryogenesis and gene expression. In addition to that, we introduce studies that used this action as a direct method in induction of stem cells and cell fate decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Ghazimoradi
- Genetics, Stem Cells, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983963113, Iran
| | - Shirin Farivar
- Genetics, Stem Cells, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983963113, Iran.
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19
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Guo M, Peng Y, Gao A, Du C, Herman JG. Epigenetic heterogeneity in cancer. Biomark Res 2019; 7:23. [PMID: 31695915 PMCID: PMC6824025 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-019-0174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity is one of the hallmarks of human cancers. Tumor genotype variations among tumors within different patients are known as interpatient heterogeneity, and variability among multiple tumors of the same type arising in the same patient is referred to as intra-patient heterogeneity. Subpopulations of cancer cells with distinct phenotypic and molecular features within a tumor are called intratumor heterogeneity (ITH). Since Nowell proposed the clonal evolution of tumor cell populations in 1976, tumor heterogeneity, especially ITH, was actively studied. Research has focused on the genetic basis of cancer, particularly mutational activation of oncogenes or inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs). The phenomenon of ITH is commonly explained by Darwinian-like clonal evolution of a single tumor. Despite the monoclonal origin of most cancers, new clones arise during tumor progression due to the continuous acquisition of mutations. It is clear that disruption of the "epigenetic machinery" plays an important role in cancer development. Aberrant epigenetic changes occur more frequently than gene mutations in human cancers. The epigenome is at the intersection of the environment and genome. Epigenetic dysregulation occurs in the earliest stage of cancer. The current trend of epigenetic therapy is to use epigenetic drugs to reverse and/or delay future resistance to cancer therapies. A majority of cancer therapies fail to achieve durable responses, which is often attributed to ITH. Epigenetic therapy may reverse drug resistance in heterogeneous cancer. Complete understanding of genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity may assist in designing combinations of targeted therapies based on molecular information extracted from individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhou Guo
- 1Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China
| | - Yaojun Peng
- 1Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Aiai Gao
- 1Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Chen Du
- 1Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - James G Herman
- 3The Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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20
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Konings K, Belmans N, Vermeesen R, Baselet B, Lamers G, Janssen A, Isebaert S, Baatout S, Haustermans K, Moreels M. Targeting the Hedgehog pathway in combination with X‑ray or carbon ion radiation decreases migration of MCF‑7 breast cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:1339-1348. [PMID: 31638201 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of carbon ion therapy for cancer treatment is becoming more widespread due to the advantages of carbon ions compared with X‑rays. Breast cancer patients may benefit from these advantages, as the surrounding healthy tissues receive a lower dose, and the increased biological effectiveness of carbon ions can better control radioresistant cancer cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is linked to the development and progression of breast cancer, as well as to resistance to X‑irradiation and the migratory capacity of cancer cells. Hence, there is an increasing interest in targeting the Hh pathway in combination with radiotherapy. Several studies have already investigated this treatment strategy with conventional radiotherapy. However, to the best of our knowledge, the combination of Hh inhibitors with particle therapy has not yet been explored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of the Hh inhibitor GANT61 as an effective modulator of radiosensitivity and migration potential in MCF‑7 breast cancer cells, and compare potential differences between carbon ion irradiation and X‑ray exposure. Although Hh targeting was not able to radiosensitise cells to any radiation type used, the combination of GANT61 with X‑rays or carbon ions (energy: 95 MeV/n; linear energy transfer: 73 keV/µm) was more effective in decreasing MCF‑7 cell migration compared with either radiation type alone. Gene expression of the Hh pathway was affected to different degrees in response to X‑ray and carbon ion irradiation, as well as in response to the combination of GANT61 with irradiation. In conclusion, combining Hh inhibition with radiation (X‑rays or carbon ions) more effectively decreased breast cancer cell migration compared with radiation treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Konings
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Niels Belmans
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Randy Vermeesen
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Greta Lamers
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Ann Janssen
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Sofie Isebaert
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Flemish‑Brabant, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Karin Haustermans
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Flemish‑Brabant, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjan Moreels
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Antwerp, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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21
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Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Breast Cancer: Pathogenesis and Therapeutics. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040375. [PMID: 31027259 PMCID: PMC6523618 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women, only followed by lung cancer. Given the importance of BC in public health, it is essential to identify biomarkers to predict prognosis, predetermine drug resistance and provide treatment guidelines that include personalized targeted therapies. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an essential role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and stem cell renewal. Several lines of evidence endorse the important role of canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling in BC. In this comprehensive review we discuss the role of Hh signaling in breast development and homeostasis and its contribution to tumorigenesis and progression of different subtypes of BC. We also examine the efficacy of agents targeting different components of the Hh pathway both in preclinical models and in clinical trials. The contribution of the Hh pathway in BC tumorigenesis and progression, its prognostic role, and its value as a therapeutic target vary according to the molecular, clinical, and histopathological characteristics of the BC patients. The evidence presented here highlights the relevance of the Hh signaling in BC, and suggest that this pathway is key for BC progression and metastasis.
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Koohestanimobarhan S, Salami S, Imeni V, Mohammadi Z, Bayat O. Lipophilic statins antagonistically alter the major epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition signaling pathways in breast cancer stem-like cells via inhibition of the mevalonate pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:2515-2531. [PMID: 30191610 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to therapies, recurrence, and metastasis remain challenging issues for breast cancer patients, particularly for triple-negative and breast cancer stem cells. The activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an indispensable role in the poor prognosis of those types. The accumulating proofs indicated that the mevalonate pathway crucially mediates a poor prognosis. Here, the effects of lipophilic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A inhibitors, atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, were investigated on expression and function of a selected profile of EMT-related genes in breast cancer stem-like cells. A nontoxic dose of statins (5 μM for 4 days) significantly (P < 0.05 and >2-fold change) altered expression of 50 of 71 studied genes with a shared cluster of 37 genes that are coding chief operator of signaling pathways in Hippo, Notch, Wnt, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and cell death. They also significantly decreased the levels of Yap/Taz proteins and shifted the expression of vimentin/E-cadherin in favor of induction of differentiation. Statins significantly chemosensitized the treated cells to doxorubicin and also reduced in vitro migration of the cells. Whereas lovastatin and simvastatin significantly decreased the expression of CD44, atorvastatin drastically increased CD24 and caused more wide-ranging impacts. In summary, the statins hold back the process of EMT by the antagonizing of EMT-promoting pathways. High degree of overlapping findings is supportive of the central role of the mevalonate pathway in cancer stem-like cells, but further studies are required to find the optimized chemical structure for the maximum abrogation of orchestrated EMT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Koohestanimobarhan
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siamak Salami
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Imeni
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mohammadi
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Bayat
- Cell Death and Differentiation Signaling Research Lab, Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mahmood N, Rabbani SA. Targeting DNA Hypomethylation in Malignancy by Epigenetic Therapies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1164:179-196. [PMID: 31576549 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-22254-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a chemically reversible epigenetic modification that regulates the chromatin structure and gene expression, and thereby takes part in various cellular processes like embryogenesis, genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, and genome stability. Alterations in the normal methylation levels of DNA may contribute to the development of pathological conditions like cancer. Even though both hypo- and hypermethylation-mediated abnormalities are prevalent in the cancer genome, the field of cancer epigenetics has been more focused on targeting hypermethylation. As a result, DNA hypomethylation-mediated abnormalities remained relatively less explored, and currently, there are no approved drugs that can be clinically used to target hypomethylation. Understanding the precise role of DNA hypomethylation is not only crucial from a mechanistic point of view but also for the development of pharmacological agents that can reverse the hypomethylated state of the DNA. This chapter focuses on the causes and impact of DNA hypomethylation in the development of cancer and describes the possible ways to pharmacologically target it, especially by using a naturally occurring physiologic agent S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Samadani AA, Norollahi SE, Rashidy-Pour A, Mansour-Ghanaei F, Nemati S, Joukar F, Afshar AM, Ghazanfari S, Safizadeh M, Rostami P, Gatei M. Cancer signaling pathways with a therapeutic approach: An overview in epigenetic regulations of cancer stem cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:590-599. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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25
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Expression Undercurrents of Sonic Hedgehog in Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancers. GENE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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26
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Kurebayashi J, Kanomata N, Koike Y, Ohta Y, Saitoh W, Kishino E. Comprehensive immunohistochemical analyses on expression levels of hedgehog signaling molecules in breast cancers. Breast Cancer 2018; 25:759-767. [PMID: 29946869 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-018-0884-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays important roles in cell proliferation, malignant progression, invasion and metastasis, and the expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Comprehensive immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses have not yet been conducted on the expression levels of Hh signaling molecules in breast cancer tissues. METHODS A total of 204 patients with invasive breast cancer treated in our institute were study subjects. IHC analyses on the expression levels of the Hh signaling molecules, sonic Hh (SHH), PTCH1, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 and the CSC-related factor, SOX2, were investigated. RESULTS Positive correlations were observed among all of the Hh signaling molecules tested. SOX2 expression correlated with the expression levels of all Hh signaling molecules. SHH expression positively correlated with tumor size, the Ki-67 labeling index, histological grade, estrogen receptor negativity, progesterone receptor negativity, and HER2 positivity. GLI1 expression positively correlated with the histological grade. GLI2 expression positively correlated with the histological grade, Ki-67 labeling index, and HER2 positivity. Univariate analyses revealed that a younger age, larger tumor size, positive lymph node metastasis, higher histological grade, positive lymphatic invasion, and higher Ki-67 labeling index were related to poor relapse-free survival (RFS). The positivity of all Hh signaling molecules and SOX2 did not correlate with poor RFS. A multivariate analysis revealed that positive lymphatic invasion and a younger age were independent worse prognostic factors for RFS. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis demonstrated for the first time that SHH, GLI1, and GLI2 expression levels positively correlated with the malignant phenotypes of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Kurebayashi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan.
| | - Naoki Kanomata
- Department of Pathology 2, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Koike
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ohta
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan
| | - Wataru Saitoh
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan
| | - Emi Kishino
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, 701-0192, Japan
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Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog Inhibitors Have the Potential of Suppressing Cancer Stem Cells of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051375. [PMID: 29734730 PMCID: PMC5983844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Sonic Hedgehog signaling (Shh) pathway molecules is associated with invasiveness and recurrence in breast carcinoma. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway downstream molecule Glioma-associated Oncogene Homolog (Gli) was investigated for its ability to reduce progression and invasiveness of patient-derived breast cancer cells and cell lines. Human primary breast cancer T2 cells with high expression of Shh signaling pathway molecules were compared with breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 cells. The therapeutic effects of Gli inhibitors were examined in terms of the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem cells, cell migration and gene expression. Blockade of the Shh signaling pathway could reduce cell proliferation and migration only in MDA-MB-231 cells. Hh pathway inhibitor-1 (HPI-1) increased the percentages of late apoptotic cells in MDA-MB-231 cells and early apoptotic cells in T2 cells. It reduced Bcl2 expression for cell proliferation and increased Bim expression for apoptosis. In addition, Gli inhibitor HPI-1 decreased significantly the percentages of cancer stem cells in T2 cells. HPI-1 worked more effectively than GANT-58 against breast carcinoma cells. In conclusion, HPI-1 could inhibit cell proliferation, reduce cell invasion and decrease cancer stem cell population in breast cancer cells. To target Gli-1 could be a potential strategy to suppress breast cancer stem cells.
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Targeting GLI Transcription Factors in Cancer. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23051003. [PMID: 29695137 PMCID: PMC6100584 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23051003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been observed in a wide variety of tumors and accounts for more than 25% of human cancer deaths. Inhibitors targeting the Hh signal transducer Smoothened (SMO) are widely used and display a good initial efficacy in patients suffering from basal cell carcinoma (BCC); however, a large number of patients relapse. Though SMO mutations may explain acquired therapy resistance, a growing body of evidence suggests that the non-canonical, SMO-independent activation of the Hh pathway in BCC patients can also account for this adverse effect. In this review, we highlight the importance of glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors (the main downstream effectors of the canonical and the non-canonical Hh cascade) and their putative role in the regulation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of the Hh signaling to malignant transformation and propose GLIs as central hubs in tumor signaling networks and thus attractive molecular targets in anti-cancer therapies.
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29
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Riaz SK, Khan JS, Shah STA, Wang F, Ye L, Jiang WG, Malik MFA. Involvement of hedgehog pathway in early onset, aggressive molecular subtypes and metastatic potential of breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:3. [PMID: 29329585 PMCID: PMC5795292 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-017-0213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of hedgehog pathway is observed in numerous cancers. Relevance of hedgehog pathway genes in cancer cohort and inhibition of its downstream effector (GLI1) towards metastasis in cell lines are explored in the study. Method One hundred fifty fresh tumours of breast cancer patients were collected for the study. Based on differential expression, panel of 6 key regulators of the pathway (SHH, DHH, IHH, PTCH1, SMO and GLI1) in microarray datasets were identified. Expressional profiles of aforementioned genes were later correlated with clinico-pathological parameters in Pakistani breast cancer cohort at transcript and protein levels. In addition, GLI1 over expressing breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) were treated with GANT61 to explore its probable effects on metastasis. Result SHH, DHH, PTCH1 and GLI1 were significantly over-expressed in tumours as compared with respective normal mammary tissues. A significant correlation of SHH, DHH and GLI1 expression with advanced tumour size, stages, grades, nodal involvement and distant metastasis was observed (p < 0.05). Over-expression of SHH, DHH and GLI1 was significantly related with patients having early onset and pre-menopausal status. Of note, hedgehog pathway was frequently up regulated in luminal B and triple negative breast cancer affected women. In addition, positive correlations were observed among aforementioned members of pathway and Ki67 (r-value: 0.63–0.78) emphasizing their role towards disease progression. Exposure of GANT61 (inhibitor for GLI1) significantly restricted cell proliferation, reduced cell motility and invasion. Conclusion Role of activated hedgehog pathway in breast cancer metastasis provides a novel target for cancer therapy against aggressive cancer subtypes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-017-0213-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Kiran Riaz
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Park Road, Islamabad, Zip code: 44000, Pakistan
| | - Jahangir Sarwar Khan
- Department of Surgery, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Tahir Abbas Shah
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Park Road, Islamabad, Zip code: 44000, Pakistan
| | - Fen Wang
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, USA
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Muhammad Faraz Arshad Malik
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Park Road, Islamabad, Zip code: 44000, Pakistan.
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30
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Wils LJ, Bijlsma MF. Epigenetic regulation of the Hedgehog and Wnt pathways in cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 121:23-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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31
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Zhang F, Ren CC, Liu L, Chen YN, Yang L, Zhang XA, Wang XM, Yu FJ. SHH gene silencing suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition, proliferation, invasion, and migration of cervical cancer cells by repressing the hedgehog signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:3829-3842. [PMID: 28941302 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which the sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene silencing acts upon epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, invasion, and migration of cervical cancer (CC) cells via the Hedgehog signaling pathway. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were all employed to detect the SHH mRNA and protein expressions. HeLa and CasKi cells were cultured and subsequently divided into the blank, negative control (NC), and SHH-RNAi groups. A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was utilized for cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion ability were evaluated through scratching test and Transwell assay. The mRNA and protein expressions of the Hedgehog signaling pathway-related factors were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. After tumor xenograft in nude mice, tumor growth was subsequently observed. SHH mRNA and protein expressions were greater in the SHH-RNAi group than in the blank and NC groups. Compared with the blank group and NC groups, the SHH-RNAi group displayed inhibited levels of proliferation, migration, invasion abilities, as well as a decreased in the Hh signaling pathway-related factors, as well as a reduction in the mRNA and protein expressions of N-cadherin and Vimentin, however, on the contrary increased expressions of E-cadherin were observed. Following tumor xenograft in nude mice, tumor growth was exhibited vast levels of inhibition, particularly in the SHH-RNAi group in comparison to the blank and the NC groups. During the study it was well established that SHH gene silencing suppresses EMT, proliferation, invasion, and migration of CC cells through the repression of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Chen-Chen Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Nan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-An Zhang
- Department of Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Feng-Jing Yu
- Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
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Deshmukh A, Binju M, Arfuso F, Newsholme P, Dharmarajan A. Role of epigenetic modulation in cancer stem cell fate. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 90:9-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Abstract
Compelling evidence have demonstrated that bulk tumors can arise from a unique subset of cells commonly termed "cancer stem cells" that has been proposed to be a strong driving force of tumorigenesis and a key mechanism of therapeutic resistance. Recent advances in epigenomics have illuminated key mechanisms by which epigenetic regulation contribute to cancer progression. In this review, we present a discussion of how deregulation of various epigenetic pathways can contribute to cancer initiation and tumorigenesis, particularly with respect to maintenance and survival of cancer stem cells. This information, together with several promising clinical and preclinical trials of epigenetic modulating drugs, offer new possibilities for targeting cancer stem cells as well as improving cancer therapy overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Boon Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive #12-01, Singapore, 117599 Singapore
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Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, De Smaele E, Fantini M, Mattera R, Cucchi D, Bonanno E, Di Stefano E, Frajese GV, Orlandi A, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Modesti A, Bei R. In vitro and in vivo inhibition of breast cancer cell growth by targeting the Hedgehog/GLI pathway with SMO (GDC-0449) or GLI (GANT-61) inhibitors. Oncotarget 2017; 7:9250-70. [PMID: 26843616 PMCID: PMC4891038 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) signaling has been implicated in cancer progression. Here, we analyzed GLI1, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and NF-κB expression in 51 breast cancer (ductal carcinoma) tissues using immunohistochemistry. We found a positive correlation between nuclear GLI1 expression and tumor grade in ductal carcinoma cases. Cytoplasmic Shh staining significantly correlated with a lower tumor grade. Next, the in vitro effects of two Hh signaling pathway inhibitors on breast cancer cell lines were evaluated using the Smoothened (SMO) antagonist GDC-0449 and the direct GLI1 inhibitor GANT-61. GDC-0449 and GANT-61 exhibited the following effects: a) inhibited breast cancer cell survival; b) induced apoptosis; c) inhibited Hh pathway activity by decreasing the mRNA expression levels of GLI1 and Ptch and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of GLI1; d) increased/decreased EGFR and ErbB2 protein expression, reduced p21-Ras and ERK1/ERK2 MAPK activities and inhibited AKT activation; and e) decreased the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. However, GANT-61 exerted these effects more effectively than GDC-0449. The in vivo antitumor activities of GDC-0449 and GANT-61 were analyzed in BALB/c mice that were subcutaneously inoculated with mouse breast cancer (TUBO) cells. GDC-0449 and GANT-61 suppressed tumor growth of TUBO cells in BALB/c mice to different extents. These findings suggest that targeting the Hh pathway using antagonists that act downstream of SMO is a more efficient strategy than using antagonists that act upstream of SMO for interrupting Hh signaling in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Di Stefano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vanni Frajese
- Department of Physical Education, Human Sciences and Health, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Tamoxifen Resistance: Emerging Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081357. [PMID: 27548161 PMCID: PMC5000752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2) plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of breast cancer. As a result, blockade of the E2 signal through either tamoxifen (TAM) or aromatase inhibitors is an important therapeutic strategy to treat or prevent estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. However, resistance to TAM is the major obstacle in endocrine therapy. This resistance occurs either de novo or is acquired after an initial beneficial response. The underlying mechanisms for TAM resistance are probably multifactorial and remain largely unknown. Considering that breast cancer is a very heterogeneous disease and patients respond differently to treatment, the molecular analysis of TAM’s biological activity could provide the necessary framework to understand the complex effects of this drug in target cells. Moreover, this could explain, at least in part, the development of resistance and indicate an optimal therapeutic option. This review highlights the implications of TAM in breast cancer as well as the role of receptors/signal pathways recently suggested to be involved in the development of TAM resistance. G protein—coupled estrogen receptor, Androgen Receptor and Hedgehog signaling pathways are emerging as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators for breast cancer, based on their ability to mediate estrogenic signaling in ERα-positive or -negative breast cancer.
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Suyama K, Onishi H, Imaizumi A, Shinkai K, Umebayashi M, Kubo M, Mizuuchi Y, Oda Y, Tanaka M, Nakamura M, Katano M. CD24 suppresses malignant phenotype by downregulation of SHH transcription through STAT1 inhibition in breast cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2016; 374:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Wu D, Han B, Guo L, Fan Z. Molecular mechanisms associated with breast cancer based on integrated gene expression profiling by bioinformatics analysis. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2016; 36:615-21. [PMID: 26804550 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1127902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China and
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China and
| | - Liang Guo
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China and
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38
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Aberrant GLI1 Activation in DNA Damage Response, Carcinogenesis and Chemoresistance. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2330-51. [PMID: 26633513 PMCID: PMC4695894 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical hedgehog (HH) pathway is a multicomponent signaling cascade (HH, protein patched homolog 1 (PTCH1), smoothened (SMO)) that plays a pivotal role during embryonic development through activation of downstream effector molecules, namely glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1), GLI2 and GLI3. Activation of GLIs must be tightly regulated as they modulate target genes which control tissue patterning, stem cell maintenance, and differentiation during development. However, dysregulation or mutations in HH signaling leads to genomic instability (GI) and various cancers, for example, germline mutation in PTCH1 lead to Gorlin syndrome, a condition where patients develop numerous basal cell carcinomas and rarely rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Activating mutations in SMO have also been recognized in sporadic cases of medulloblastoma and SMO is overexpressed in many other cancers. Recently, studies in several human cancers have shown that GLI1 expression is independent from HH ligand and canonical intracellular signaling through PTCH and SMO. In fact, this aberrantly regulated GLI1 has been linked to several non-canonical oncogenic growth signals such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), avian myelocytomatosis virus oncogene cellular homolog (C-MYC), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) and β-catenin. Recent studies from our lab and other independent studies demonstrate that aberrantly expressed GLI1 influences the integrity of several DNA damage response and repair signals, and if altered, these networks can contribute to GI and impact tumor response to chemo- and radiation therapies. Furthermore, the ineffectiveness of SMO inhibitors in clinical studies argues for the development of GLI1-specific inhibitors in order to develop effective therapeutic modalities to treat these tumors. In this review, we focus on summarizing current understanding of the molecular, biochemical and cellular basis for aberrant GLI1 expression and discuss GLI1-mediated HH signaling on DNA damage responses, carcinogenesis and chemoresistance.
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Salem ML, El-Badawy AS, Li Z. Immunobiology and signaling pathways of cancer stem cells: implication for cancer therapy. Cytotechnology 2015; 67:749-59. [PMID: 25516358 PMCID: PMC4545436 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-014-9830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) need to survive cancer treatments with a specific end goal to provide new, more differentiated, metastatic-prone cancerous cells. This happens through diverse signals delivered within the tumor microenvironment where ample evidence indicates that altered developmental signaling pathways play an essential role in maintaining CSCs and accordingly the survival and the progression of the tumor itself. This review summarizes findings on the immunobiological properties of CSCs as compared with cancerous non-stem cells involving the expression of immunological molecules, cytokines and tumor antigens as well as the roles of the Notch, Wnt and Hedgehog pathways in the brain, breast and colon CSCs. We concluded that if CSCs are the main driving force behind tumor support and growth then understanding the molecular mechanisms and the immunological properties directing these cells for immune tolerance is of great clinical significance. Such knowledge will contribute to designing better targeted therapies that could prevent tumor recurrence and accordingly significantly improve cancer treatments and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed L Salem
- Immunology and Biotechnology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt,
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Flemban A, Qualtrough D. The Potential Role of Hedgehog Signaling in the Luminal/Basal Phenotype of Breast Epithelia and in Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1863-84. [PMID: 26389956 PMCID: PMC4586799 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelium of the lactiferous ducts in the breast is comprised of luminal epithelial cells and underlying basal myoepithelial cells. The regulation of cell fate and transit of cells between these two cell types remains poorly understood. This relationship becomes of greater importance when studying the subtypes of epithelial breast carcinoma, which are categorized according to their expression of luminal or basal markers. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal event in tumor invasion. It is important to understand mechanisms that regulate this process, which bears relation to the normal dynamic of epithelial/basal phenotype regulation in the mammary gland. Understanding this process could provide answers for the regulation of EMT in breast cancer, and thereby identify potential targets for therapy. Evidence points towards a role for hedgehog signaling in breast tissue homeostasis and also in mammary neoplasia. This review examines our current understanding of role of the hedgehog-signaling (Hh) pathway in breast epithelial cells both during breast development and homeostasis and to assess the potential misappropriation of Hh signals in breast neoplasia, cancer stem cells and tumor metastasis via EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Flemban
- Department of Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia.
| | - David Qualtrough
- Department of Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
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Duan ZH, Wang HC, Zhao DM, Ji XX, Song M, Yang XJ, Cui W. Cooperatively transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of sonic hedgehog overexpression drives malignant potential of breast cancer. Cancer Sci 2015; 106:1084-91. [PMID: 25990213 PMCID: PMC4556399 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh), a ligand of Hedgehog signaling pathway, is considered an important oncogene and an exciting potential therapeutic target in several cancers. Comprehensive understanding of the regulation mechanism of Shh in cancer cells is necessary to find an effective approach to selectively block its tumorigenic function. We and others previously demonstrated that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and promoter hypomethylation contributed to the overexpression of Shh. However, the relationship between transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of Shh, and their roles in the malignant phenotype of cancer cells are still not clearly elucidated. In the present study, our data showed that the level of Shh was higher in breast cancer tissues with positive NF-κB nuclear staining and promoter hypomethylation. In addition, survival analysis revealed that Shh overexpression, but not hypomethylation and NF-κB nuclear staining, was a poor prognosis indicator for breast cancers. Moreover, in vitro data demonstrated that both NF-κB activation and hypomethylation in promoter region were positively associated with the overexpression of Shh. Mechanistically, the hypomethylation in Shh promoter could facilitate NF-κB binding to its site, and subsequently cooperate to induce transcription of Shh. Furthermore, the biological function data indicated that overexpressed Shh enhanced the self-renewal capacity and migration ability of breast cancer cells, which could be augmented by promoter demethylation and NF-κB activation. Overall, our findings reveal multiple and cooperative mechanisms of Shh upregulation in cancer cells, and the roles of Shh in tumor malignant behavior, thus suggesting a new strategy for therapeutic interventions to reduce Shh in tumors and improve patients’ prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Heng Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao-Chuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong-Mei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Min Song
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yang
- Center for Neuroscience, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Ge X, Lyu P, Gu Y, Li L, Li J, Wang Y, Zhang L, Fu C, Cao Z. Sonic hedgehog stimulates glycolysis and proliferation of breast cancer cells: Modulation of PFKFB3 activation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 464:862-8. [PMID: 26171876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hesgehog (Shh) signaling has been reported to play an essential role in cancer progression. The mechanism of Shh involved in breast cancer carcinogenesis remains unclear. The present study sought to explore whether Shh signaling could regulate the glycolytic metabolism in breast cancers. Overexpression of the smoothed (Smo) and Gli-1 was found in human primary breast cancers. The expressions of Shh and Gli-1 correlated significantly with tumor size and tumor stage. In vitro, human recombinant Shh (rShh) triggered Smo and Gli-1 expression, promoted glucose utilization and lactate production, and accelerated cell proliferation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, rShh did not alter 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) expression but augmented PFKFB3 phosphorylation on ser(461), along with elevated fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP) generation by MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. This effect could be dampened by Smo siRNA but not by Gli-1 siRNA. In addition, our data showed the upregulated expressions of MAPK by rShh and elevatory PFKFB3 phosphorylation by p38/MAPK activated kinase (MK2). In conclusion, our study characterized a novel role of Shh in promoting glycolysis and proliferation of breast cancer cells via PFKFB3 phosphorylation, which was mediated by Smo and p38/MK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Pengwei Lyu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuanting Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jingruo Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Linfeng Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chao Fu
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhang Cao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
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Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) DNA is demethylated in breast tumors and breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123931. [PMID: 25860442 PMCID: PMC4393144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) is a known anti-viral gene that has been recently identified to be overexpressed in many cancers, including breast cancer. BST-2 is critical for the invasiveness of breast cancer cells and the formation of metastasis in vivo. Although the regulation of BST-2 in immune cells is unraveling, it is unknown how BST-2 expression is regulated in breast cancer. We hypothesized that meta-analyses of BST-2 gene expression and BST-2 DNA methylation profiles would illuminate mechanisms regulating elevated BST-2 expression in breast tumor tissues and cells. Materials and Methods We performed comprehensive meta-analyses of BST-2 gene expression and BST-2 DNA methylation in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and various Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. BST-2 expression levels and BST-2 DNA methylation status at specific CpG sites on the BST-2 gene were compared for various breast tumor molecular subtypes and breast cancer cell lines. Results We show that BST-2 gene expression is inversely associated with the methylation status at specific CpG sites in primary breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines. BST-2 demethylation is significantly more prevalent in primary tumors and cancer cells than in normal breast tissues or normal mammary epithelial cells. Demethylation of the BST-2 gene significantly correlates with its mRNA expression. These studies provide the initial evidence that significant differences exist in BST-2 DNA methylation patterns between breast tumors and normal breast tissues, and that BST-2 expression patterns in tumors and cancer cells correlate with hypomethylated BST-2 DNA. Conclusion Our study suggests that the DNA methylation pattern and expression of BST-2 may play a role in disease pathogenesis and could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Matevossian A, Resh MD. Hedgehog Acyltransferase as a target in estrogen receptor positive, HER2 amplified, and tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:72. [PMID: 25889650 PMCID: PMC4711017 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hedgehog acyltransferase (Hhat) catalyzes the transfer of the fatty acid palmitate onto Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), a modification that is essential for Shh signaling activity. The Shh signaling pathway has been implicated in the progression of breast cancer. Methods To determine the functional significance of Hhat expression in breast cancer, we used a panel of breast cancer cell lines that included estrogen receptor (ER) positive, HER2 amplified, triple negative, and tamoxifen resistant cells. We monitored both anchorage dependent and independent proliferation of these cells following depletion of Hhat with lentiviral shRNA and inhibition of Hhat activity with RU-SKI 43, a small molecule inhibitor of Hhat. Results Depletion of Hhat decreased anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent proliferation of ER positive, but not triple negative, breast cancer cells. Treatment with RU-SKI 43 also reduced ER positive cell proliferation, whereas a structurally related, inactive compound had no effect. Overexpression of Hhat in ER positive cells not only rescued the growth defect in the presence of RU-SKI 43 but also resulted in increased cell proliferation in the absence of drug. Furthermore, depletion or inhibition of Hhat reduced proliferation of HER2 amplified as well as tamoxifen resistant cells. Inhibition of Smoothened had no effect on proliferation, indicating that canonical Shh signaling was not operative. Moreover, Hhat regulated the proliferation of both Shh responsive and non-responsive ER positive cells, suggesting a Shh independent function for Hhat. Conclusions These data suggest that Hhat plays a critical role in ER positive, HER2 amplified, and hormone resistant breast cancer proliferation and highlights the potential promise of Hhat inhibitors for therapeutic benefit in breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-015-0345-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armine Matevossian
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 143, New York, NY, 10065, USA. .,Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Marilyn D Resh
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 143, New York, NY, 10065, USA. .,Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Cooperative integration between HEDGEHOG-GLI signalling and other oncogenic pathways: implications for cancer therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2015; 17:e5. [PMID: 25660620 PMCID: PMC4836208 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2015.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The HEDGEHOG-GLI (HH-GLI) signalling is a key pathway critical in embryonic development, stem cell biology and tissue homeostasis. In recent years, aberrant activation of HH-GLI signalling has been linked to several types of cancer, including those of the skin, brain, lungs, prostate, gastrointestinal tract and blood. HH-GLI signalling is initiated by binding of HH ligands to the transmembrane receptor PATCHED and is mediated by transcriptional effectors that belong to the GLI family, whose activity is finely tuned by a number of molecular interactions and post-translation modifications. Several reports suggest that the activity of the GLI proteins is regulated by several proliferative and oncogenic inputs, in addition or independent of upstream HH signalling. The identification of this complex crosstalk and the understanding of how the major oncogenic signalling pathways interact in cancer is a crucial step towards the establishment of efficient targeted combinatorial treatments. Here we review recent findings on the cooperative integration of HH-GLI signalling with the major oncogenic inputs and we discuss how these cues modulate the activity of the GLI proteins in cancer. We then summarise the latest advances on SMO and GLI inhibitors and alternative approaches to attenuate HH signalling through rational combinatorial therapies.
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Kamdje AHN, Etet PFS, Vecchio L, Tagne RS, Amvene JM, Muller JM, Krampera M, Lukong KE. New targeted therapies for breast cancer: A focus on tumor microenvironmental signals and chemoresistant breast cancers. World J Clin Cases 2014; 2:769-86. [PMID: 25516852 PMCID: PMC4266825 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i12.769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent female malignancy worldwide. Current strategies in breast cancer therapy, including classical chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, are usually associated with chemoresistance and serious adverse effects. Advances in our understanding of changes affecting the interactome in advanced and chemoresistant breast tumors have provided novel therapeutic targets, including, cyclin dependent kinases, mammalian target of rapamycin, Notch, Wnt and Shh. Inhibitors of these molecules recently entered clinical trials in mono- and combination therapy in metastatic and chemo-resistant breast cancers. Anticancer epigenetic drugs, mainly histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, also entered clinical trials. Because of the complexity and heterogeneity of breast cancer, the future in therapy lies in the application of individualized tailored regimens. Emerging therapeutic targets and the implications for personalized-based therapy development in breast cancer are herein discussed.
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Sabol M, Trnski D, Uzarevic Z, Ozretic P, Musani V, Rafaj M, Cindric M, Levanat S. Combination of cyclopamine and tamoxifen promotes survival and migration of mcf-7 breast cancer cells--interaction of hedgehog-gli and estrogen receptor signaling pathways. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114510. [PMID: 25503972 PMCID: PMC4264763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog-Gli (Hh-Gli) signaling pathway is one of the new molecular targets found upregulated in breast tumors. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling has a key role in the development of hormone-dependent breast cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects of inhibiting both pathways simultaneously on breast cancer cell survival and the potential interactions between these two signaling pathways. ER-positive MCF-7 cells show decreased viability after treatment with cyclopamine, a Hh-Gli pathway inhibitor, as well as after tamoxifen (an ERα inhibitor) treatment. Simultaneous treatment with cyclopamine and tamoxifen on the other hand, causes short-term survival of cells, and increased migration. We found upregulated Hh-Gli signaling under these conditions and protein profiling revealed increased expression of proteins involved in cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, even though Hh-Gli signaling seems to be a good potential target for breast cancer therapy, caution must be advised, especially when combining therapies. In addition, we also show a potential direct interaction between the Shh protein and ERα in MCF-7 cells. Our data suggest that the Shh protein is able to activate ERα independently of the canonical Hh-Gli signaling pathway. Therefore, this may present an additional boost for ER-positive cells that express Shh, even in the absence of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sabol
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Diana Trnski
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zvonimir Uzarevic
- Faculty of Education, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Petar Ozretic
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Musani
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Rafaj
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Cindric
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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Zeng C, Wang Y, Lu Q, Chen J, Zhang J, Liu T, Lv N, Luo S. SPOP suppresses tumorigenesis by regulating Hedgehog/Gli2 signaling pathway in gastric cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2014; 33:75. [PMID: 25204354 PMCID: PMC4172815 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-014-0075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Recent evidence suggests that aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling by Gli transcription factors is characteristic of a variety of aggressive human carcinomas including gastric cancer. Speckle-type POZ protein, SPOP, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor, and it is found to inhibit oncogenic signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Methods In this study, we characterized the expression of SPOP in 88 pairs of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. The relationship between SPOP expression and clinical pathologic factors was analyzed. Transfected gastric cancer cell lines were used in cell viability, wound healing and colony formation assays. The interaction of SPOP with Gli2 and other related apoptotic proteins was assessed by immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, real-time PCR and dual luciferase reporter assays. Intracellular interaction of SPOP and Gli2 was visualized by immunofluorescent staining in gastric cancer cells. Results Immunohistochemical staining of SPOP can be detected in gastric cancer tissues but much less than adjacent gastric tissues (P < 0.01). High SPOP expression is negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis, poor histological differentiation, and tumor malignancy according to TNM staging. In vitro experiments revealed that over-expression of SPOP prevented tumor cells from proliferation, migration and colony formation in gastric cancer cell lines. Likewise, repression of SPOP promoted cell viability, migration, proliferation, and attenuated apoptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed that increasing SPOP accelerated Gli2 degradation but regardless of Gli2 synthesis. Furthermore, cytoplasmic Gli2 decreased markedly along with the abundant expression of SPOP in MKN45 cells. Conclusions Our findings indicate that SPOP plays critical roles in suppressing gastric tumorigenesis through inhibiting Hh/Gli2 signaling pathway. It may provide an alternative strategy for developing therapeutic agents of gastric cancer in future.
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Expression of stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in circulating tumor cells of breast cancer patients. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:415721. [PMID: 24895575 PMCID: PMC4034492 DOI: 10.1155/2014/415721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have become a major focus of translational cancer research. Presence of CTCs predicts worse clinical outcome in early and metastatic breast cancer. Whether all cells from the primary tumor have potential to disseminate and form subsequent metastasis remains unclear. As part of the metastatic cascade, tumor cells lose their cell-to-cell adhesion and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in order to enter blood circulation. During EMT epithelial antigens are downregulated; thus, such tumor cells might elude classical epithelial marker-based detection. Several researchers postulated that some CTCs express stem cell-like phenotype; this might lead to chemoresistance and enhanced metastatic potential of such cells. In the present review, we discuss current data on EMT and stem cell markers in CTCs of breast cancer and their clinical significance.
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Okolowsky N, Furth PA, Hamel PA. Oestrogen receptor-alpha regulates non-canonical Hedgehog-signalling in the mammary gland. Dev Biol 2014; 391:219-29. [PMID: 24769368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal dysplasia (mes) mice harbour a truncation in the C-terminal region of the Hh-ligand receptor, Patched-1 (mPtch1). While the mes variant of mPtch1 binds to Hh-ligands with an affinity similar to that of wild type mPtch1 and appears to normally regulate canonical Hh-signalling via smoothened, the mes mutation causes, among other non-lethal defects, a block to mammary ductal elongation at puberty. We demonstrated previously Hh-signalling induces the activation of Erk1/2 and c-src independently of its control of smo activity. Furthermore, mammary epithelial cell-directed expression of an activated allele of c-src rescued the block to ductal elongation in mes mice, albeit with delayed kinetics. Given that this rescue was accompanied by an induction in estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) expression and that complex regulatory interactions between ERα and c-src are required for normal mammary gland development, it was hypothesized that expression of ERα would also overcome the block to mammary ductal elongation at puberty in the mes mouse. We demonstrate here that conditional expression of ERα in luminal mammary epithelial cells on the mes background facilitates ductal morphogenesis with kinetics similar to that of the MMTV-c-src(Act) mice. We demonstrate further that Erk1/2 is activated in primary mammary epithelial cells by Shh-ligand and that this activation is blocked by the inhibitor of c-src, PP2, is partially blocked by the ERα inhibitor, ICI 182780 but is not blocked by the smo-inhibitor, SANT-1. These data reveal an apparent Hh-signalling cascade operating through c-src and ERα that is required for mammary gland morphogenesis at puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Okolowsky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Priscilla A Furth
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Oncology and Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Paul A Hamel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8.
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