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Zhang Y, Chen Q, Niu L, Huang H, Yang Z, Liao T, Guan Q, Xiang J. Multi-omics data analysis reveals the complex roles of age in differentiated thyroid cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33595. [PMID: 39044989 PMCID: PMC11263663 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims Age is a major risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC); however, the mechanisms underlying aging-regulated progression of DTC remains unclear. Methods Based on multi-omics data (transcriptional files, somatic mutation files, methylation files) derived from the TCGA database, we comprehensively investigated the genomic and biological features associated with aging in patients with DTC. Results We confirmed that age was an independent risk factor for overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with DTC, and confirmed that 55 years of age (adopted in the 8th AJCC staging system) is an appropriate cutoff for patients with DTC rather than 45 years (adopted in the 7th AJCC staging system). Using 55 years as the cutoff, we demonstrated DNA methylation-driven transcriptional regulation during aging, and identified the landscape of somatic mutations in young and old patients with DTC along with two aging-related mutations: TTN and EIF1AX. Subsequently, we investigated the infiltration of immune cells in DTC, and found that old patients exhibited decreased CD8+ T cells infiltration with lower cytotoxicity. Finally, we constructed a prognosis prediction model based on three age-related genes (PTK2B, E2F1, and GHR) that showed satisfactory performance in predicting patients prognosis. Conclusions We comprehensively investigated the complex interplay between age and biological features of DTC, which may provide new insights into the role of aging in DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, China
- Pharmacy Department, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Hu Huang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tian Liao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Guan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Xiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Martínez-Campa C, Álvarez-García V, Alonso-González C, González A, Cos S. Melatonin and Its Role in the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:956. [PMID: 38473317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell-biological program that occurs during the progression of several physiological processes and that can also take place during pathological situations such as carcinogenesis. The EMT program consists of the sequential activation of a number of intracellular signaling pathways aimed at driving epithelial cells toward the acquisition of a series of intermediate phenotypic states arrayed along the epithelial-mesenchymal axis. These phenotypic features include changes in the motility, conformation, polarity and functionality of cancer cells, ultimately leading cells to stemness, increased invasiveness, chemo- and radioresistance and the formation of cancer metastasis. Amongst the different existing types of the EMT, type 3 is directly involved in carcinogenesis. A type 3 EMT occurs in neoplastic cells that have previously acquired genetic and epigenetic alterations, specifically affecting genes involved in promoting clonal outgrowth and invasion. Markers such as E-cadherin; N-cadherin; vimentin; and transcription factors (TFs) like Twist, Snail and ZEB are considered key molecules in the transition. The EMT process is also regulated by microRNA expression. Many miRNAs have been reported to repress EMT-TFs. Thus, Snail 1 is repressed by miR-29, miR-30a and miR-34a; miR-200b downregulates Slug; and ZEB1 and ZEB2 are repressed by miR-200 and miR-205, respectively. Occasionally, some microRNA target genes act downstream of the EMT master TFs; thus, Twist1 upregulates the levels of miR-10b. Melatonin is an endogenously produced hormone released mainly by the pineal gland. It is widely accepted that melatonin exerts oncostatic actions in a large variety of tumors, inhibiting the initiation, progression and invasion phases of tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying these inhibitory actions are complex and involve a great number of processes. In this review, we will focus our attention on the ability of melatonin to regulate some key EMT-related markers, transcription factors and micro-RNAs, summarizing the multiple ways by which this hormone can regulate the EMT. Since melatonin has no known toxic side effects and is also known to help overcome drug resistance, it is a good candidate to be considered as an adjuvant drug to conventional cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Campa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Virginia Álvarez-García
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carolina Alonso-González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Alicia González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Samuel Cos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
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Zhong Q, Xiao X, Qiu Y, Xu Z, Chen C, Chong B, Zhao X, Hai S, Li S, An Z, Dai L. Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e261. [PMID: 37143582 PMCID: PMC10152985 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well-known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short-chain and long-chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xina Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yijie Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chunyu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baochen Chong
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shan Hai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuangqing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenmei An
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismGeneral Practice Ward/International Medical Center WardGeneral Practice Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Targhazeh N, Hutt KJ, Winship AL, Reiter R, Yousefi B. Melatonin as an oncostatic agent: Review of the modulation of tumor microenvironment and overcoming multidrug resistance. Biochimie 2022; 202:71-84. [PMID: 36116742 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Multi drug resistance (MDR) generally limits the efficacy of chemotherapy in cancer patients and can be categorized into primary or acquired resistance. Melatonin (MLT), a lipophilic hormone released from pineal gland, is a molecule with oncostatic effects. Here, we will briefly review the contribution of different microenvironmental components including fibroblasts, immune and inflammatory cells, stem cells and vascular endothelial cells in tumor initiation, progression and development. Then, the mechanisms by which MLT can potentially affect these elements and regulate drug resistance will be presented. Finally, we will explain how different studies have used novel strategies incorporating MLT to suppress cancer resistance against therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Targhazeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Development and Stem Cell Program and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy L Winship
- Development and Stem Cell Program and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Russel Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Calcium acts as a central player in melatonin antitumor activity in sarcoma cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:415-428. [PMID: 35499815 PMCID: PMC9187547 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00674-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma are the most frequently occurring bone cancers. Although surgery and chemotherapy are currently clinically applied, improved treatment options are urgently needed. Melatonin is known to inhibit cell proliferation in both tumor types. Although the underlying mechanisms are not clear yet, calcium homeostasis has been reported to be a key factor in cancer biology. Here, we set out to investigate whether regulation of calcium by this indolamine may be involved in its antitumor effect. METHODS Cell viability was measured using a MTT assay and flow cytometry was used to measure levels of cytosolic calcium, intracellular oxidants, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle progression. Mitochondrial calcium was analyzed by fluorimetry. Cell migration was determined using a scratch wound-healing assay. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of proteins related to cell cycle progression, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), Ac-CoA synthesis and intracellular signaling pathways. RESULTS We found that melatonin decreases cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, intracellular oxidant levels, mitochondrial function and the expression of the E1 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. These changes were found to be accompanied by decreases in cell proliferation, cell migration and EMT marker expression. The addition of CaCl2 prevented the changes mentioned above, while co-treatment with the calcium chelator BAPTA enhanced the effects. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that regulation of calcium homeostasis is a key factor in the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration by melatonin. This effect should be taken into consideration in combined therapies with traditional or new antitumor compounds, since it may circumvent therapy resistance.
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Sadoughi F, Dana PM, Homayoonfal M, Sharifi M, Asemi Z. Molecular basis of melatonin protective effects in metastasis: A novel target of melatonin. Biochimie 2022; 202:15-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ma DX, Ding XP, Zhang C, Shi P. Combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with distant metastasis: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:3849-3855. [PMID: 35647147 PMCID: PMC9100742 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i12.3849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), also called undifferentiated thyroid cancer, is the least common but most aggressive and deadly thyroid gland malignancy of all thyroid cancers[1]. It has poor prognosis, and is the leading cause of death from malignant thyroid tumors. The one-year survival rate is 20%, with a median overall survival (OS) of only 5 mo[2]. The aim of this report is to provide our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ATC.
CASE SUMMARY A patient with a thyroid mass underwent surgical treatment after developing symptoms of hoarseness. The resected tumor was pathologically diagnosed as ATC. Imaging examination revealed organ and lymph node metastasis. After multiple cycles of chemotherapy and local radiotherapy, the metastases were not relieved and gradually increased in size and new metastases appeared. The patient immediately received immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy. During treatment, immune-related adverse reactions occurred, which were improved after symptomatic treatment, and tolerated by the patient. The OS of the patient was more than 30 mo after immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy.
CONCLUSION For metastatic ATC, surgical treatment, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have no significant effect on remission of the disease. However, immunotherapy has made a breakthrough in the treatment of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Xu Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Peng Shi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
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Qian C, Jiang L, Xu S, Wang J, Tan Z, Xin Y, Ge M. Advances in targeted therapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2021; 50:685-693. [PMID: 35347921 PMCID: PMC8931613 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2021-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly malignant and aggressive thyroid malignancy with rapid onset and poor prognosis. There is no effective treatment for ATC yet. Molecular targeted therapy provides a new idea for ATC treatment. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib has potential in treating ATC patients with favorable efficacy in clinical trials. The effectiveness of the v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 () gene inhibitor dabrafenib in combination with trametinib for the treatment of positive ATC patients has been demonstrated in clinical trials. The has proposed dabrafenib in combination with trametinib as the preferred modality for the treatment of patients with positive ATC. The immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab can be applied to treat thyroid cancer with high tumor mutational load and may be considered as the preferred modality for the treatment of ATC patients with high programmed death ligand-1 expression. The mammalian target of rapamycin pathway inhibitors, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ agonists, endothelial growth factor receptors-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab and novel vascular blocker fosbretabulin are still in the clinical research stage, which are expected to provide new directions for the development of novel targeted drugs. This article reviews the current research progress on targeted drugs for the treatment of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhong Qian
- 1. Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, Anhui Province, China
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Liehao Jiang
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shiying Xu
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 4. The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Zhuo Tan
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ying Xin
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Minghua Ge
- 1. Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, Anhui Province, China
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
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Ratajczak M, Gaweł D, Godlewska M. Novel Inhibitor-Based Therapies for Thyroid Cancer-An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11829. [PMID: 34769260 PMCID: PMC8584403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancers (TCs) are the most common tumors of the endocrine system and a constant rise in the number of TC cases has been observed for the past few decades. TCs are one of the most frequent tumors in younger adults, especially in women, therefore early diagnosis and effective therapy are especially important. Ultrasonography examination followed by fine needle biopsy have become the gold standard for diagnosis of TCs, as these strategies allow for early-stage detection and aid accurate qualification for further procedures, including surgical treatment. Despite all the advancements in detection and treatment of TCs, constant mortality levels are still observed. Therefore, a novel generation line of targeted treatment strategies is being developed, including personalized therapies with kinase inhibitors. Recent molecular studies on TCs demonstrate that kinase inhibitor-based therapies might be considered as the most promising. In the past decade, new kinase inhibitors with different mechanisms of action have been reported and approved for clinical trials. This review presents an up-to-date picture of new approaches and challenges of inhibitor-based therapies in treatment of TCs, focusing on the latest findings reported over the past two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Ratajczak
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Endocrinology, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Damian Gaweł
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Immunohematology, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marlena Godlewska
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
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Melatonin Downregulates PD-L1 Expression and Modulates Tumor Immunity in KRAS-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115649. [PMID: 34073318 PMCID: PMC8199131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring a KRAS mutation have unfavorable therapeutic outcomes with chemotherapies, and the mutation also renders tolerance to immunotherapies. There is an unmet need for a new strategy for overcoming immunosuppression in KRAS-mutant NSCLC. The recently discovered role of melatonin demonstrates a wide spectrum of anticancer impacts; however, the effect of melatonin on modulating tumor immunity is largely unknown. In the present study, melatonin treatment significantly reduced cell viability accompanied by inducing cell apoptosis in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines including A549, H460, and LLC1 cells. Mechanistically, we found that lung cancer cells harboring the KRAS mutation exhibited a higher level of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). However, treatment with melatonin substantially downregulated PD-L1 expressions in both the presence and absence of interferon (IFN)-γ stimulation. Moreover, KRAS-mutant lung cancer cells exhibited higher Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) levels, and PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with YAP and TAZ in lung cancer cells. Treatment with melatonin effectively suppressed YAP and TAZ, which was accompanied by downregulation of YAP/TAZ downstream gene expressions. The combination of melatonin and an inhibitor of YAP/TAZ robustly decreased YAP and PD-L1 expressions. Clinical analysis using public databases revealed that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with YAP and TAZ in patients with lung cancer, and PD-L1 overexpression suggested poor survival probability. An animal study further revealed that administration of melatonin significantly inhibited tumor growth and modulated tumor immunity in a syngeneic mouse model. Together, our data revealed a novel antitumor mechanism of melatonin in modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by suppressing the YAP/PD-L1 axis and suggest the therapeutic potential of melatonin for treating NSCLC.
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Anti-Warburg Effect of Melatonin: A Proposed Mechanism to Explain its Inhibition of Multiple Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020764. [PMID: 33466614 PMCID: PMC7828708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose is an essential nutrient for every cell but its metabolic fate depends on cellular phenotype. Normally, the product of cytosolic glycolysis, pyruvate, is transported into mitochondria and irreversibly converted to acetyl coenzyme A by pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). In some pathological cells, however, pyruvate transport into the mitochondria is blocked due to the inhibition of PDC by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase. This altered metabolism is referred to as aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) and is common in solid tumors and in other pathological cells. Switching from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis provides diseased cells with advantages because of the rapid production of ATP and the activation of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) which provides nucleotides required for elevated cellular metabolism. Molecules, called glycolytics, inhibit aerobic glycolysis and convert cells to a healthier phenotype. Glycolytics often function by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α leading to PDC disinhibition allowing for intramitochondrial conversion of pyruvate into acetyl coenzyme A. Melatonin is a glycolytic which converts diseased cells to the healthier phenotype. Herein we propose that melatonin's function as a glycolytic explains its actions in inhibiting a variety of diseases. Thus, the common denominator is melatonin's action in switching the metabolic phenotype of cells.
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Huang Y, Yuan K, Tang M, Yue J, Bao L, Wu S, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang Y, Ou X, Gou J, Zhao Q, Yuan L. Melatonin inhibiting the survival of human gastric cancer cells under ER stress involving autophagy and Ras-Raf-MAPK signalling. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:1480-1492. [PMID: 33369155 PMCID: PMC7875909 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin exhibits antitumour activities in the treatment of many human cancers. In the present study, we aimed to improve the therapeutic potential of melatonin in gastric cancer. Our results confirmed that melatonin dose‐dependently suppressed the proliferation and necrosis, and increased G0/G1 phase arrest, apoptosis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The Ras‐Raf‐MAPK signalling pathway was activated in cells after melatonin treatment. RNA‐seq was performed and GSEA analysis further confirmed that many down‐regulated genes in melatonin‐treated cells were associated with proliferation. However, GSEA analysis also indicated that many pathways related to metastasis were increased after melatonin treatment. Subsequently, combinatorial treatment was conducted to further investigate the therapeutic outcomes of melatonin. A combination of melatonin and thapsigargin increased the apoptotic rate and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest when compared to treatment with melatonin alone. Melatonin in combination with thapsigargin triggered the increased expression of Bip, LC3‐II, phospho‐Erk1/2 and phospho‐p38 MAPK. In addition, STF‐083010, an IRE1a inhibitor, further exacerbated the decrease in survival rate induced by combinatorial treatment with melatonin and thapsigargin. Collectively, melatonin was effective in gastric cancer treatment by modifying ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kexun Yuan
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meifang Tang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiaming Yue
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijun Bao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanxin Zhang
- National Academy of Innovation Strategy, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yihang Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Ou
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiaxin Gou
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Institute of Health Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Liao Y, Gao Y, Chang A, Li Z, Wang H, Cao J, Gu W, Tang R. Melatonin synergizes BRAF-targeting agent dabrafenib for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer by inhibiting AKT/hTERT signalling. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12119-12130. [PMID: 32935463 PMCID: PMC7579709 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As a selective inhibitor of BRAF kinase, dabrafenib has shown potent anti‐tumour activities in patients with BRAFV600E mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer. However, the resistance of thyroid cancer cells to dabrafenib limited its therapeutic effect. The effects of melatonin and dabrafenib as monotherapy or in combination on the proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, migration and invasion of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells were examined. The molecular mechanism involved in drug combinations was also revealed. Melatonin enhanced dabrafenib‐mediated inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted dabrafenib‐induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Molecular mechanistic studies further uncovered that melatonin synergized with dabrafenib to inhibit AKT and EMT signalling pathways. Furthermore, melatonin and dabrafenib synergistically inhibited the expression of hTERT, and the inhibition of cell viability and the induction of cell cycle arrest mediated by the combination of these two drugs were reversed by hTERT overexpression. Taken together, our results demonstrated that melatonin synergized the anti‐tumour effect of dabrafenib in human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by inhibiting multiple signalling pathways, and provided new insights in exploring the potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yina Liao
- Shanghai Center for Thyroid Disease, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - An Chang
- Department of Drug Administration, First affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Zongjuan Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huayu Wang
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ranran Tang
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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