1
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Wang Z, Li R, Yang G, Wang Y. Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways. J Drug Target 2024; 32:33-44. [PMID: 38095181 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295222] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guilin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Li Y, Long W, Zhou H, Tan T, Xie H. Revolutionizing breast cancer Ki-67 diagnosis: ultrasound radiomics and fully connected neural networks (FCNN) combination method. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 207:453-468. [PMID: 38853220 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to assess the diagnostic value of ultrasound habitat sub-region radiomics feature parameters using a fully connected neural networks (FCNN) combination method L2,1-norm in relation to breast cancer Ki-67 status. METHODS Ultrasound images from 528 cases of female breast cancer at the Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University and 232 cases of female breast cancer at the Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Xiangnan University were selected for this study. We utilized deep learning methods to automatically outline the gross tumor volume and perform habitat clustering. Subsequently, habitat sub-regions were extracted to identify radiomics features and underwent feature engineering using the L1,2-norm. A prediction model for the Ki-67 status of breast cancer patients was then developed using a FCNN. The model's performance was evaluated using accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), specificity (Spe), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Recall, and F1. In addition, calibration curves and clinical decision curves were plotted for the test set to visually assess the predictive accuracy and clinical benefit of the models. RESULT Based on the feature engineering using the L1,2-norm, a total of 9 core features were identified. The predictive model, constructed by the FCNN model based on these 9 features, achieved the following scores: ACC 0.856, AUC 0.915, Spe 0.843, PPV 0.920, NPV 0.747, Recall 0.974, and F1 0.890. Furthermore, calibration curves and clinical decision curves of the validation set demonstrated a high level of confidence in the model's performance and its clinical benefit. CONCLUSION Habitat clustering of ultrasound images of breast cancer is effectively supported by the combined implementation of the L1,2-norm and FCNN algorithms, allowing for the accurate classification of the Ki-67 status in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Li
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital (Clinical College) of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wengxing Long
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital (Clinical College) of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongda Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Tan
- Faulty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, 999078, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- Faulty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, 999078, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital (Clinical College) of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Yang Y, Peng Y, Du Y, Lin M, Li J, Gao D, Yang Z, Wang W, Zhou Y, Li X, Yan T, Qi X. Hierarchical self-recognition and response in CSC and non-CSC micro-niches for cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122581. [PMID: 38640783 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122581] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) characterized by self-renewal, invasiveness, tumorigenicity and resistance to treatment are regarded as the thorniest issues in refractory tumors. We develop a targeted and hierarchical controlled release nano-therapeutic platform (SEED-NPs) that self-identifies and responds to CSC and non-CSC micro-niches of tumors. In non-CSC micro-niche, reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger the burst release of the chemotherapeutic drug and photosensitizer to kill tumor cells and reduce tumor volume by combining chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In CSC micro-niche, the preferentially released differentiation drug induces CSC differentiation and transforms CSCs into chemotherapy-sensitive cells. SEED-NPs exhibit an extraordinary capacity for downregulating the stemness of CD44+/CD24- SP (side population) cell population both in vitro and in vivo, and reveal a 4-fold increase of tumor-targeted accumulation. Also, PDT-generated ROS promote the formation of tunneling nanotubes and facilitate the divergent network transport of drugs in deep tumors. Moreover, ROS in turn promotes CSC differentiation and drug release. This positive-feedback-loop strategy enhances the elimination of refractory CSCs. As a result, SEED-NPs achieve excellent therapeutic effects in both 4T1 SP tumor-bearing mice and regular 4T1 tumor-bearing mice without obvious toxicities and eradicate half of mice tumors. SEED-NPs integrate differentiation, chemotherapy and PDT, which proved feasible and valuable, indicating that active targeting and hierarchical release are necessary to enhance antitumor efficacy. These findings provide promising prospects for overcoming barriers in the treatment of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiliang Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yiwei Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yitian Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Datong Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yanxia Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinru Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Taiqiang Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Xianrong Qi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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4
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Marquez J, Dong J, Hayashi J, Serrero G. Prostaglandin F2 Receptor Negative Regulator (PTGFRN) Expression Correlates With a Metastatic-like Phenotype in Epidermoid Carcinoma, Pediatric Medulloblastoma, and Mesothelioma. J Cell Biochem 2024. [PMID: 38924562 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Prostaglandin F2 receptor negative regulator (PTGFRN) is a transmembrane protein associated with metastatic characteristics of certain cancer types. However, it remains poorly characterized and its direct function in cancer remains unclear. The study presented here aims to further examine whether PTGFRN expression affects a cancer cell's phenotype, as well as metastatic-like characteristics. We used stable shRNA and cDNA transfections to respectively knockdown and overexpress PTGFRN in three different cancer cell lines, two of which are representative of rare and aggressive cancers (Mesothelioma and Pediatric Medulloblastoma). We then examined the characteristics of the resulting clones and showed a decrease in proliferation, migration, colony formation, and spheroid growth capabilities in cells where PTGFRN expression had been inhibited, while cells overexpressing PTGFRN showed the opposite. In addition, we showed that PTGFRN displayed direct binding to two protein partners, Integrin β1 and E. Cadherin, the latter of which is a novel direct binding partner to PTGFRN. Furthermore, silencing PTGFRN expression impacted the cellular process of autophagy, thereby providing another avenue by which PTGFRN potentially contributes to a cancer cell phenotype. Our findings demonstrate the potential role of PTGFRN in cancer metastasis and suggest PTGFRN as a future target for drug development in the treatment of metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Marquez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Target Discovery Division, A&G Pharmaceutical Inc., Columbia, Maryland, USA
| | - Jianping Dong
- Target Discovery Division, A&G Pharmaceutical Inc., Columbia, Maryland, USA
| | - Jun Hayashi
- Precision Antibody Service, Columbia, Maryland, USA
| | - Ginette Serrero
- Target Discovery Division, A&G Pharmaceutical Inc., Columbia, Maryland, USA
- Precision Antibody Service, Columbia, Maryland, USA
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5
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Zhang TQ, Lv QY, Jin WL. The cellular-centered view of hypoxia tumor microenvironment: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189137. [PMID: 38880161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a profoundly dynamic, heterogeneous and aggressive systemic ailment, with a coordinated evolution of various types of tumor niches. Hypoxia plays an indispensable role in the tumor micro-ecosystem, drastically enhancing the plasticity of cancer cells, fibroblasts and immune cells and orchestrating intercellular communication. Hypoxia-induced signals, particularly hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), drive the reprogramming of genetic, transcriptional, and proteomic profiles. This leads to a spectrum of interconnected processes, including augmented survival of cancer cells, evasion of immune surveillance, metabolic reprogramming, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and the development of resistance to conventional therapeutic modalities like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we summarize the latest research on the multifaceted effects of hypoxia, where a multitude of cellular and non-cellular elements crosstalk with each other and co-evolve in a synergistic manner. Additionally, we investigate therapeutic approaches targeting hypoxic niche, encompassing hypoxia-activated prodrugs, HIF inhibitors, nanomedicines, and combination therapies. Finally, we discuss some of the issues to be addressed and highlight the potential of emerging technologies in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Qi Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Qian-Yu Lv
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Hushmandi K, Saadat SH, Mirilavasani S, Daneshi S, Aref AR, Nabavi N, Raesi R, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M. The multifaceted role of SOX2 in breast and lung cancer dynamics. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155386. [PMID: 38861919 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155386] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Breast and lung cancers are leading causes of death among patients, with their global mortality and morbidity rates increasing. Conventional treatments often prove inadequate due to resistance development. The alteration of molecular interactions may accelerate cancer progression and treatment resistance. SOX2, known for its abnormal expression in various human cancers, can either accelerate or impede cancer progression. This review focuses on examining the role of SOX2 in breast and lung cancer development. An imbalance in SOX2 expression can promote the growth and dissemination of these cancers. SOX2 can also block programmed cell death, affecting autophagy and other cell death mechanisms. It plays a significant role in cancer metastasis, mainly by regulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, an imbalanced SOX2 expression can cause resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in these cancers. Genetic and epigenetic factors may affect SOX2 levels. Pharmacologically targeting SOX2 could improve the effectiveness of breast and lung cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiavash Hushmandi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Seyed Hassan Saadat
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Seyedalireza Mirilavasani
- Campus Venlo, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health,School of Health,Jiroft University of Medical Sciences,Jiroft, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6 Canada
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.; Department of Nursing, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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7
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Ge F, Zeng C, Wang J, Liu X, Zheng C, Zhang H, Yang L, Yang B, Zhu H, He Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts drive early pancreatic cancer cell invasion via the SOX4/MMP11 signalling axis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166852. [PMID: 37633471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), early perineural invasion (PNI) and microvascular invasion (MVI). However, the differentiation trajectories and underlying molecular mechanisms of CAFs in PDAC early invasion have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we integrated and reanalysed single-cell data from the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) database and confirmed that myofibroblast-like CAFs (myCAFs) mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and enhanced the invasion abilities of PDAC cells by secreting regulators of angiogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, we constructed a differentiation trajectory of CAFs and revealed that reprogramming from iCAFs to myCAFs was associated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, SOX4 was aberrantly activated in myCAFs, which promoted the secretion of MMP11 and eventually induced early cancer cell invasion. Together, our results provide a comprehensive transcriptomic overview of PDAC patients with early invasion and reveal the intercellular crosstalk between myCAFs and cancer cells, which suggests potential targets for early invasion PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujing Ge
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenming Zeng
- College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaer Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangning Liu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Churun Zheng
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Beckers C, Pruschy M, Vetrugno I. Tumor hypoxia and radiotherapy: A major driver of resistance even for novel radiotherapy modalities. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 98:19-30. [PMID: 38040401 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.006] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia in solid tumors is an important predictor of poor clinical outcome to radiotherapy. Both physicochemical and biological processes contribute to a reduced sensitivity of hypoxic tumor cells to ionizing radiation and hypoxia-related treatment resistances. A conventional low-dose fractionated radiotherapy regimen exploits iterative reoxygenation in between the individual fractions, nevertheless tumor hypoxia still remains a major hurdle for successful treatment outcome. The technological advances achieved in image guidance and highly conformal dose delivery make it nowadays possible to prescribe larger doses to the tumor as part of single high-dose or hypofractionated radiotherapy, while keeping an acceptable level of normal tissue complication in the co-irradiated organs at risk. However, we insufficiently understand the impact of tumor hypoxia to single high-doses of RT and hypofractionated RT. So-called FLASH radiotherapy, which delivers ionizing radiation at ultrahigh dose rates (> 40 Gy/sec), has recently emerged as an important breakthrough in the radiotherapy field to reduce normal tissue toxicity compared to irradiation at conventional dose rates (few Gy/min). Not surprisingly, oxygen consumption and tumor hypoxia also seem to play an intriguing role for FLASH radiotherapy. Here we will discuss the role of tumor hypoxia for radiotherapy in general and in the context of novel radiotherapy treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Beckers
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Pruschy
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Irene Vetrugno
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Semenza GL. Mechanisms of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Specification and Self-Renewal Mediated by Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:783-790. [PMID: 37768037 PMCID: PMC10726407 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad061] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many advanced human cancers contain regions of intratumoral hypoxia, with O2 gradients extending to anoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are activated in hypoxic cancer cells and drive metabolic reprogramming, vascularization, invasion, and metastasis. Hypoxia induces breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) specification by inducing the expression and/or activity of the pluripotency factors KLF4, NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2. Recent studies have identified HIF-1-dependent expression of PLXNB3, NARF, and TERT in hypoxic breast cancer cells. PLXNB3 binds to and activates the MET receptor tyrosine kinase, leading to activation of the SRC non-receptor tyrosine kinase and subsequently focal adhesion kinase, which promotes cancer cell migration and invasion. PLXNB3-MET-SRC signaling also activates STAT3, a transcription factor that mediates increased NANOG gene expression. Hypoxia-induced NARF binds to OCT4 and serves as a coactivator by stabilizing OCT4 binding to the KLF4, NANOG, and SOX2 genes and by stabilizing the interaction of OCT4 with KDM6A, a histone demethylase that erases repressive trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27, thereby increasing KLF4, NANOG, and SOX2 gene expression. In addition to increasing pluripotency factor expression by these mechanisms, HIF-1 directly activates expression of the TERT gene encoding telomerase, the enzyme required for maintenance of telomeres, which is required for the unlimited self-renewal of BCSCs. HIF-1 binds to the TERT gene and recruits NANOG, which serves as a coactivator by promoting the subsequent recruitment of USP9X, a deubiquitinase that inhibits HIF-1α degradation, and p300, a histone acetyltransferase that mediates acetylation of H3K27, which is required for transcriptional activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg L Semenza
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center, Institute for Cell Engineering, and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Zhang Y, Pan D, Ning Z, Huang F, Wei Y, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Wang LX, Shen Y. Identifying tumor cell-released extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis by a three-dimensional hydrogel-based electrochemical immunosensor. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:467. [PMID: 38062518 PMCID: PMC10701998 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell-released LC3+ extracellular vesicles (LC3+ EVs) participate in immunosuppression during autophagy and contribute to the occurrence and development of breast cancer. In view of the strong association between the LC3+ EVs and breast cancer, developing an effective strategy for the quantitative detection of LC3+ EVs levels with high sensitivity to identify LC3+ EVs as new biomarkers for accurate diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial, but yet not been reported. Herein, an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor is presented for the quantitative determination of LC3+ EVs using a three-dimensional graphene oxide hydrogel-methylene blue composite as a redox probe, showing a low detection limit and a wide linear range. With this immunosensor, the expression levels of LC3+ EVs in various practical sample groups including different cancer cell lines, the peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice before and after immunotherapy, and the peripheral blood from breast cancer patients with different subtypes and stages were clearly distinguished. This study demonstrated that LC3+ EVs were superior as biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of breast cancer compared to traditional biomarkers, particularly for cancer subtype discrimination. This work would provide a new noninvasive detection tool for the early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of breast cancer in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, China
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Deng Pan
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhenqiang Ning
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yiting Wei
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanjian Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Li-Xin Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Yanfei Shen
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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11
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Lee SCES, Pyo AHA, Koritzinsky M. Longitudinal dynamics of the tumor hypoxia response: From enzyme activity to biological phenotype. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj6409. [PMID: 37992163 PMCID: PMC10664991 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Poor oxygenation (hypoxia) is a common spatially heterogeneous feature of human tumors. Biological responses to tumor hypoxia are orchestrated by the decreased activity of oxygen-dependent enzymes. The affinity of these enzymes for oxygen positions them along a continuum of oxygen sensing that defines their roles in launching reactive and adaptive cellular responses. These responses encompass regulation of all steps in the central dogma, with rapid perturbation of the metabolome and proteome followed by more persistent reprogramming of the transcriptome and epigenome. Core hypoxia response genes and pathways are commonly regulated at multiple inflection points, fine-tuning the dependencies on oxygen concentration and hypoxia duration. Ultimately, shifts in the activity of oxygen-sensing enzymes directly or indirectly endow cells with intrinsic hypoxia tolerance and drive processes that are associated with aggressive phenotypes in cancer including angiogenesis, migration, invasion, immune evasion, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Che-Eun S. Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Hye An Pyo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianne Koritzinsky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Tayari MM, Fang C, Ntziachristos P. Context-Dependent Functions of KDM6 Lysine Demethylases in Physiology and Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1433:139-165. [PMID: 37751139 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38176-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a major epigenetic modification that participates in several cellular processes including gene regulation and chromatin structure. This mark can go awry in disease contexts such as cancer. Two decades ago, the discovery of histone demethylase enzymes thirteen years ago sheds light on the complexity of the regulation of this mark. Here we address the roles of lysine demethylases JMJD3 and UTX in physiological and disease contexts. The two demethylases play pivotal roles in many developmental and disease contexts via regulation of di- and trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me2/3) in repressing gene expression programs. JMJD3 and UTX participate in several biochemical settings including methyltransferase and chromatin remodeling complexes. They have histone demethylase-dependent and -independent activities and a variety of context-specific interacting factors. The structure, amounts, and function of the demethylases can be altered in disease due to genetic alterations or aberrant gene regulation. Therefore, academic and industrial initiatives have targeted these enzymes using a number of small molecule compounds in therapeutic approaches. In this chapter, we will touch upon inhibitor formulations, their properties, and current efforts to test them in preclinical contexts to optimize their therapeutic outcomes. Demethylase inhibitors are currently used in targeted therapeutic approaches that might be particularly effective when used in conjunction with systemic approaches such as chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Masoumeh Tayari
- Department of Human Genetics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Celestia Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Medical Research Building 2 (MRB2), Entrance 38, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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