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Lien HC, Yu HC, Yu WH, Lin SF, Chen TWW, Chen IC, Hsiao LP, Yeh LC, Li YC, Lo C, Lu YS. Characteristics and transcriptional regulators of spontaneous epithelial-mesenchymal transition in genetically unperturbed patient-derived non-spindled breast carcinoma. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:130. [PMID: 39256881 PMCID: PMC11385830 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01888-5] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) typically exhibit spindle morphology in experimental models, such histomorphological evidence of EMT has predominantly been observed in rare primary spindle carcinomas. The characteristics and transcriptional regulators of spontaneous EMT in genetically unperturbed non-spindled carcinomas remain underexplored. METHODS We used primary culture combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), and in situ RNA-seq to explore the characteristics and transcription factors (TFs) associated with potential spontaneous EMT in non-spindled breast carcinoma. RESULTS Our primary culture revealed carcinoma cells expressing diverse epithelial-mesenchymal traits, consistent with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Importantly, carcinoma cells undergoing spontaneous EMT did not necessarily exhibit spindle morphology, even when undergoing complete EMT. EMT was a favored process, whereas mesenchymal-epithelial transition appeared to be crucial for secondary tumor growth. Through scRNA-seq, we identified TFs that were sequentially and significantly upregulated as carcinoma cells progressed through the EMT process, which correlated with increasing VIM expression. Once upregulated, the TFs remained active throughout the EMT process. ZEB1 was a key initiator and sustainer of EMT, as indicated by its earliest significant upregulation in the EMT process, its exact correlation with VIM expression, and the reversal of EMT and downregulation of EMT-upregulated TFs upon ZEB1 knockdown. The correlation between ZEB1 and vimentin expression in triple-negative breast cancer and metaplastic breast carcinoma tumor cohorts further highlighted its role. The immediate upregulation of ZEB2 following that of ZEB1, along with the observation that the knockdown of ZEB1 or ZEB2 downregulates both ZEB1 and ZEB2 concomitant with the reversal of EMT, suggests their functional cooperation in EMT. This finding, together with that of a lack of correlation of SNAI1, SNAI2, and TWIST1 expression with the mesenchymal phenotype, indicated EMT-TFs have a context-dependent role in EMT. Upregulation of EMT-related gene signatures during EMT correlated with poor patient outcomes, highlighting the biological importance of the model. Elevated EMT gene signatures and increased ZEB1 and ZEB2 expression in vimentin-positive compared to vimentin-negative carcinoma cells within the corresponding primary tumor tissue confirmed ZEB1 and ZEB2 as intrinsic, instead of microenvironmentally-induced, EMT regulators, and vimentin as an in vivo indicator of EMT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insights into the characteristics and transcriptional regulators of spontaneous EMT in primary non-spindled carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Chun Lien
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chieh Yu
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Changde St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsuan Yu
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Su-Fang Lin
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Tom Wei-Wu Chen
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Changde St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - I-Chun Chen
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Changde St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ping Hsiao
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Changde St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chun Yeh
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Changde St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Li
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao Lo
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Shen Lu
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Changde St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Xu G, Zhou Q, Qi J, Li Z, Yin L, Li Z, Lu C, Zhao B, Shen Y. Resveratrol-derived inhibitors of the E3 ubiquitin ligase PELI1 inhibit the metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116060. [PMID: 38150964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), as the most challenging subtype of breast cancer, exerts highly invasive ability and metastatic nature to the lymph nodes, which is correlated with poor survival rates among patients. Pellino-1 (PELI1) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in tumor invasion and metastasis, and has the potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic target for TNBC. In this study, we identified a potent inhibitor of PELI1, namely compound 3d, on the basis of natural stilbene framework through medicinal chemistry approaches. This novel PELI1 inhibitor 3d showed potent binding affinity to PELI1 (Kd 8.2 μM) in fluorescence quenching assay, and markedly interrupted the interaction of PELI1 and SNAIL/SLUG confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Moreover, 3d exhibited potent antitumor activity in inhibiting tumor cell migration in scratch wound healing assay without affecting cell proliferation in vitro, and down-regulated the downstream EMT-effectors of PELI1 as assessed by western blotting. In the experimental lung metastasis model, 3d showed anti-TNBC metastasis efficacy without observable toxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangsen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Weihai Marine Organism & Medical Technology Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jie Qi
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zhongyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lijun Yin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zhuoran Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Chunhua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Baobing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Yuemao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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3
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Ferreira D, Santos-Pereira C, Costa M, Afonso J, Yang S, Hensel J, McAndrews KM, Longatto-Filho A, Fernandes R, Melo JB, Baltazar F, Moreira JN, Kalluri R, Rodrigues LR. Exosomes modified with anti-MEK1 siRNA lead to an effective silencing of triple negative breast cancer cells. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 154:213643. [PMID: 37778291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogenous disease not sensitive to endocrine or HER2 therapy and standardized treatment regimens are still missing. Therefore, development of novel TNBC treatment approaches is of utmost relevance. Herein, the potential of MAPK/ERK downregulation by RNAi-based therapeutics in a panel of mesenchymal stem-like TNBC cell lines was uncovered. Our data revealed that suppression of one of the central nodes of this signaling pathway, MEK1, affects proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells, that may be explained by the reversion of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype, which is facilitated by the MMP-2/MMP-9 downregulation. Moreover, an exosome-based system was successfully generated for the siRNA loading (iExoMEK1). Our data suggested absence of modification of the physical properties and general integrity of the iExoMEK1 comparatively to the unmodified counterparts. Such exosome-mediated downregulation of MEK1 led to a tumor regression accompanied by a decrease of angiogenesis using the chick chorioallantoic-membrane model. Our results highlight the potential of the targeting of MAPK/ERK cascade as a promising therapeutic approach against TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Ferreira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Cátia Santos-Pereira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Marta Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Julieta Afonso
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sujuan Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Janine Hensel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Kathleen M McAndrews
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Adhemar Longatto-Filho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM 14), Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University, S. Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Fernandes
- HEMS-Histology and Electron Microscopy Service, IBMC/I3S, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana B Melo
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João N Moreira
- CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra-University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77005, USA; School of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ligia R Rodrigues
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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Dziuba I, Gawel AM, Tyrna P, Machtyl J, Olszanecka M, Pawlik A, Wójcik C, Bialy LP, Mlynarczuk-Bialy I. Homotypic Entosis as a Potential Novel Diagnostic Marker in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076819. [PMID: 37047791 PMCID: PMC10095369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076819] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Homotypic entotic figures, which are a form of "cell-in-cell" structures, are considered a potential novel independent prognostic marker in various cancers. Nevertheless, the knowledge concerning the biological role of this phenomenon is still unclear. Since breast cancer cells are remarkably entosis-competent, we aimed to investigate and compare the frequency of entoses in a primary breast tumor and in its lymph node metastasis. Moreover, as there are limited data on defined molecular markers of entosis, we investigated entosis in correlation with classical breast cancer biomarkers used in routine pathomorphological diagnostics (HER2, ER, PR, and Ki67). In the study, a cohort of entosis-positive breast cancer samples paired into primary lesions and lymph node metastases was used. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of NOS cancer, lymph node metastases, the presence of entotic figures in the primary lesion, and/or lymph node metastases. In a selected, double-negative, HER2-positive NOS breast cancer case, entoses were characterized by a correlation between an epithelial-mesenchymal transition and proliferation markers. We observed that in the investigated cohort entotic figures were positively correlated with Ki67 and HER2, but not with ER or PR markers. Moreover, for the first time, we identified Ki67-positive mitotic inner entotic cells in clinical carcinoma samples. Our study performed on primary and secondary breast cancer specimens indicated that entotic figures, when examined by routine HE histological staining, present potential diagnostic value, since they correlate with two classical prognostic factors of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ireneusz Dziuba
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, 40-555 Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata M Gawel
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Tyrna
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Machtyl
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Olszanecka
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Lukasz P Bialy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabela Mlynarczuk-Bialy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Yan C, Li Q, Sun Q, Yang L, Liu X, Zhao Y, Shi M, Li X, Luo K. Promising Nanomedicines of Shikonin for Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:1195-1218. [PMID: 36926681 PMCID: PMC10013574 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s401570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumor, the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health. For decades, natural product has been proven to be an essential source for novel anticancer drug discovery. Shikonin (SHK), a natural molecule separated from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, shows great potential in anticancer therapy. However, its further clinical application is significantly restricted by poor bioavailability, adverse effects, and non-selective toxicity. With the development of nanotechnology, nano drug delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies to improve bioavailability and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. To overcome the shortcoming of SHK, various nano drug delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, nanoparticles, nanogels, and nanoemulsions, were developed to achieve efficient delivery for enhanced antitumor effects. Herein, this review summarizes the anticancer pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of SHK. Additionally, the latest progress of SHK nanomedicines in cancer therapy is outlined, focusing on long circulation, tumor targeting ability, tumor microenvironment responsive drug release, and nanosystem-mediated combination therapy. Finally, the challenges and prospects of SHK nanomedicines in the future clinical application are spotlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Yang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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6
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Vitaliti A, Roccatani I, Iorio E, Perta N, Gismondi A, Chirico M, Pisanu ME, Di Marino D, Canini A, De Luca A, Rossi L. AKT-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition is affected by copper bioavailability in HER2 negative breast cancer cells via a LOXL2-independent mechanism. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:93-115. [PMID: 36454513 PMCID: PMC9947069 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00738-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main mechanism underlying cancer dissemination is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process is orchestrated by cytokines like TGFβ, involving "non-canonical" AKT- or STAT3-driven pathways. Recently, the alteration of copper homeostasis seems involved in the onset and progression of cancer. METHODS We expose different breast cancer cell lines, including two triple negative (TNBC) ones, an HER2 enriched and one cell line representative of the Luminal A molecular subtype, to short- or long-term copper-chelation by triethylenetetramine (TRIEN). We analyse changes in the expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin and αSMA), in the levels and activity of extracellular matrix components (LOXL2, fibronectin and MMP2/9) and of copper homeostasis markers by Western blot analyses, immunofluorescence, enzyme activity assays and RT-qPCR. Boyden Chamber and wound healing assays revealed the impact of copper chelation on cell migration. Additionally, we explored whether perturbation of copper homeostasis affects EMT prompted by TGFβ. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses were applied to search the effects of copper chelation on the metabolism of breast cancer cells. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of data on breast cancer patients obtained from different databases was employed to correlate changes in kinases and copper markers with patients' survival. RESULTS Remarkably, only HER2 negative breast cancer cells differently responded to short- or long-term exposure to TRIEN, initially becoming more aggressive but, upon prolonged exposure, retrieving epithelial features, reducing their invasiveness. This phenomenon may be related to the different impact of the short and prolonged activation of the AKT kinase and to the repression of STAT3 signalling. Bioinformatics analyses confirmed the positive correlation of breast cancer patients' survival with AKT activation and up-regulation of CCS. Eventually, metabolomics studies demonstrate a prevalence of glycolysis over mitochondrial energetic metabolism and of lipidome changes in TNBC cells upon TRIEN treatment. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence of a pivotal role of copper in AKT-driven EMT activation, acting independently of HER2 in TNBC cells and via a profound change in their metabolism. Our results support the use of copper-chelators as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Vitaliti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy ,PhD program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Roccatani
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Iorio
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nunzio Perta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mattea Chirico
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Pisanu
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Wang R, Chen J, Yu H, Wei Z, Ma M, Ye X, Wu W, Chen H, Fu Z. Downregulation of estrogen receptor-α36 expression attenuates metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:1113-1123. [PMID: 35044086 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the role of estrogen receptor (ER)-α36 in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). HCC HepG2 and Huh7 cells with the knocked-down level of ER-α36 expression were established. Cell growth and migration of the HepG2 and Huh7 cell variants were studied using MTS, transwell, and wound-healing assays, and the metastatic abilities of HepG2 cell variants were examined using a tail-vein injection model in nude mice. Levels of EMT markers, Src phosphorylation in HepG2 and Huh7 cell variants, and tumors formed by HepG2 cell variants in the nude mice were examined using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. We found that the growth and metastatic abilities of HepG2 and Huh7 cells with the knocked-down level of ER-α36 expression (HepG2/Si36 and Huh7/Si36) were significantly reduced, with increased levels of cytokeratin and E-Cadherin expression, and decreased levels of Vimentin, Snail, Slug and the Src phosphorylation, compared to the HCC cells transfected with an empty vector (HepG2/Vector and Huh7/Vector). We also found ER-α36 knockdown suppressed the lung metastasis of HepG2 cells with the involvement of EMT and the Src pathway in vivo. The Src inhibitor PP2 suppressed the growth and migration of HepG2/Vector and Huh7/Vector cells with decreased Vimentin, Snail, and Slug and increased cytokeratin and E-Cadherin expressions, but failed to induce the migration and the EMT markers in HepG2/Si36 and Huh7/Si36 cells. ER-α36 is involved in the metastasis of HCC cells through the regulation of EMT and the Src signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaming Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixuan Wei
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Ma
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Intensive Care Unit, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Jiangbei Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueyan Ye
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqi Wu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongfei Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengqi Fu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Institute, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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8
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C/EBPβ isoform-specific regulation of migration and invasion in triple-negative breast cancer cells. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35042889 PMCID: PMC8766495 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00372-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor C/EBPβ is a master regulator of mammary gland development and tissue remodelling during lactation. The CEBPB-mRNA is translated into three distinct protein isoforms named C/EBPβ-LAP1, -LAP2 and -LIP that are functionally different. The smaller isoform LIP lacks the N-terminal transactivation domains and is considered to act as an inhibitor of the transactivating LAP1/2 isoforms by competitive binding for the same DNA recognition sequences. Aberrantly high expression of LIP is associated with mammary epithelial proliferation and is found in grade III, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor-negative human breast cancer. Here, we show that reverting the high LIP/LAP ratios in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines into low LIP/LAP ratios by overexpression of LAP reduces migration and matrix invasion of these TNBC cells. In addition, in untransformed MCF10A human mammary epithelial cells overexpression of LIP stimulates migration. Knockout of CEBPB in TNBC cells where LIP expression prevails, resulted in strongly reduced migration that was accompanied by a downregulation of genes involved in cell migration, extracellular matrix production and cytoskeletal remodelling, many of which are epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker genes. Together, this study suggests that the LIP/LAP ratio is involved in regulating breast cancer cell migration and invasion. This study together with studies from others shows that understanding the functions the C/EBPβ-isoforms in breast cancer development may reveal new avenues of treatment.
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Shin SU, Cho HM, Das R, Gil-Henn H, Ramakrishnan S, Al Bayati A, Carroll SF, Zhang Y, Sankar AP, Elledge C, Pimentel A, Blonska M, Rosenblatt JD. Inhibition of Vasculogenic Mimicry and Angiogenesis by an Anti-EGFR IgG1-Human Endostatin-P125A Fusion Protein Reduces Triple Negative Breast Cancer Metastases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112904. [PMID: 34831127 PMCID: PMC8616280 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited therapeutic options. Metastasis is the major cause of TNBC mortality. Angiogenesis facilitates TNBC metastases. Many TNBCs also form vascular channels lined by tumor cells rather than endothelial cells, known as ‘vasculogenic mimicry’ (VM). VM has been linked to metastatic TNBC behavior and resistance to anti-angiogenic agents. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently expressed on TNBC, but anti-EGFR antibodies have limited efficacy. We synthesized an anti-EGFR antibody–endostatin fusion protein, αEGFR IgG1-huEndo-P125A (αEGFR-E-P125A), designed to deliver a mutant endostatin, huEndo-P125A (E-P125A), to EGFR expressing tumors, and tested its effects on angiogenesis, TNBC VM, and motility in vitro, and on the growth and metastasis of two independent human TNBC xenograft models in vivo. αEGFR-E-P125A completely inhibited the ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to form capillary-like structures (CLS) and of TNBC cells to engage in VM and form tubes in vitro. αEGFR-E-P125A treatment reduced endothelial and TNBC motility in vitro more effectively than E-P125A or cetuximab, delivered alone or in combination. Treatment of TNBC with αEGFR-E-P125A was associated with a reduction in cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin and reduced phosphorylation of vimentin. αEGFR-E-P125A treatment of TNBC xenografts in vivo inhibited angiogenesis and VM, reduced primary tumor growth and lung metastasis of orthotopically implanted MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells, and markedly decreased lung metastases following intravenous injection of MDA-MB-231-4175 lung-tropic TNBC cells. Combined inhibition of angiogenesis, VM, and TNBC motility mediated by αEGFR-E-P125A is a promising strategy for the prevention of TNBC metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Uon Shin
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Hyun-Mi Cho
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Rathin Das
- Synergys Biotherapeutics Inc., Alamo, CA 94507, USA; (R.D.); (S.F.C.)
| | - Hava Gil-Henn
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel;
| | - Sundaram Ramakrishnan
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Ahmed Al Bayati
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
- Kentucky Clinic, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | | | - Yu Zhang
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Ankita P. Sankar
- Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.P.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Christian Elledge
- Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.P.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Augustin Pimentel
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Marzenna Blonska
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Joseph D. Rosenblatt
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-243-4618; Fax: +1-305-243-9161
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10
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Antiproliferative effect of bacterial cyclodipeptides in the HeLa line of human cervical cancer reveals multiple protein kinase targeting, including mTORC1/C2 complex inhibition in a TSC1/2-dependent manner. Apoptosis 2021; 25:632-647. [PMID: 32617785 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-020-01619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cervix adenocarcinoma rendered by human papillomavirus (HPV) integration is an aggressive cancer that occurs by dysregulation of multiple pathways, including oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, and tumor suppressors. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which cross-talks with the Ras-ERK pathway, has been associated with cervical cancers (CC), which includes signaling pathways related to carcinoma aggressiveness, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. Since bacterial cyclodipeptides (CDPs) possess cytotoxic properties in HeLa cells with inhibiting Akt/S6k phosphorylation, the mechanism of CDPs cytotoxicity involved was deepened. Results showed that the antiproliferative effect of CDPs occurred by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, inhibiting the mTORC1/mTORC2 complexes in a TSC1/TSC2-dependent manner. In addition, the CDPs blocked protein kinases from multiple signaling pathways involved in survival, proliferation, invasiveness, apoptosis, autophagy, and energy metabolism, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK1/2, PI3K/JNK/PKA, p27Kip1/CDK1/survivin, MAPK, HIF-1, Wnt/β-catenin, HSP27, EMT, CSCs, and receptors, such as EGF/ErbB2/HGF/Met. Thus, the antiproliferative effect of the CDPs made it possible to identify the crosstalk of the signaling pathways involved in HeLa cell malignancy and to suggest that bacterial CDPs may be considered as a potential anti-neoplastic drug in human cervical adenocarcinoma therapy.
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11
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Menz A, Bauer R, Kluth M, Marie von Bargen C, Gorbokon N, Viehweger F, Lennartz M, Völkl C, Fraune C, Uhlig R, Hube-Magg C, De Wispelaere N, Minner S, Sauter G, Kind S, Simon R, Burandt E, Clauditz T, Lebok P, Jacobsen F, Steurer S, Wilczak W, Krech T, Marx AH, Bernreuther C. Diagnostic and prognostic impact of cytokeratin 19 expression analysis in human tumors: a tissue microarray study of 13,172 tumors. Hum Pathol 2021; 115:19-36. [PMID: 34102222 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression in normal and cancerous tissues, 15,977 samples from 122 tumor types and 608 samples of 76 normal tissue types were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In normal tissues, CK19 expression occurred in epithelial cells of most glandular organs but was strictly limited to the basal cell layer of nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium and absent in the skin. CK19 expression in ≥90% of cases was seen in 34% of the tumor entities including the adenocarcinomas of the pancreas (99.4%), colorectum (99.8%), esophagus (98.7%), and stomach (97.7%), as well as breast cancer (90.0%-100%), high-grade serous (99.1%) or endometrioid (97.8%) ovarian cancer, and urothelial carcinoma (92.6%-100%). A low CK19 positivity rate (0.1-10%) was seen in 5 of 122 tumor entities including hepatocellular carcinoma and seminoma. A comparison of tumor versus normal tissue findings demonstrated that upregulation and downregulation of CK19 can occur in cancer and that both alterations can be linked to unfavorable phenotypes. CK19 downregulation was linked to high grade (p = 0.0017) and loss of estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-expression (p < 0.0001 each) in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. CK19 upregulation was linked to nodal metastases in neuroendocrine tumors and papillary thyroid carcinomas (p < 0.05 each) and to poor grade in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (p < 0.05). CK19 upregulation was particularly common in squamous cell carcinomas. We concluded that CK19 IHC might separate primary liver cell carcinoma from liver metastases, seminoma from other testicular tumors, and helps in the detection of early neoplastic transformation in squamous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Menz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rifka Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Kluth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clara Marie von Bargen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Gorbokon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Viehweger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lennartz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cosima Völkl
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Fraune
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ria Uhlig
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Noémi De Wispelaere
- Department and Clinic of Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon Kind
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Lebok
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Waldemar Wilczak
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49076 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Andreas H Marx
- Department of Pathology, Academic Hospital Fuerth, 90766 Fuerth Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Arafah MA, Ouban A, Ameer OZ, Quek KJ. KI-67 LI Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients and Its Significance. BREAST CANCER-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2021; 15:11782234211016977. [PMID: 34158798 PMCID: PMC8186110 DOI: 10.1177/11782234211016977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subset of breast cancer which is known to carry a poor prognosis because of lack of targets for hormonal therapy. Research efforts have focused in recent years on discovering biomarkers of management in TNBCs. KI-67 Labelling Index (LI) is a nuclear protein which has proven to play diagnostic and prognostic roles in many cancers. Materials and methods: We analysed the expression of KI-67 LI by immunohistochemistry in TNBC cases from the University hospital. This expression was cross-checked against clinical-pathological criteria of TNBC patients and against Vimentin expression in TNBC patients with significant KI-67 expression. Results: KI-67 LI was significantly expressed in the majority of TNBC cases. This expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastases, tumour invasion, high tumour nuclear grade, clinical stage, adverse survival outcome, and failure to achieve pathological complete response. TNBCs’ KI-67 LI expression was also correlated with Vimentin expression, the mesenchymal chief marker of the EMT phenomenon. Conclusion: Collectively, our study presents a strong argument for the use of KI-67 LI as a biomarker of aggressive, metastatic TNBC disease with poor outcome. This study, along with mounting evidence in the scientific literature, presents a case for the use of this nuclear protein in diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of patients with this difficult diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Arafah
- Department of Pathology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abderrahman Ouban
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Z Ameer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ko Jin Quek
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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13
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Jolly MK, Murphy RJ, Bhatia S, Whitfield HJ, Redfern A, Davis MJ, Thompson EW. Measuring and Modelling the Epithelial- Mesenchymal Hybrid State in Cancer: Clinical Implications. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:110-133. [PMID: 33902034 DOI: 10.1159/000515289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal (E/M) hybrid state has emerged as an important mediator of elements of cancer progression, facilitated by epithelial mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). We review here evidence for the presence, prognostic significance, and therapeutic potential of the E/M hybrid state in carcinoma. We further assess modelling predictions and validation studies to demonstrate stabilised E/M hybrid states along the spectrum of EMP, as well as computational approaches for characterising and quantifying EMP phenotypes, with particular attention to the emerging realm of single-cell approaches through RNA sequencing and protein-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ryan J Murphy
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Mathematical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sugandha Bhatia
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Holly J Whitfield
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital Campus, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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14
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miR-155 promotes proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of MCF-7 cells. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:218. [PMID: 33500705 PMCID: PMC7818536 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths among women worldwide. Increasing evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) have demonstrated great potential for improving the diagnosis and therapy for BC. In the present study, miRNA-155 was detected in human BC tissues using reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR. RT-qPCR and western blot assays were used to analyze the levels of transforming growth factor β receptor type II (TGFBR2) in human BC tissues. MCF-7 cells were cultured and treated with miR-155 inhibitor and an MTT assay was performed to determine the role of miR-155 on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Subsequently, TGFBR2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated molecules were analyzed using RT-qPCR and western blot assays. The direct binding of miR-155 to TGFBR2 was validated using a dual luciferase assay. Higher levels of miR-155 and lower levels of TGFBR2 were expressed in human BC tissues compared with paired normal tissues. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-155 were associated with the tumor size, TNM stage and metastasis status of BC. Transfection of MCF-7 cells with miR-155 inhibitors resulted in reduced cell proliferation and suppressed the EMT process, characterized by upregulated expression of the epithelial markers, E-cadherin and CK18, and downregulated expression of mesenchymal markers, fibronectin and smooth muscle actin α. Transfection of a miR-155 inhibitor also resulted in increased expression of TGFBR2, and miR-155 may have regulated TGFBR2 through direct binding to the 3'untranslated region of TGFBR2 as determined using a dual-luciferase assay. Based on the results of the present study, miR-155 may serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with BC.
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15
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Liu SS, Qi J, Teng ZD, Tian FT, Lv XX, Li K, Song YJ, Xie WD, Hu ZW, Li X. Resistomycin attenuates triple-negative breast cancer progression by inhibiting E3 ligase Pellino-1 and inducing SNAIL/SLUG degradation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:133. [PMID: 32728028 PMCID: PMC7391765 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China.,Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Group, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jie Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Zu-Dong Teng
- Department of Pathology, Changle People's Hospital, Weifang, 262499, China
| | - Fu-Tao Tian
- Department of Pathology, Changle People's Hospital, Weifang, 262499, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Lv
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Group, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ke Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ya-Jie Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Wei-Dong Xie
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Group, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhuo-Wei Hu
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Group, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China.
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16
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Liu JH, Chen C, Li ZY, Zou ZM, Gao DC, Zhang X, Kuang XW, Sun ZH, Zheng WJ, Zhou P, Sun SR. The MyD88 inhibitor TJ-M2010-2 suppresses proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by regulating MyD88/GSK-3β and MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathways. Exp Cell Res 2020; 394:112157. [PMID: 32610185 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
MyD88 has been implicated in the tumourigenesis, metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer (BC). Here we utilized TJ-M2010-2 (TJ), an inhibitor of MyD88 homodimerimerization, and siMyD88 to suppress the function of MyD88 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. BC cells were treated in vitro and xenografted into nude mice to generate a model in vivo. TJ inhibited BC cell growth by impeding proliferation rather than by promoting apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, TJ and siMyD88 significantly attenuated cell migration and invasion, inhibited EMT-like progression and reduced cytokine (IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1 and TNF-α) secretion induced by LPS. In vivo, TJ significantly hindered tumour growth in mice. Notably, TJ also decreased the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1, and TNF-α and M2 macrophage infiltration in the tumour microenvironment. The expression of MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, Snail, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-GSK-3β and p-Akt was significantly downregulated by TJ in BC cells and tumour tissues. Collectively, these results suggest that a MyD88 inhibitor (TJ) may be a promising therapeutic modality for treating BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Chuang Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Ze-Yang Li
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhi-Miao Zou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong-Cheng Gao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Xin-Wen Kuang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Zhi-Hong Sun
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Wei-Jie Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Sheng-Rong Sun
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China.
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17
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Is vimentin a potential prognostic factor for patients with triple-negative breast cancer? J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2109-2116. [PMID: 32266539 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03210-0] [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: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prognostic potential of vimentin, p53, EGFR, CK5/6, CK 14, and CK 17 in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Tumor specimens of 60 patients with histologically confirmed TNBC were retrospectively analyzed. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of the tumor tissue were used to prepare tissue microarrays (TMAs). After immune-histochemical staining, protein expression of vimentin, p53, EGFR, CK5/6, CK 14, and CK 17 was determined and the immunoreactive score (IRS) was calculated. The protein expression was correlated to overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS Ninety percent of patients suffered from an invasive ductal carcinoma T1 or T2, 66.7% were N0, and 70% had a G3 tumor with Ki67 of > 14%. Vimentin expression was found in 28/60 patients (46.7%), p53 expression in 30/60 patients (50%), and EGFR expression in 3/60 patients (5%). CK5/6, CK14, and CK17 expression was found in 60.0%, 63.3%, and 66.7%, respectively. Vimentin expression vs no expression was associated with significantly higher mean Ki67 values (52.5% vs. 31.1%; p = 0.0013) and significantly higher p53 expression (67.9% vs. 34.4%; p = 0.0097). No significant association between vimentin expression and OS (p = 0.7710) or DFS (p = 0.5558) was found during a mean follow-up of 92 months. CONCLUSION None of the six proteins proved to be suitable prognostic factors for OS and DSF in patients with TNBC.
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18
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Ang L, Guo L, Wang J, Huang J, Lou X, Zhao M. Oncolytic virotherapy armed with an engineered interfering lncRNA exhibits antitumor activity by blocking the epithelial mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 479:42-53. [PMID: 32200038 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has special characteristics of significant aggressiveness, and strong potential for metastasis and recurrence; currently there are no targeted drugs for TNBC. Abnormal activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in these malignant behaviors of TNBC. In the crosstalk among the multiple EMT-associated signaling pathways, many miRNAs participate in regulating pathway activity, where they act as "traffic lights" at the intersection of these pathways. In this study, we used miRNA microarray technology to detect differentially expressed miRNAs related to EMT in TNBC, and we identified and verified 9 highly expressed oncogenic miRNAs (OncomiRs). High expression of these OncomiRs in clinical breast cancer tissues affected the prognosis of patients, and inhibition of their expression blocked EMT in TNBC cell lines and suppressed cancer cell proliferation and migration. We constructed an oncolytic adenovirus (AdSVP-lncRNAi9) armed with an artificially-designed interfering lncRNA (lncRNAi9), which exhibited an activity to block EMT in TNBC cells by disrupting the functions of multiple OncomiRs; the efficacy of such a treatment for TNBC was demonstrated in cytology and animal experiments. This research provides a new candidate oncolytic virotherapy for treating highly malignant refractory TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ang
- Department of Pathology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Lingli Guo
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoli Lou
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, 230011, Anhui, China.
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19
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Transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFBR2) promoter region polymorphism in Brazilian breast cancer patients: association with susceptibility, clinicopathological features, and interaction with TGFB1 haplotypes. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019; 178:207-219. [PMID: 31364002 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) has paradoxical effects in breast cancer (BC), inhibiting initial tumors while promoting aggressive ones. A polymorphism on TGFBR2 promoter region (G-875A, rs3087465) increases TGFβ type II receptor expression and is protective against cancer. Previously, we have shown that TGFB1 variants have subtype-specific roles in BC. This work sought to investigate the association between TGFBR2 and susceptibility and clinicopathological features in BC subgroups. METHODS TGFBR2 G-875A was analyzed through PCR-RFLP in 388 BC patients and 405 neoplasia-free women. Case-control analyses as well as interaction with TGFB1 haplotypes previously associated with BC were tested through age-adjusted logistic regression. Correlations between G-875A and clinicopathological parameters were assessed through Kendall's Tau-b test. All statistical tests were two-tailed (α = 0.05). RESULTS TGFBR2 G-875A was protective against BC in additive, genotypic, and dominant models. In subgroup-stratified analyses, these effects were greater in hormonal receptor-positive and luminal-A tumors, but were not significant in other subgroups. Logistic models including TGFB1 variants showed that in luminal-A tumors, G-875A retained its significance while TGFB1 haplotype showed a trend towards significance; otherwise, in HER2+ tumors TGFB1 variants remained significant while TGFBR2 showed a trend for association. There was no interaction between these genes. In correlation analyses, G-875A positively correlated with histopathological grade in total sample, and a trend towards significance was observed in triple-negative BCs. CONCLUSION These results indicate that G-875A is a protective factor against BC, especially from luminal-A subtype, but may promote anaplasia in established tumors, consistent with TGFβ signaling roles in BC.
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20
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Shikonin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer-cell metastasis by reversing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via glycogen synthase kinase 3β-regulated suppression of β-catenin signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 166:33-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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21
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Fu Y, Tang Y, Wang J, Guo Z. MicroRNA-181c Suppresses the Biological Progression of Osteosarcoma via Targeting SMAD7 and Regulating Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Signaling Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:4801-4810. [PMID: 31251735 PMCID: PMC6612243 DOI: 10.12659/msm.916939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is a primary bone aggressive cancer, affecting adolescents worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that dysfunction of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a pivotal role in malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential functions of miR-181c and verifying its regulatory effects on SMAD7 in osteosarcoma. Material/Methods The expressions of miR-181c and SMAD7 in osteosarcoma were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities were assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and Transwell assay. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to explore the interaction between miR-181c and SMAD7. Western blot was performed to determine the functions of miR-181c on osteosarcoma cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Results Decreased expression levels of miR-181c and SMAD7 were identified in osteosarcoma using qRT-PCR. The downregulated miR-181c and SMAD7 expressions indicated poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Moreover, miR-181c overexpression prominently repressed osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities via modulating EMT and TGF-β signaling pathway. SMAD7 functioned as an important target for miR-181c in osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, upregulation of miR-181c dramatically suppressed osteosarcoma tumorigenesis in vivo. Conclusions These findings indicated that miR-181c suppressed osteosarcoma progression, providing new insight into the pathogenesis and representing a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwei Fu
- Department of Orthopedics Center, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yin Tang
- Department of Orthopedics Center, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Orthopedics Center, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Zonghui Guo
- Department of Orthopedics Center, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
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22
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Ren ZQ, Yan WJ, Zhang XZ, Zhang PB, Zhang C, Chen SK. CUL1 Knockdown Attenuates the Adhesion, Invasion, and Migration of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells via Inhibition of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Pathol Oncol Res 2019; 26:1153-1163. [PMID: 31175550 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00681-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cullin-1 (CUL1) is an important factor for tumor growth and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy, but the molecular mechanism in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is unknown. In the present study, CUL1 shRNA was transfected into BT549 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Cell morphology, adhesion, invasion, and migration assays were carried out in the CUL1 knockdown cells. Additionally, protein expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors, Akt phosphorylation at S473 (pAkt), glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation at ser9 (pGSK3β), cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin, and epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation at Tyr1068 (pEGFR) were detected by Western blot analysis. CUL1 knockdown significantly suppressed the adhesion, invasion and migration capabilities of the cells, and decreased the expression of Snail1/2, ZEB1/2, Twist1/2, Vimentin, and increased the expression of Cytokeratin 18 (CK18). Moreover, CUL1 knockdown significantly downregulated the phosphorylated levels of Akt, GSK3β, and EGFR, inhibiting the translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. The results indicate that CUL1 knockdown prohibited the metastasis behaviors of breast cancer cells through downregulation (dephosphorylation) of the EMT signaling pathways of EGFR and Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin in breast cancer. These results strongly suggested that reinforcement of the EMT might be a key for CUL1 to accelerate TNBC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Qiang Ren
- General Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen-Jing Yan
- School of Nursing, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Zhong Zhang
- General Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Bo Zhang
- General Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Zhang
- General Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shou-Kun Chen
- General Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221006, People's Republic of China
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23
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LncRNA-NR_033515 promotes proliferation, fibrogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting miR-743b-5p in diabetic nephropathy. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:543-552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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24
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Dendrosomal nanocurcumin and exogenous p53 can act synergistically to elicit anticancer effects on breast cancer cells. Gene 2018; 670:55-62. [PMID: 29753810 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes an important histological subtype of breast cancer with a highly metastatic phenotype. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possible synergism between dendrosomal nanocurcumin (DNC) and exogenously delivered p53 in producing anticancer effects on a TNBC cell line. MTT assay was exploited to determine the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells against DNC and measure the impact of p53 overexpresssion on DNC-related cytotoxicity. Annexin-V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry and wound healing assay were used to evaluate the effects of DNC and exogenous p53, alone and in combination, on apoptosis induction and migratory capacity of MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Also, quantitative real-time PCR was applied to analyze the transcript levels of EMT- and metastasis-associated genes. Cell viability measurements demonstrated that DNC suppresses the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a time- and dose-dependent mode and exogenous p53 elevates the sensitivity of cells to DNC-mediated cytotoxic effects. Apoptosis and wound healing assays indicated that combination treatment with DNC and exogenous p53 leads to significantly increased apoptosis and decreased migration of breast cancer cells, compared with single treatment. The results of gene expression analysis highlighted the high potency of combination strategy to significantly reduce the expression of ZEB1 and BMI1 transcript levels. Altogether, our findings reveal that DNC and exogenous p53 act in a synergistic manner to elicit anticancer effects on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Therefore, our combination approach might be considered as a promising strategy for the development of new therapeutic modalities against breast cancer.
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25
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Orsi G, Barbolini M, Ficarra G, Tazzioli G, Manni P, Petrachi T, Mastrolia I, Orvieto E, Spano C, Prapa M, Kaleci S, D'Amico R, Guarneri V, Dieci MV, Cascinu S, Conte P, Piacentini F, Dominici M. GD2 expression in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:31592-31600. [PMID: 28415563 PMCID: PMC5458232 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease, including different subtypes having diverse incidence, drug-sensitivity and survival rates. In particular, claudin-low and basal-like BC have mesenchymal features with a dismal prognosis. Disialoganglioside GD2 is a typical neuroectodermal antigen expressed in a variety of cancers. Despite its potential relevance in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, the presence and role of GD2 require further investigation, especially in BC. Therefore, we evaluated GD2 expression in a cohort of BC patients and its correlation with clinical-pathological features. Sixty-three patients with BC who underwent surgery without prior chemo- and/or radiotherapy between 2001 and 2014 were considered. Cancer specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and GD2-staining was expressed according to the percentage of positive cells and by a semi-quantitative scoring system. Patient characteristics were heterogeneous by age at diagnosis, histotype, grading, tumor size, Ki-67 and receptor-status. GD2 staining revealed positive cancer cells in 59% of patients. Among them, 26 cases (41%) were labeled with score 1+ and 11 (18%) with score 2+. Notably, the majority of metaplastic carcinoma specimens stained positive for GD2. The univariate regression logistic analysis revealed a significant association of GD2 with triple-receptor negative phenotype and older age (> 78) at diagnosis. We demonstrate for the first time that GD2 is highly prevalent in a cohort of BC patients clustering on very aggressive BC subtypes, such as triple-negative and metaplastic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Orsi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Barbolini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Guido Ficarra
- Division of Pathology, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy.,Breast Unit, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tazzioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy.,Breast Unit, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Manni
- Division of Pathology, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Tiziana Petrachi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Ilenia Mastrolia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Orvieto
- Department of Pathology, Padua University Hospital, 2-35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Malvina Prapa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Shaniko Kaleci
- Department of Diagnostic and Clinical Medicine and Public Health, Statistics Unit, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Department of Diagnostic and Clinical Medicine and Public Health, Statistics Unit, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Division of Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, 64-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Dieci
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Division of Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, 64-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Cascinu
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Pierfranco Conte
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Division of Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, 64-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Federico Piacentini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy.,Breast Unit, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 71-41124 Modena, Italy
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26
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Liu DN, Lv A, Tian ZH, Tian XY, Guan XY, Dong B, Zhao M, Hao CY. Superior mesenteric artery margin in pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:7766-7776. [PMID: 27999192 PMCID: PMC5352359 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is trying to describe more details of superior mesenteric artery margin in pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, to evaluate biological and prognostic implications of tumor budding in this margin, and to provide more evidence for evaluation of R0 surgery in pancreaticoduodenectomy. 46 patients in 5-years period are included in this study. Immunochemistry and immunofluorescence are used to analyze tumor budding and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Superior mesenteric artery margin might be described from four aspects including location, gross appearance, microscopic appearance and tumor budding. We find that 1mm rule for R1 surgery is more appropriate to predict prognosis (P = 0.009) than 0mm rule (P = 0.141). Expression of cytokeratin in tumor budding is significantly lower than primary tumor (P = 0.001), and it suggests that tumor budding may participate the procedure of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. High-grade tumor budding and decreasing cytokeratin of tumor budding correlate with distant metastasis and has negative influence on prognosis. So superior mesenteric artery margin might be not only an area that tumor cells may invade, but also a pathway for distant metastasis. It is necessary to evaluate superior mesenteric artery margin in pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Ning Liu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ang Lv
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hua Tian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Yun Tian
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ya Guan
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yi Hao
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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27
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Kim J, Kong J, Chang H, Kim H, Kim A. EGF induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition through phospho-Smad2/3-Snail signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:85021-85032. [PMID: 27829223 PMCID: PMC5356716 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can contribute to tumor invasion, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy or hormone therapy. EMT may be induced by a variety of growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF). Most studies regarding EMT have focused on TGF-β-Smads signaling. The mechanism of EGF-induced EMT via activation of the Smad2/3 in breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, remains unclear. The expression levels of Snail, vimentin, and fibronectin were increased by EGF treatment in a time-dependent manner, while the expression level of E-cadherin was decreased. EGF-induced nuclear co-localization of phospho-Smad2/3 and Snail and cancer cell migration were inhibited by pretreatment with an ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059 and a phospho-Smad2 inhibitor, SB203580. Knockdown of Smad2/3 expression suppressed EGF-induced expressions of Snail, vimentin, fibronectin, and cancer cell invasion, suggesting an acquisition of the mesenchymal and migratory phenotype in less aggressive MCF-7 cells. Moreover, MDA-MB-231 cells were shown that EGF-induced EMT, and cell invasion through ERK1/2-phospho-Smad2/3-Snail signaling pathway. We have discovered that EGF-stimulated activation of Smad2/3 upregulated several key EMT markers, inhibited E-cadherin expression, promoted EMT, enhanced migration and invasion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Identification of this molecular mechanism may provide new molecular targets for the development of therapies for metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkyoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Jienan Kong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Hyeyoon Chang
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Aeree Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
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28
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Zhou S, Sun X, Yu L, Zhou R, Li A, Li M, Yang W. Differential expression and clinical significance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers among different histological types of triple-negative breast cancer. J Cancer 2018; 9:604-613. [PMID: 29483966 PMCID: PMC5820928 DOI: 10.7150/jca.19190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease closely associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study aimed to investigate the role of EMT in metaplastic carcinoma. Methods: E-cadherin, Slug, Twist and Vimentin levels were detected by immunohistochemistry in 167 TNBC tumors, including 145 invasive carcinomas of no special type (ICONSTs), 14 spindle cell carcinomas (SpCCs) and 8 matrix-producing carcinomas (MPCs). Results: Nuclear Slug and Twist were more frequently detected in SpCC and MPC tumors than that in ICONST tumors (p<0.001). The rate of E-cadherin loss was much lower in the ICONST tumors than that in the SpCC and MPC tumors (p<0.001). Vimentin was expressed in all SpCC and MPC tumors. Furthermore, nuclear expression of Slug and Twist was positively associated with the cytoplasmic localization of Vimentin (p<0.001) and was inversely associated with membranous staining of E-cadherin (p<0.001). These trends were more apparent in the SpCC and MPC tumors than in the ICONST tumors. Follow-up data were available for 151 patients. The follow-up times ranged from 1 month to 11 years (mean: 74 m; median: 21 m). The median progression-free survival and overall survival times were 24 months (mean: 32 months) and 22 months (mean: 35 months), respectively. Tumor size, TNM stage and E-cadherin were found to be independent prognostic factors of TNBC. Conclusions: EMT may play an important role in TNBC, especially in MPC and SpCC. Further researches are needed to confirm this finding. The results of this study may facilitate the future development of targeted therapies based on alterations in the EMT and stem cell markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiangjie Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lin Yu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ruoji Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Yang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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29
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Liu XR, Zhou LH, Hu JX, Liu LM, Wan HP, Zhang XQ. UNC0638, a G9a inhibitor, suppresses epithelial‑mesenchymal transition‑mediated cellular migration and invasion in triple negative breast cancer. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:2239-2244. [PMID: 29207160 PMCID: PMC5783465 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with an aggressive clinical history, high risk of recurrence and metastasis, and shorter patient survival due to lack of targeted therapy. In the present study, UNC0638, a chemical G9a inhibitor, was identified to suppress TNBC cell invasion and migration in vitro at a non-cytotoxic concentration. In addition, UNC0638 reduced the size and number of the tumorsphere and decreased anchor-independent colony formation in the two TNBC cell lines. Evaluation of the underlying mechanism revealed that the suppressive effect of UNC0638 is associated with modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition through enhancing E-cadherin promoter activities and restoring its expression. Thus, the current data indicates that UNC0638 may be developed as a chemotherapeutic agent to effectively treat metastatic cancers, including TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Rong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hua Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Xin Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Ping Wan
- Department of Tumor, The People's Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xi-Quan Zhang
- Department of Tumor, The People's Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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30
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Lee KH, Kim EY, Yun JS, Park YL, Do SI, Chae SW, Park CH. Prognostic significance of expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition driver brachyury in breast cancer and its association with subtype and characteristics. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:1037-1045. [PMID: 29399164 PMCID: PMC5772917 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Brachyury is a T-box transcription factor characterized as a driver of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal process, which is associated with poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer. The present study investigated expression of brachyury in breast cancer including primary tumor, metastatic and recurred tumor tissues, and the clinical significance and value of brachyury as a prognostic biomarker. This retrospective study included a series of 102 consecutive patients surgically resected between January 2005 and December 2011. Brachyury expression in tumor cell was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and scored as the immunoactivity. Of 102 patients, 62 primary tumors were positive for brachyury expression and 40 were negative. Multivariate analysis of disease-free survival (DFS) revealed brachyury expression, HER2 and lymphovascular invasion as independent prognostic factors [brachyury negative vs. positive hazard ratio (HR), 3.0; P=0.024; HER2 negative vs. positive HR, 4.9; P=0.003; lymphovascular invasion absent vs. present HR, 3.5; P=0.020]. These results were particularly observed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), no recurrence or mortality occurred in brachyury negative group during the follow-up period, and therefore a significantly improved prognosis was demonstrated in these patients compared with the brachyury positive group [overall survival (OS), P=0.022; DFS, P=0.002]. Brachyury expression in metastatic lymph node/recurred tumors was not significantly associated with prognosis (OS, P=0.745; DFS, P=0.189). Therefore, Brachyury expression in primary tumor independently is a potential predictor of poor prognosis, particularly in TNBC, where it appears to serve a crucial function in recurrence and mortality. Brachyury vaccines under clinical trials are likely to be useful in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Ho Lee
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sup Yun
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Lai Park
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Im Do
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoung Wan Chae
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Heun Park
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
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Xie Y, Liao J, Yu Y, Guo Q, Yang Y, Ge J, Chen H, Chen R. Endothelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition in human idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:961-969. [PMID: 29115553 PMCID: PMC5780177 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by left ventricular dilation and cardiac fibrosis. Emerging evidence indicated that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) is a crucial event during organ fibrosis. This study was performed to clarify whether Endo-MT contributed to the progression of cardiac fibrosis in DCM. Cardiac samples from patients with DCM and control were obtained. The presence of endothelial markers, cluster of differentiation (CD)31 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, and mesenchymal markers, α smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) was performed using immunohistochemistry. Co-localization of endothelial markers and mesenchymal markers were identified using confocal immunofluorescence staining. Serum procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) and procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) were measured by ELISA. Protein levels of Wnt, β-catenin and Snail were determined using western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry and double-immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin were significantly decreased in DCM samples, whereas the FSP-1, and αSMA were significantly increased. CD31 and VE-cadherin labeling indexes were respectively negatively correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (CD31 r=−0.82, P<0.01; VE-cadherin r=−0.73, P<0.01), while FSP-1 and αSMA were positively associated with LVEDD (αSMA r=0.65, P<0.01, FSP1 r=0.53, P<0.01) and left ventricular ejection fraction (αSMA r=−0.18, P<0.05; FSP1 r=−0.21, P<0.05). Furthermore, PICP and PIIINP levels were positively associated with the co-expression labeling indexes (CD31/SMA co-labeling index and PICP r=0.727, P<0.01; CD31/SMA co-labeling index and PIIINP r=0.741, P<0.01; VE-Cadherin/FSP-1 co-labeling index and PICP r=0.716, P<0.01; VE-cadherin/FSP-1 co-labeling index and PIIINP r=0.648, P<0.05). Western blot analysis indicated that proteins levels of Wnt signaling and snail were significantly increased in DCM samples. These results suggested that Endo-MT is potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis and remodeling during the development of DCM, indicating a potential therapeutic target for DCM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Xie
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jianquan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Qi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yingzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Haozhu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ruizhen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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Liu JB, Feng CY, Deng M, Ge DF, Liu DC, Mi JQ, Feng XS. E-cadherin expression phenotypes associated with molecular subtypes in invasive non-lobular breast cancer: evidence from a retrospective study and meta-analysis. World J Surg Oncol 2017; 15:139. [PMID: 28764784 PMCID: PMC5539617 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-017-1210-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This retrospective study and meta-analysis was designed to explore the relationship between E-cadherin (E-cad) expression and the molecular subtypes of invasive non-lobular breast cancer, especially in early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Methods A total of 156 post-operative cases of early-stage IDCs were retrospectively collected for the immunohistochemistry (IHC) detection of E-cad expression. The association of E-cad expression with molecular subtypes of early-stage IDCs was analyzed. A literature search was conducted in March 2016 to retrieve publications on E-cad expression in association with molecular subtypes of invasive non-lobular breast cancer, and a meta-analysis was performed to estimate the relational statistics. Results E-cad was expressed in 82.7% (129/156) of early-stage IDCs. E-cad expression was closely associated with the molecular types of early-stage IDCs (P < 0.050); moreover, the molecular subtypes were an independent factor influencing E-cad expression in early-stage IDCs. A total of 12 observational studies (including our study) were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analytical results show a significantly greater risk of E-cad expression loss in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) than in other molecular subtypes (TNBC vs. luminal A: RR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.79–4.26; TNBC vs. luminal B: RR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.49–3.90; TNBC vs. HER2-enriched: RR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.24–3.07). Conclusions Early-stage IDCs or invasive non-lobular breast cancers with the TNBC molecular phenotype have a higher risk for the loss of E-cad expression than do tumors with non-TNBC molecular phenotypes, suggesting that E-cad expression phenotypes were closely related to molecular subtypes and further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12957-017-1210-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Bo Liu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| | - Chen-Yi Feng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Institute, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Miao Deng
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Dong-Feng Ge
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, , Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - De-Chun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Mi
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, , Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Feng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Institute, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
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Zhang X, Li Q, Zhao H, Ma L, Meng T, Qian J, Jin R, Shen J, Yu K. Pathological expression of tissue factor confers promising antitumor response to a novel therapeutic antibody SC1 in triple negative breast cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:59086-59102. [PMID: 28938620 PMCID: PMC5601716 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological presence of tissue factor (TF) in cancer cells promotes tumor-initiated thrombosis and cancer metastasis. We found that TF is aberrantly present in large percentage of aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PaC), two most lethal forms of malignancy that urgently need effective treatment. TF expression in TNBC clustered with higher levels of vimentin, basal-type keratins KRT5/14 and caveolin-1 but lower levels of luminal-type biomarkers. We developed a novel and specific anti-TF therapeutic antibody SC1, which displayed an exceedingly high potency against TF extracellular domain (EC50: 0.019 nM), TF-positive TNBC- or PaC cells (EC50: 2.5 nM), intracellular protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) signaling (IC50: 2-3 nM) and tumor-initiated coagulation (IC50: <10 nM). Depletion of TF or SC1-treatment in TNBC or PaC cells inhibited TF-induced cell migration, lung metastasis and tumor growth in vivo, accompanied by diminished levels of tumor angiogenesis and stromal fibrosis. We further propose TF as a promising target for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development based on its rapid and efficient internalization of SC1-drug conjugate. Both SC1-DM1 and SC1-MMAE elicited exquisite cytotoxicity in TF-positive TNBC and PaC cells (IC50: 0.02-0.1 nM) but not in TF-negative cells (>100 nM) achieving >5000 fold target selectivity. Following a weekly intravenous administration, SC1-MMAE and its humanized hSC1-MMAE inhibited TNBC- and PaC tumor growth achieving MED of 0.3-1 mg/kg and were both well tolerated. Thus, the prevalent TF expression in TNBC and PaC renders these challenging tumors highly susceptible to TF-targeted treatment and may offer new opportunity in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingrou Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Lanping Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianchang Qian
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingkang Shen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ker Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
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Lehtinen L, Vainio P, Wikman H, Huhtala H, Mueller V, Kallioniemi A, Pantel K, Kronqvist P, Kallioniemi O, Carpèn O, Iljin K. PLA2G7 associates with hormone receptor negativity in clinical breast cancer samples and regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cultured breast cancer cells. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2017; 3:123-138. [PMID: 28451461 PMCID: PMC5402179 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women due to distinct cancer subtypes associated with early recurrence and aggressive metastatic progression. High lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (PLA2G7) expression has previously been associated with aggressive disease and metastasis in prostate cancer. Here, we explore the expression pattern and functional role of PLA2G7 in breast cancer. First, a bioinformatic analysis of genome‐wide gene expression data from 970 breast samples was carried out to evaluate the expression pattern of PLA2G7 mRNA in breast cancer. Second, the expression profile of PLA2G7 was studied in 1042 breast cancer samples including 89 matched lymph node metastasis samples using immunohistochemistry. Third, the effect of PLA2G7 silencing on genome‐wide gene expression profile was studied and validated in cultured breast cancer cells expressing PLA2G7 at high level. Last, the expression pattern of PLA2G7 mRNA was investigated in 24 nonmalignant tissue samples and 65 primary and 7 metastatic tumour samples derived from various organs using qRT‐PCR. The results from clinical breast cancer samples indicated that PLA2G7 is overexpressed in a subset of breast cancer samples compared to its expression in benign breast tissue samples and that high PLA2G7 expression associated with hormone receptor negativity as well as with poor prognosis in a subset of breast cancer samples. In vitro functional studies highlighted the putative role of PLA2G7 in the regulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related signalling pathways, vimentin and E‐cadherin protein expression as well as cell migration in cultured breast cancer cells. Furthermore, supporting the findings in breast and prostate cancer, high PLA2G7 mRNA expression was associated with metastatic cancer in four additional organs of origin. In conclusion, our results indicate that PLA2G7 is highly expressed in a subset of metastatic and aggressive breast cancers and in metastatic samples of various tissues of origin and promotes EMT and migration in cultured breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lehtinen
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Paula Vainio
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Harriet Wikman
- Institute of Tumour Biology, Centre of Experimental MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
| | - Heini Huhtala
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of TampereTampereFinland
| | - Volkmar Mueller
- Department of GynecologyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | | | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumour Biology, Centre of Experimental MedicineUniversity Medical Centre Hamburg-EppendorfGermany
| | - Pauliina Kronqvist
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- FIMM, Institute for Molecular Medicine FinlandUniversity of HelsinkiFinland.,Present address: Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life LaboratoryKarolinska InstitutetSolnaSweden
| | - Olli Carpèn
- Department of PathologyTurku University and Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland.,Present address: Department of PathologyUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
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Han SH, Kim HJ, Gwak JM, Kim M, Chung YR, Park SY. MicroRNA-222 Expression as a Predictive Marker for Tumor Progression in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. J Breast Cancer 2017; 20:35-44. [PMID: 28382093 PMCID: PMC5378578 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2017.20.1.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The microRNA-221/222 (miR-221/222) gene cluster has been reported to be associated with the promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), downregulation of estrogen receptor-α, and tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. We studied the expression of miR-222 in human breast cancer samples to analyze its relationship with clinicopathologic features of the tumor, including estrogen receptor status, expression of EMT markers, and clinical outcomes. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression of miR-222 in 197 invasive breast cancers. Expression of EMT markers (vimentin, smooth muscle actin, osteonectin, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Results High miR-222 levels were associated with high T stage, high histologic grade, high Ki-67 proliferation index, and HER2 gene amplification. Its expression was significantly higher in the luminal B and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) subtypes than in the luminal A and triple-negative subtypes. In the hormone receptor-positive subgroup, there was a significant negative correlation between miR-222 and estrogen receptor expression, and miR-222 expression was associated with EMT marker expression. In the group as a whole, high miR-222 expression was not associated with clinical outcome. However, subgroup analyses by hormone receptor status revealed that high miR-222 expression was a poor prognostic factor in the hormone receptor-positive subgroup, but not in the hormone receptor-negative subgroup. Conclusion This study showed that miR-222 is associated with down-regulation of the estrogen receptor, EMT, and tumor progression in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, indicating that miR-222 might be associated with endocrine therapy resistance and poor clinical outcome in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Hee Han
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jae Moon Gwak
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Mimi Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yul Ri Chung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.; Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Hamilton DH, Roselli M, Ferroni P, Costarelli L, Cavaliere F, Taffuri M, Palena C, Guadagni F. Brachyury, a vaccine target, is overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:783-796. [PMID: 27580659 PMCID: PMC5010091 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a high rate of tumor metastasis and a poor prognosis. The treatment option for these patients is currently chemotherapy, which results in very low response rates. Strategies that exploit the immune system for the treatment of cancer have now shown the ability to improve survival in several tumor types. Identifying potential targets for immune therapeutic interventions is an important step in developing novel treatments for TNBC. In this study, in silico analysis of publicly available datasets and immunohistochemical analysis of primary and metastatic tumor biopsies from TNBC patients were conducted to evaluate the expression of the transcription factor brachyury, which is a driver of tumor metastasis and resistance and a target for cancer vaccine approaches. Analysis of breast cancer datasets demonstrated a predominant expression of brachyury mRNA in TNBC and in basal vs luminal or HER2 molecular breast cancer subtypes. At the protein level, variable levels of brachyury expression were detected both in primary and metastatic TNBC lesions. A strong association was observed between nuclear brachyury protein expression and the stage of disease, with nuclear brachyury being more predominant in metastatic vs primary tumors. Survival analysis also demonstrated an association between high levels of brachyury in the primary tumor and poor prognosis. Two brachyury-targeting cancer vaccines are currently undergoing clinical evaluation; the data presented here provide rationale for using brachyury-targeting immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duane H. Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mario Roselli
- Department of Systems Medicine, Medical Oncology, Tor Vergata Clinical Center, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
- Corresponding Author: Claudia Palena, Ph.D., Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892. Telephone: (301) 496-1528; fax: (301) 496-2756;
| | - Fiorella Guadagni
- San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
- Interinstitutional Multidisciplinary Biobank (BioBIM), IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
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Ito K, Park SH, Nayak A, Byerly JH, Irie HY. PTK6 Inhibition Suppresses Metastases of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via SNAIL-Dependent E-Cadherin Regulation. Cancer Res 2016; 76:4406-17. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Araújo M, Campos L, Damasceno K, Gamba C, Ferreira E, Cassali G. HER-2, EGFR, Cox-2 and Ki67 expression in lymph node metastasis of canine mammary carcinomas: Association with clinical-pathological parameters and overall survival. Res Vet Sci 2016; 106:121-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bourcy M, Suarez-Carmona M, Lambert J, Francart ME, Schroeder H, Delierneux C, Skrypek N, Thompson EW, Jérusalem G, Berx G, Thiry M, Blacher S, Hollier BG, Noël A, Oury C, Polette M, Gilles C. Tissue Factor Induced by Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Triggers a Procoagulant State That Drives Metastasis of Circulating Tumor Cells. Cancer Res 2016; 76:4270-82. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Li W, Itou J, Tanaka S, Nishimura T, Sato F, Toi M. A homeobox protein, NKX6.1, up-regulates interleukin-6 expression for cell growth in basal-like breast cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2016; 343:177-189. [PMID: 27032575 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Among breast cancer subtypes, basal-like breast cancer is particularly aggressive, and research on the molecules involved in its pathology might contribute to therapy. In this study, we found that expression of NKX6.1, a homeobox transcription factor, is higher in basal-like breast cancer than in other subtypes. In loss-of-function experiments on basal-like breast cancer cell lines, NKX6.1-depleted cells exhibited reduced cell growth. Because cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is expressed in basal-like breast cancer, and increases cell growth, we analyzed expression levels of IL6, an IL-6 gene, and observed reduced IL6 expression in NKX6.1-depleted cells. In a reporter assay, IL6 promoter activity was reduced by loss of NKX6.1 function. A pull-down assay showed that NKX6.1 binds to the proximal region in IL6 promoter. These results indicate that NKX6.1 directly up-regulates IL6 expression. To investigate further, we established cells with forced expression of IL-6. We observed that exogenous IL-6 expression restored the reduced cell growth of NKX6.1-depleted cells. Furthermore, orthotopic xenografts showed that NKX6.1-depleted cells lost the capacity for tumor formation. We therefore conclude that NKX6.1 is a factor for IL-6-regulated growth and tumor formation in basal-like breast cancer. Our findings facilitate profound understanding of basal-like breast cancer, and the development of suitable therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhao Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Junji Itou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Sunao Tanaka
- Department of Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nishimura
- Department of Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Sato
- Department of Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masakazu Toi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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Luqmani YA, Alam-Eldin N. Overcoming Resistance to Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer: New Approaches to a Nagging Problem. Med Princ Pract 2016; 25 Suppl 2:28-40. [PMID: 26849149 PMCID: PMC5588530 DOI: 10.1159/000444451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the majority of women, breast cancer progresses through increased transcriptional activity due to over-expressed oestrogen receptors (ER). Therapeutic strategies include: (i) reduction of circulating ovarian oestrogens or of peripherally produced oestrogen (in postmenopausal women) with aromatase inhibitors and (ii) application of selective ER modulators for receptor blockade. The success of these interventions is limited by the variable but persistent onset of acquired resistance and by an intrinsic refractiveness which manifests despite adequate levels of ER in about 50% of patients with advanced metastatic disease. Loss of functional ER leads to endocrine insensitivity, loss of cellular adhesion and polarity, and increased migratory potential due to trans-differentiation of the epithelial cancer cells into a mesenchymal-like phenotype (epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EMT). Multiple mechanisms contributing to therapeutic failure have been proposed: (i) loss or modification of ER expression including epigenetic mechanisms, (ii) agonistic actions of selective ER modulators that may be enhanced through an increased expression of co-activators, (iii) attenuation of the tamoxifen metabolism through expression of genetic variants of P450 cytochromes which leads to more or less active metabolites and (iv) increased growth factor signalling particularly through epidermal growth factor receptor activation of pathways involving keratinocyte growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and nuclear factor x03BA;B. In addition, the small non-coding microRNAs, recently recognized as critical gene regulators, exhibit differential expression in tamoxifen-sensitive versus resistant cell lines. Several studies suggest the potential of using these either as targets or as therapeutic agents to modulate EMT regulators as a means of reversing the aggressive metastatic phenotype by reversal of the EMT, with the added benefit of re-sensitization to anti-oestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus A. Luqmani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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42
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The Role of Forkhead Box Protein M1 in Breast Cancer Progression and Resistance to Therapy. Int J Breast Cancer 2016; 2016:9768183. [PMID: 26942015 PMCID: PMC4752991 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9768183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a transcription factor that has been implicated in normal cell growth and proliferation through control of cell cycle transition and mitotic spindle. It is implicated in carcinogenesis of various malignancies where it is activated by either amplification, increased stability, enhanced transcription, dysfunction of regulatory pathways, or activation of PI3K/AKT, epidermal growth factor receptor, Raf/MEK/MAPK, and Hedgehog pathways. This review describes the role of FOXM1 in breast cancer. This includes how FOXM1 impacts on different subtypes of breast cancer, that is, luminal/estrogen receptor positive (ER+), expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), basal-like breast cancer (BBC), and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The review also describes different tested preclinical therapeutic strategies targeting FOXM1. Developing clinically applicable therapies that specifically inhibit FOXM1 activity is a logical next step in biomarker-driven approaches against breast cancer but will not be without its challenges due to the unique properties of this transcription factor.
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Marcucci F, Stassi G, De Maria R. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a new target in anticancer drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 15:311-25. [PMID: 26822829 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2015.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of cells with an epithelial phenotype into cells with a mesenchymal phenotype, referred to as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, is a critical process for embryonic development that also occurs in adult life, particularly during tumour progression. Tumour cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition acquire the capacity to disarm the body's antitumour defences, resist apoptosis and anticancer drugs, disseminate throughout the organism, and act as a reservoir that replenishes and expands the tumour cell population. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is therefore becoming a target of prime interest for anticancer therapy. Here, we discuss the screening and classification of compounds that affect epithelial-mesenchymal transition, highlight some compounds of particular interest, and address issues related to their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Marcucci
- Scientific Directorate, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy. Present address: Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Trentacoste 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical and Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 131, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Scientific Directorate, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
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44
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Jung M, Ryu YJ, Kang G. Investigation of the origin of stromal and endothelial cells at the desmoplastic interface in xenograft tumor in mice. Pathol Res Pract 2015; 211:925-30. [PMID: 26564105 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts found at the interface between a tumor and the normal stroma play several roles in the development of cancer, including cancer initiation, growth, and progression, thereby also affecting patient prognosis. Although recent studies have focused on carcinoma-associated fibroblasts as potential treatment targets, the origin of these fibroblasts remains unclear. One theory suggests that these cells arise from tumor cells undergoing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, i.e., tumor cells transform into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the cellular origin of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in a mouse xenograft model. Mice were transplanted with human lung cancer cells (H226 and A549 cells). After sacrifice, tumor masses and surrounding tissues were excised. Interestingly, the excised xenograft tissues contained a significant proportion of desmoplastic fibroblasts that exhibited strong expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). Immunohistochemical staining with pan-cytokeratin, vimentin, β-catenin, E-cadherin, and CD34 showed no evidence of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additional evaluation using dual-color silver in situ hybridization with dinitrophenyl-labeled human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and digoxigenin-labeled chromosome 17 centromere probes also showed similar results. In conclusion, our results revealed that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition may not occur in tumor xenograft models, regardless of evidence supporting this phenomenon in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsun Jung
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-joon Ryu
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gu Kang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
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45
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Kumar P, Aggarwal R. An overview of triple-negative breast cancer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015; 293:247-69. [PMID: 26341644 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3859-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 405] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous group of tumors comprising various breast cancers simply defined by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognostic variables of TNBC, and present the summary of recommended treatment strategies and all other available treatment options. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search using Medline and selected those articles which seemed relevant for this review. In addition, the ClinicalTrials.gov was also scanned for ongoing trials. RESULTS TNBC accounts for 10-20 % of all invasive breast cancers and has been found to be associated with African-American race, younger age, higher grade and mitotic index, and more advanced stage at diagnosis. Locoregional treatment is similar to other invasive breast cancer subtypes and involves surgery-mastectomy with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or breast conservation followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Due to lack of drug-targetable receptors, chemotherapy is the only recommended systemic treatment to improve disease outcome. TNBC is sensitive to chemotherapy as demonstrated by high pathological complete response rates achieved after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and this approach also allows for breast-conserving surgery. The peak risk of relapse is at 3 years after surgery, thereafter recurrence risk rapidly decreases. Survival after metastatic relapse is shorter as compared to other breast cancer subtypes, treatment options are few and response rates are poor and lack durability. Important molecular characteristics have now been identified that can subdivide this group of breast cancers further and can provide alternative systemic therapies. CONCLUSIONS To improve therapeutic outcome of TNBC, reliable predictive biomarkers and newer drugs against the known molecular pathways are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Phase-6, Mohali, 160055, Punjab, India.
| | - Rupali Aggarwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indus Super Speciality Hospital, Phase-1, Mohali, 160055, Punjab, India
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46
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Serrano MJ, Ortega FG, Alvarez-Cubero MJ, Nadal R, Sanchez-Rovira P, Salido M, Rodríguez M, García-Puche JL, Delgado-Rodriguez M, Solé F, García MA, Perán M, Rosell R, Marchal JA, Lorente JA. EMT and EGFR in CTCs cytokeratin negative non-metastatic breast cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:7486-97. [PMID: 25277187 PMCID: PMC4202138 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2217] [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: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are frequently associated with epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT). The objective of this study was to detect EMT phenotype through Vimentin (VIM) and Slug expression in cytokeratin (CK)-negative CTCs in non-metastatic breast cancer patients and to determine the importance of EGFR in the EMT phenomenon. In CK-negative CTCs samples, both VIM and Slug markers were co-expressed in the most of patients. Among patients EGFR+, half of them were positive for these EMT markers. Furthermore, after a systemic treatment 68% of patients switched from CK- to CK+ CTCs. In our experimental model we found that activation of EGFR signaling by its ligand on MCF-7 cells is sufficient to increase EMT phenotypes, to inhibit apoptotic events and to induce the loss of CK expression. The simultaneous detection of both EGFR and EMT markers in CTCs may improve prognostic or predictive information in patients with operable breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Serrano
- GENYO. Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre of Genomics and Oncology, Granada, Spain. Laboratory of Genetic Identification-UGR, Department of Legal Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. Contributed equally to this work
| | - Francisco G Ortega
- GENYO. Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre of Genomics and Oncology, Granada, Spain. Contributed equally to this work
| | - Maria J Alvarez-Cubero
- GENYO. Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre of Genomics and Oncology, Granada, Spain. Laboratory of Genetic Identification-UGR, Department of Legal Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rosa Nadal
- Hospital de Barcelona, Medical Oncology Department, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Sanchez-Rovira
- University of Jaén, Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, CIBERESP, Jaén, Spain
| | - Marta Salido
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory; Pathology Department, Parc de Salut Mar-Hospital del Mar-IMIM-GRETNHE, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Rodríguez
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory; Pathology Department, Parc de Salut Mar-Hospital del Mar-IMIM-GRETNHE, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose L García-Puche
- GENYO. Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre of Genomics and Oncology, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Solé
- Medicine Department. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Institut de Recerca contra la Leucèmia Josep Carreras, Badalona, Spain
| | - Maria A García
- Department of Oncology, Virgen de las Nieves, University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- University of Jaén, Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, CIBERESP, Jaén, Spain. Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael Rosell
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain (RR); Pangaea Biotech SL, USP Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain (RR, MAM)
| | - Juan A Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose A Lorente
- GENYO. Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre of Genomics and Oncology, Granada, Spain. Laboratory of Genetic Identification-UGR, Department of Legal Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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47
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Huang J, Li H, Ren G. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and drug resistance in breast cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2015. [PMID: 26202679 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Insensitivity of tumor cells to drug therapies is an essential reason arousing such high mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is defined by the loss of epithelial characteristics and the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype. It is well known that EMT plays an important role in breast cancer progression. Recently, mounting evidence has demonstrated involvement of EMT in antagonizing chemotherapy in breast cancer. Here, we discuss the biological significance and clinical implications of these findings, with an emphasis on novel approaches that effectively target EMT to increase the efficacy of anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Hongzhong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
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48
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Katayama H, Boldt C, Ladd JJ, Johnson MM, Chao T, Capello M, Suo J, Mao J, Manson JE, Prentice R, Esteva F, Wang H, Disis ML, Hanash S. An Autoimmune Response Signature Associated with the Development of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Reflects Disease Pathogenesis. Cancer Res 2015; 75:3246-54. [PMID: 26088128 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The repertoire of antigens associated with the development of an autoimmune response in breast cancer has relevance to detection and treatment strategies. We have investigated the occurrence of autoantibodies associated with the development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the before diagnosis setting and in samples collected at the time of diagnosis of TNBC. Lysate arrays containing protein fractions from the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line were hybridized with TNBC plasmas from the Women's Health Initiative cohort, collected before clinical diagnosis and with plasmas from matched controls. An immune response directed against spliceosome and glycolysis proteins was observed with case plasmas as previously reported in estrogen receptor(+) breast cancer. Importantly, autoantibodies directed against networks involving BRCA1, TP53, and cytokeratin proteins associated with a mesenchymal/basal phenotype were distinct to TNBC before diagnosis samples. Concordant autoantibody findings were observed with mouse plasma samples collected before occurrence of palpable tumors from a C3(1)-T triple negative mouse model. Plasma samples collected at the time of diagnosis of stage II TNBC and from matched healthy controls were subjected to proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry to identify Ig-bound proteins yielding a predominance of cytokeratins, including several associated with a mesenchymal/basal phenotype among cases compared with controls. Our data provide evidence indicative of a dynamic repertoire of antigens associated with a humoral immune response reflecting disease pathogenesis in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon J Ladd
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Timothy Chao
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Jianning Mao
- Tumor Vaccine Group, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - JoAnn E Manson
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ross Prentice
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Francisco Esteva
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Hong Wang
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mary L Disis
- Tumor Vaccine Group, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Zatula N, Wiese M, Bunzendahl J, Birchmeier W, Perske C, Bleckmann A, Brembeck FH. The BCL9-2 proto-oncogene governs estrogen receptor alpha expression in breast tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2015; 5:6770-87. [PMID: 25149534 PMCID: PMC4196162 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2252] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of human breast cancers express estrogen receptor alpha (ER), which is important for therapy with anti-estrogens. Here we describe the role of BCL9-2, a proto-oncogene previously characterized as co-activator of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, for mammary tumorigenesis in mice and human. ER positive human breast cancers showed overexpression of BCL9-2 and tamoxifen treated patients with high BCL9-2 demonstrated a better survival. BCL9-2 was upregulated during puberty and pregnancy in normal mammary epithelia, but downregulated in the involuted gland. BCL9-2 overexpression in vivo delayed the mammary involution and induced alveolar hyperplasia. Moreover, aged BCL9-2 transgenic mice developed ductal-like mammary tumors with high nuclear ER expression. We found, that primary cell cultures of BCL9-2 breast tumors responded to tamoxifen treatment. Moreover, BCL9-2 regulated the expression of ER and the proliferation of human breast cancer cells independently of ß-catenin. Finally, we describe a novel mechanism, how BCL9-2 regulates ER transcription by interaction with Sp1 through the proximal ESR1 gene promoter. In summary, BCL9-2 induces ER positive breast cancers in vivo, regulates ER expression by a novel ß-catenin independent mechanism in breast cancer cells, and might predict the therapy response to tamoxifen treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Zatula
- Tumor Biology and Signal Transduction, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany. Dept. of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria Wiese
- Tumor Biology and Signal Transduction, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany. Dept. of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Bunzendahl
- Tumor Biology and Signal Transduction, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany. Dept. of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Annalen Bleckmann
- Dept. of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany
| | - Felix H Brembeck
- Tumor Biology and Signal Transduction, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany. Dept. of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany
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50
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Jang MH, Kim HJ, Kim EJ, Chung YR, Park SY. Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers in triple-negative breast cancer: ZEB1 as a potential biomarker for poor clinical outcome. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:1267-74. [PMID: 26170011 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous group of disease with a well-known association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and breast cancer stem cell phenotype. Recent studies have shown that TNBC can be classified into 6 subtypes, including basal-like, mesenchymal-like, and mesenchymal stem-like subtypes. However, clinical significance of the EMT in TNBC remains unclear. We analyzed immunohistochemical expression of EMT-related markers, including EMT markers (expression of vimentin, smooth muscle actin, osteonectin, and N-cadherin; loss of E-cadherin), EMT inducers (ZEB1 and CD146), and breast cancer stem cell markers (CD44(+)/CD24(-) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1) in 173 TNBCs and correlated their expression with clinicopathological features of the tumors, including clinical outcome. Expressions of vimentin, CD44(+)/CD24(-), and CD146 were more frequent in basal-like TNBCs than non-basal-like TNBCs. Whereas CD146 expression was closely associated with the expression of various EMT markers and CD44(+)/CD24(-) phenotype, ZEB1 expression correlated only with the expression of smooth muscle actin. Expressions of vimentin, smooth muscle actin, osteonectin, and ZEB1 and loss of E-cadherin were more frequently found in metaplastic carcinomas than in other histologic subtypes. In survival analyses, EMT markers were not associated with patients' clinical outcomes. However, ZEB1 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor for poor disease-free survival. These findings indicate that expression of EMT-related markers in TNBCs can be a signature of a certain subgroup of TNBC, which is associated with metaplastic carcinoma, and ZEB1 expression can serve as a potential biomarker to define a subgroup of TNBC associated with poor clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hye Jang
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 463-707, Republic of Korea; Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 463-707, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 463-707, Republic of Korea
| | - Yul Ri Chung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 463-707, Republic of Korea; Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea.
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