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Bhagyalalitha M, Handattu Shankaranarayana A, Arun Kumar S, Singh M, Pujar KG, Bidye D, Veeranna Pujar G. Advances in HER2-Targeted Therapies: From monoclonal antibodies to dual inhibitors developments in cancer treatment. Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107695. [PMID: 39137598 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107695] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
HER2 receptors, overexpressed in certain human cancers, have drawn significant attention in cancer research due to their correlation with poor survival rates. Researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies like Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab against HER2 receptors, which have proven highly beneficial in cancer therapy. Bispecific antibodies like Zanidatamab and antibody-drug conjugates like T-DM1 have been developed to overcome the resistance associated with monotherapy. Small molecules such as Lapatinib, Neratinib, and Pyrotinib were initially developed for treating breast cancer. However, ongoing research is investigating their potential use in other types of cancer, often in combination with other medications. EGFR/HER2 dual-targeted drugs have overcome drug resistance associated with HER2-targeted monotherapy. This comprehensive review covers the structural characteristics of HER2, the HER family signaling pathway mechanism, recent findings regarding HER2 receptor involvement in various cancers, and diverse HER2-targeted therapies. This information provides a comprehensive understanding of HER2-targeted strategies in the evolving field of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meduri Bhagyalalitha
- Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015 India
| | - Akshatha Handattu Shankaranarayana
- Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015 India
| | - Sethu Arun Kumar
- Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015 India
| | - Manisha Singh
- Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015 India
| | - Karthik G Pujar
- Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015 India
| | - Durgesh Bidye
- Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015 India
| | - Gurubasavaraj Veeranna Pujar
- Computer Aided Drug Design Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015 India.
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Liu A, Liu C. In vitro and in vivo antineoplastic activities of solamargine in colorectal cancer through the suppression of PI3K/AKT pathway. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:1317-1328. [PMID: 38357981 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of SM in inhibiting tumor growth in various cancer types. The objective of this study was to examine the antineoplastic effects and molecular mechanisms of Solamargine (SM) in colorectal cancer. METHODS Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were treated with different concentrations of SM to evaluate the anticancer concentration for further experimental measurements. Additionally, the antitumor efficacy of SM was assessed in a subcutaneously implanted tumor model of colorectal cancer. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses were employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms in LoVo cells. Subsequently, the specific mechanism of SM-mediated anti-tumor activities was analyzed by protein expression methods. RESULTS The results of in vitro assays demonstrated that SM exhibits significant inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, clone formation, and invasion, while also promoting apoptosis in SW48 and LoVo cells. In a mouse xenograft tumor model, intragastric administration of SM at doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg effectively suppressed tumor volume and weight, and induced cell apoptosis in vivo. SM treatment also down-regulated PCNA and Cyclin E protein expression, contributing to the regulation of apoptosis. Further analysis using RNA-seq, bioinformatics, and experimental measurements revealed that SM treatment upregulates PTEN expression, while significantly reducing the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR in LoVo cells. CONCLUSION Our study provides further evidence to support the notion that SM primarily induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells through the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, our investigation demonstrated the favorable safety profile of SM in a mouse model of colorectal cancer, thereby suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic approach for the management of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aihua Liu
- Department of Pathology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chunying Liu
- Department of Pathology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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Cai C, Yang D, Cao Y, Peng Z, Wang Y, Xi J, Yan C, Li X. Anticancer potential of active alkaloids and synthetic analogs derived from marine invertebrates. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116850. [PMID: 39270448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116850] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the number of cancers has soared, becoming one of the leading causes of human death. At the same time, marine anticancer substances have been the focus of marine drug research. Marine alkaloids derived from marine invertebrates like sponges are an important class of secondary metabolites, which have good bioactivities of blocking the cancer cell cycle, inducing autophagy and apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibiting cancer cell invasion and proliferation. They show potential as anticancer drug candidates. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the detailed introduction of bioactive alkaloids and their synthetic analogs from marine invertebrates, such as 4-chloro fascapysin and other 41 kinds of marine alkaloids or marine alkaloid synthetic analogs. They have significant anticancer activities on breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and so on. It provides new candidate compounds for anticancer drug research and provides a reference basis for marine drug resources research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhaolei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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He D, Bai R, Chen N, Cui J. Immune status and combined immunotherapy progression in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-mutant tumors. Chin J Cancer Res 2024; 36:421-441. [PMID: 39246706 PMCID: PMC11377883 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.04.06] [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: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene, occurring in various tumor types. Despite extensive efforts over the past 40 years to develop inhibitors targeting KRAS mutations, resistance to these inhibitors has eventually emerged. A more precise understanding of KRAS mutations and the mechanism of resistance development is essential for creating novel inhibitors that target specifically KRAS mutations and can delay or overcome resistance. Immunotherapy has developed rapidly in recent years, and in-depth dissection of the tumor immune microenvironment has led researchers to shift their focus to patients with KRAS mutations, finding that immune factors play an essential role in KRAS-mutant (KRAS-Mut) tumor therapy and targeted drug resistance. Breakthroughs and transitions from targeted therapy to immunotherapy have provided new hope for treating refractory patients. Here, we reviewed KRAS mutation-targeted treatment strategies and resistance issues, focusing on our in-depth exploration of the specific immune status of patients with KRAS mutations and the impact of body immunity following KRAS inhibition. We aimed to guide innovative approaches combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapy, review advances in preclinical and clinical stages, and discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng He
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Rilan Bai
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Naifei Chen
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Zhou L, Le K, Chen Q, Wang H. The efficacy and potential mechanisms of pyrotinib in targeting EGFR and HER2 in advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:898. [PMID: 39107736 PMCID: PMC11302363 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04459-4] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) plays an important role in the progression of multiple solid tumors and induces resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) target treatment. However, the expression status and the clinical significance of HER2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still controversial. Pyrotinib (PYR) is a promising novel EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitor, whose efficacy in OSCC has not been determined. METHODS 57 locally advanced de novo OSCC patients were included in this study to investigate the relationship between the HER2 expression levels and the prognosis by the tissue microarray analysis (TMA). In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to retrieve the efficacy of PYR in OSCC. The main downstream of HER2 was evaluated by western blotting in OSCC cell lines and xenograft tumors to explore the potential mechanism of PYR. RESULTS This study revealed the primary tumor of OSCC had higher HER2 expression levels. Patients with HER2 overexpression had poor overall survival (P < 0.014) and poor disease free survival (P < 0.042). In vitro, PYR suppressed the proliferation, colony formation and migration of OSCC cells. It also promoted apoptosis of OSCC cells and induced cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, PYR was able to inhibit the occurrence and development of OSCC effectively in vivo. Western blotting revealed that PYR suppressed OSCC by inhibiting the phosphorylation of HER2, AKT and ERK. CONCLUSIONS This study exhibited the anti-OSCC effects of PYR in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrated PYR inhibited OSCC cells by inducing apoptosis via the HER2/ AKT and ERK pathway. The result of this study also indicated locally advanced OSCC patients might benefit from HER2 assay and EGFR/HER2 dual inhibit treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China
| | - Kehao Le
- Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China
| | - Qianming Chen
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Stomatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.166 Qiutao Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Huiming Wang
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Stomatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.166 Qiutao Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, PR China.
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Vitale S, Calapà F, Colonna F, Luongo F, Biffoni M, De Maria R, Fiori ME. Advancements in 3D In Vitro Models for Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2405084. [PMID: 38962943 PMCID: PMC11348154 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The process of drug discovery and pre-clinical testing is currently inefficient, expensive, and time-consuming. Most importantly, the success rate is unsatisfactory, as only a small percentage of tested drugs are made available to oncological patients. This is largely due to the lack of reliable models that accurately predict drug efficacy and safety. Even animal models often fail to replicate human-specific pathologies and human body's complexity. These factors, along with ethical concerns regarding animal use, urge the development of suitable human-relevant, translational in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vitale
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM)Istituto Superiore di SanitàViale Regina Elena 299Rome00161Italy
| | - Federica Calapà
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia traslazionaleUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreLargo F. Vito 1RomeItaly
| | - Francesca Colonna
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM)Istituto Superiore di SanitàViale Regina Elena 299Rome00161Italy
| | - Francesca Luongo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia traslazionaleUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreLargo F. Vito 1RomeItaly
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM)Istituto Superiore di SanitàViale Regina Elena 299Rome00161Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia traslazionaleUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreLargo F. Vito 1RomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” – IRCCSLargo F. Vito 1RomeItaly
| | - Micol E. Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM)Istituto Superiore di SanitàViale Regina Elena 299Rome00161Italy
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Alrumaihi F. Identification of novel chemical scaffolds against kinase domain of cancer causing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2: a systemic chemoinformatic approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:6269-6279. [PMID: 37424103 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2233618] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is expressed in high magnitude in several cancers. Designing new drug molecules that target kinase domain of the HER2 enzyme might provide an appealing platform. Considering this, herein, a multi-phase bioinformatic approach is applied to screen diverse natural and chemical scaffolds to identify compounds that fit best at the kinase domain of HER2. By doing so, three compounds; LAS_51187157, LAC_51217113, LAC_51390233 were pointed with docking score of -11.4 kcal/mol, -11.3 kcal/mol and -11.2 kcal/mol, respectively. In molecular dynamic simulation, the complexes behaved in a stable dynamic with no major local/global structural variations. The intermolecular binding free energies were further estimated that concluded LAC_51390233 complex was the most stable and has less entropy energy. The good docked affinity of LAC_51390233 with HER2 was confirmed by WaterSwap absolute binding free energy. The entropy energy demonstrated that LAC_51390233 has less freedom energy compared to others. Similarly, all three compounds revealed very favorable druglike properties and pharmacokinetics. All the selected three compounds were also non-carcinogenic, non-immunotoxicity, non-mutagenicity, and non-cytotoxic. In a nutshell, the compounds are interesting scaffolds and might be subjected to extensive experimental testing to reveal their real biological potency.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Peng W, Zhang H, Yin M, Kong D, Kang L, Teng X, Wang J, Chu Z, Sun Y, Long P, Cui C, Lyu B, Zhang J, Xiao H, Wu M, Wang Y, Li Y. Combined Inhibition of PI3K and STAT3 signaling effectively inhibits bladder cancer growth. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:29. [PMID: 39068158 PMCID: PMC11283499 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-024-00529-y] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is characterized by aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3K) signaling, underscoring the significance of directing therapeutic efforts toward the PI3K pathway as a promising strategy. In this study, we discovered that PI3K serves as a potent therapeutic target for bladder cancer through a high-throughput screening of inhibitory molecules. The PI3K inhibitor demonstrated a robust anti-tumor efficacy, validated both in vitro and in vivo settings. Nevertheless, the feedback activation of JAK1-STAT3 signaling reinstated cell and organoid survival, leading to resistance against the PI3K inhibitor. Mechanistically, the PI3K inhibitor suppresses PTPN11 expression, a negative regulator of the JAK-STAT pathway, thereby activating STAT3. Conversely, restoration of PTPN11 enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to the PI3K inhibitor. Simultaneous inhibition of both PI3K and STAT3 with small-molecule inhibitors resulted in sustained tumor regression in patient-derived bladder cancer xenografts. These findings advocate for a combinational therapeutic approach targeting both PI3K and STAT3 pathways to achieve enduring cancer eradication in vitro and in vivo, underscoring their promising therapeutic efficacy for treating bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haojie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingwei Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dejie Kong
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liping Kang
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinkun Teng
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhimin Chu
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yating Sun
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pengpeng Long
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chengying Cui
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bin Lyu
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinzhi Zhang
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingqing Wu
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Hefei, China.
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Chen S, Gu J, Wu K, Zhao X, Lu Y. Progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer with rare genetic variants. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0026. [PMID: 38940668 PMCID: PMC11208903 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0026] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy is crucial for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) positive for genetic drivers. With advances in deep sequencing technology and new targeted drugs, existing standard molecular pathological detection systems and therapeutic strategies can no longer meet the requirements for careful management of patients with advanced CRC. Thus, rare genetic variations require diagnosis and targeted therapy in clinical practice. Rare gene mutations, amplifications, and rearrangements are usually associated with poor prognosis and poor response to conventional therapy. This review summarizes the clinical diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic variations, in genes including erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), ALK receptor tyrosine kinase/ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK/ROS1), neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinases (NTRKs), ret proto-oncogene (RET), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), to enhance understanding and identify more accurate personalized treatments for patients with rare genetic variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xiaodi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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Yang P, Du F, Zhang W, Liu W, Ye Z, Fan H, Yu J, von Deneen KM, Wang Z, Ning P. Ingenious designed a HER2-Specific macrophage biomimetic multifunctional nanoplatform for enhanced bio-photothermal synergistic therapy in HER2 positive breast cancer. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101095. [PMID: 38840796 PMCID: PMC11152651 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101095] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Photothermal therapy (PTT) has garnered extensive attention as an efficient strategy for cancer therapy. Unfortunately, there are currently no suitable photothermal agents (PTAs) capable of effectively treating HER2-positive breast cancer (HER2+ BC) due to the challenges in addressing blood circulation and tumor accumulation. Here, we propose a HER2-specific macrophage biomimetic nanoplatform IR820@ZIF-8@EM (AMBP) for enhanced bio-photothermal therapy of HER2+ BC. An anti-HER2 antibody was expressed in engineered macrophages using the transmembrane expression technique. As an efficient PTAs, IR820 dyes were assembled into ZIF-8 as to develop a "nano-thermal-bomb". Homology modeling methods support that the expressed anti-HER2 antibody can specifically recognize the HER2 receptor. Moreover, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity can also be induced in HER2+ BC cells by AMBP. In vitro fluorescence confocal imaging showed that AMBP promoted the uptake of HER2+ cancer cells while in vivo anti-tumor experiments demonstrated that AMBP efficiently accumulates in the tumor regions. Finally, under spatiotemporally controlled near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, three of the six tumors were eradicated in AMBP-treated mice, demonstrating a safe and effective strategy. In conclusion, our research opens a new paradigm for antibody-specific macrophage, and it is expected that these characteristics will have substantial clinical translation potential for BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Fuyu Du
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Weijing Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Zixuan Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Hongyu Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Jie Yu
- Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China
| | - Karen M. von Deneen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Zhongliang Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
| | - Pengbo Ning
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China
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Chen N, He L, Zou Q, Deng H. HER2 targeted therapy in colorectal Cancer: Current landscape and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116101. [PMID: 38442793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116101] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of tumor-related deaths globally. Despite recent improvements in the comprehensive therapy of malignancy, metastatic CRC continues to have a poor prognosis. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an established oncogenic driver, which is successfully targeted for breast and gastric cancers. Approximately 5% of CRC patients carry somatic HER2 mutations or gene amplification. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved trastuzumab and pertuzumab in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic CRC. This approval marked a significant milestone in the treatment of CRC, as HER2-positive patients now have access to targeted therapies that can improve their outcomes. Yet, assessment for HER2 overexpression/ amplification in CRC has not been standardized. The resistance mechanisms to anti-HER2 therapy have been not clearly investigated in CRC. Although many unknowns remain, an improved understanding of these anti-HER2 agents will be essential for advanced CRC. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of HER2 in CRC as an oncogenic driver, a prognostic and predictive biomarker, and a clinically actionable target, as well as the current progress and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Center of Science and Research, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Center of Science and Research, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| | - Hongxin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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12
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Radu P, Zurzu M, Tigora A, Paic V, Bratucu M, Garofil D, Surlin V, Munteanu AC, Coman IS, Popa F, Strambu V, Ramboiu S. The Impact of Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4140. [PMID: 38673727 PMCID: PMC11050141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite incessant research, colorectal cancer (CRC) is still one of the most common causes of fatality in both men and women worldwide. Over time, advancements in medical treatments have notably enhanced the survival rates of patients with colorectal cancer. Managing metastatic CRC involves a complex tradeoff between the potential benefits and adverse effects of treatment, considering factors like disease progression, treatment toxicity, drug resistance, and the overall impact on the patient's quality of life. An increasing body of evidence highlights the significance of the cancer stem cell (CSC) concept, proposing that CSCs occupy a central role in triggering cancer. CSCs have been a focal point of extensive research in a variety of cancer types, including CRC. Colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) play a crucial role in tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance, making them potential treatment targets. Various methods exist for isolating CCSCs, and understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance associated with them is crucial. This paper offers an overview of the current body of research pertaining to the comprehension of CSCs in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petru Radu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Mihai Zurzu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Anca Tigora
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Vlad Paic
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Mircea Bratucu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Dragos Garofil
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeriu Surlin
- Sixth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova Emergency Clinical 7 Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania; (V.S.); (A.C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Alexandru Claudiu Munteanu
- Sixth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova Emergency Clinical 7 Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania; (V.S.); (A.C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Ionut Simion Coman
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
- General Surgery Department, “Bagdasar-Arseni” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 12 Berceni Road, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florian Popa
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Victor Strambu
- Tenth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (P.R.); (A.T.); (V.P.); (M.B.); (D.G.); (I.S.C.); (F.P.); (V.S.)
| | - Sandu Ramboiu
- Sixth Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova Emergency Clinical 7 Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania; (V.S.); (A.C.M.); (S.R.)
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13
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y. Transcriptional regulation of cancer stem cell: regulatory factors elucidation and cancer treatment strategies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:99. [PMID: 38561775 PMCID: PMC10986082 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first discovered in the 1990s, revealing the mysteries of cancer origin, migration, recurrence and drug-resistance from a new perspective. The expression of pluripotent genes and complex signal regulatory networks are significant features of CSC, also act as core factors to affect the characteristics of CSC. Transcription is a necessary link to regulate the phenotype and potential of CSC, involving chromatin environment, nucleosome occupancy, histone modification, transcription factor (TF) availability and cis-regulatory elements, which suffer from ambient pressure. Especially, the expression and activity of pluripotent TFs are deeply affected by both internal and external factors, which is the foundation of CSC transcriptional regulation in the current research framework. Growing evidence indicates that regulating epigenetic modifications to alter cancer stemness is effective, and some special promoters and enhancers can serve as targets to influence the properties of CSC. Clarifying the factors that regulate CSC transcription will assist us directly target key stem genes and TFs, or hinder CSC transcription through environmental and other related factors, in order to achieve the goal of inhibiting CSC and tumors. This paper comprehensively reviews the traditional aspects of transcriptional regulation, and explores the progress and insights of the impact on CSC transcription and status through tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, metabolism and new meaningful regulatory factors in conjunction with the latest research. Finally, we present opinions on omnidirectional targeting CSCs transcription to eliminate CSCs and address tumor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Li S, Fang W, Zheng J, Peng Z, Yu B, Chen C, Zhang Y, Jiang W, Yuan S, Zhang L, Zhang X. Whole-transcriptome defines novel glucose metabolic subtypes in colorectal cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18065. [PMID: 38116696 PMCID: PMC10902307 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18065] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the digestive system. Glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in CRC development. However, the heterogeneity of glucose metabolic patterns in CRC is not well characterized. Here, we classified CRC into specific glucose metabolic subtypes and identified the key regulators. 2228 carbohydrate metabolism-related genes were screened out from the GeneCards database, 202 of them were identified as prognosis genes in the TCGA database. Based on the expression patterns of the 202 genes, three metabolic subtypes were obtained by the non-negative matrix factorization clustering method. The C1 subtype had the worst survival outcome and was characterized with higher immune cell infiltration and more activation in extracellular matrix pathways than the other two subtypes. The C2 subtype was the most prevalent in CRC and was characterized by low immune cell infiltration. The C3 subtype had the smallest number of individuals and had a better prognosis, with higher levels of NRF2 and TP53 pathway expression. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) and thrombospondin-2 (THBS2) were confirmed as biomarkers for the C1 subtype. Their expression levels were elevated in high glucose condition, while their knockdown inhibited migration and invasion of HCT 116 cells. The analysis of therapeutic potential found that the C1 subtype was more sensitive to immune and PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors than the other subtypes. To sum up, this study revealed a novel glucose-related CRC subtype, characterized by SFRP2 and THBS2, with poor prognosis but possible therapeutic benefits from immune and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Li
- The Third School of Clinical MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General SurgerySouthern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Central HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Fang
- The Third School of Clinical MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General SurgerySouthern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Central HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Jianfeng Zheng
- The Third School of Clinical MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General SurgerySouthern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Central HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Zhiqiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of ProteomicsNational Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of LifeomicsBeijingChina
| | - Biyue Yu
- School of Life SciencesHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Chunhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of ProteomicsNational Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of LifeomicsBeijingChina
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Life SciencesHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Wenli Jiang
- School of Life SciencesHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Shuhui Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of ProteomicsNational Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of LifeomicsBeijingChina
| | - Lingqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of ProteomicsNational Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of LifeomicsBeijingChina
| | - Xueli Zhang
- The Third School of Clinical MedicineSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General SurgerySouthern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Central HospitalShanghaiChina
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15
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Zhao H, Han R, Wang Z, Xian J, Bai X. Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells and Targeted Agents. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2763. [PMID: 38140103 PMCID: PMC10748092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122763] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery, cancer stem cells have become a hot topic in cancer therapy research. These cells possess stem cell-like self-renewal and differentiation capacities and are important factors that dominate cancer metastasis, therapy-resistance and recurrence. Worse, their inherent characteristics make them difficult to eliminate. Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Targeting colorectal cancer stem cells (CR-CSCs) can inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis, enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce recurrence. Here, we introduced the origin, biomarker proteins, identification, cultivation and research techniques of CR-CSCs, and we summarized the signaling pathways that regulate the stemness of CR-CSCs, such as Wnt, JAK/STAT3, Notch and Hh signaling pathway. In addition to these, we also reviewed recent anti-CR-CSC drugs targeting signaling pathways, biomarkers and other regulators. These will help researchers gain insight into the current agents targeting to CR-CSCs, explore new cancer drugs and propose potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Zhao
- Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China; (H.Z.); (J.X.)
- Endocrinology Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Ruining Han
- Obstetric Department, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China;
| | - Zhankun Wang
- Emergency Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China;
| | - Junfang Xian
- Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China; (H.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Xiaosu Bai
- Endocrinology Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China
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16
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Bi B, Qiu M, Liu P, Wang Q, Wen Y, Li Y, Li B, Li Y, He Y, Zhao J. Protein post-translational modifications: A key factor in colorectal cancer resistance mechanisms. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194977. [PMID: 37625568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Despite advances in treatment, drug resistance remains a critical impediment. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate protein stability, localization, and activity, impacting vital cellular processes. Recent research has highlighted the essential role of PTMs in the development of CRC resistance. This review summarizes recent advancements in understanding PTMs' roles in CRC resistance, focusing on the latest discoveries. We discuss the functional impact of PTMs on signaling pathways and molecules involved in CRC resistance, progress in drug development, and potential therapeutic targets. We also summarize the primary enrichment methods for PTMs. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions, including the need for more comprehensive PTM analysis methods and PTM-targeted therapies. This review identifies potential therapeutic interventions for addressing medication resistance in CRC, proposes prospective therapeutic options, and gives an overview of the function of PTMs in CRC resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Bi
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaojuan Qiu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingfei Wen
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - You Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Binbin Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongshu Li
- Hubei Normal University, College of Life Sciences Huangshi, Hubei, China.
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jing Zhao
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Zheng Y, Zou J, Sun C, Peng F, Peng C. Ado-tratuzumab emtansine beyond breast cancer: therapeutic role of targeting other HER2-positive cancers. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1165781. [PMID: 37251081 PMCID: PMC10210145 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1165781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate approved by the FDA in 2013 for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer treatment exhibiting promising clinical benefits. However, HER2 overexpression and gene amplification have also been reported in other cancers like gastric cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer. Numerous preclinical studies have also revealed the significant antitumor effect of T-DM1 on HER2-positive tumors. With the advancement in research, several clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the antitumor effect of T-DM1. In this review, we briefly introduced the pharmacological effects of T-DM1. We reviewed its preclinical and clinical studies, especially on other HER2-positive cancers, establishing what has been encountered between its preclinical and clinical studies. In clinical studies, we found that T-DM1 has a therapeutic value on other cancers. An insignificant effect was observed on gastric cancer and NSCLC, inconsistent with the preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiayu Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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18
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Voutsadakis IA. KRAS mutated colorectal cancers with or without PIK3CA mutations: Clinical and molecular profiles inform current and future therapeutics. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 186:103987. [PMID: 37059275 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103987] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and its molecular pathogenesis has been intensely investigated for several decades. As a result, great progress has been made and targeted therapies have been introduced in the clinic. This paper examines colorectal cancers based on two of the most common molecular alterations, KRAS and PIK3CA mutations as a basis for therapeutic targeting. METHODS Two publicly available genomic series with clinical data were evaluated for prevalence and characteristics of cases with and without KRAS and PIK3CA mutations and the literature was reviewed for relevant information on the therapeutic implication of these alterations as well as other coincident alterations to derive therapeutic individualized options of targeted treatments. RESULTS Colorectal cancers without KRAS and PIK3CA mutations represent the most prevalent group (48% to 58% of patients) and present therapeutic targeted opportunities with BRAF inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the subsets with BRAF mutations (15% to 22%) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI, 14% to 16%), respectively. The second most prevalent sub-set, with KRAS mutations and PIK3CA wild type, representing 20% to 25% of patients, has currently few targeted options, besides specific KRAS G12C inhibitors for the small percentage of cases (9%-10%) that bear this mutation. Cancers with KRAS wild type and PIK3CA mutations are observed in 12% to 14% of colorectal cancer patients, harbor the highest percentage of cases with BRAF mutations and Microsatellite Instability (MSI), and are candidates for the respective targeted therapies. New targeted therapies in development, such as ATR inhibitors could be effective in cases with ATM mutations and ARID1A mutations that are also most prevalent in this sub-group (14% to 22% and 30%, respectively). KRAS and PIK3CA double mutant cancers have also few targeted options currently and could benefit from combination therapies with PI3K inhibitors and new KRAS inhibitors in development. CONCLUSION The backbone of common KRAS and PIK3CA mutations is a rational frame for development of therapeutic algorithms in colorectal cancer and can help guide new drug therapies development. In addition, the prevalence of different molecular groups presented here may help with planning of combination clinical trials by providing estimations of sub-sets with more than one alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Algoma District Cancer Program, Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, and Section of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
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19
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Veschi V, Turdo A, Modica C, Verona F, Di Franco S, Gaggianesi M, Tirrò E, Di Bella S, Iacono ML, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, Mangiapane LR, Bianca P, Rizzo A, Sciacca E, Pillitteri I, Vella V, Belfiore A, Bongiorno MR, Pistone G, Memeo L, Colarossi L, Giuffrida D, Colarossi C, Vigneri P, Todaro M, Stassi G. Recapitulating thyroid cancer histotypes through engineering embryonic stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1351. [PMID: 36906579 PMCID: PMC10008571 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36922-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common malignancy of endocrine organs. The cell subpopulation in the lineage hierarchy that serves as cell of origin for the different TC histotypes is unknown. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with appropriate in vitro stimulation undergo sequential differentiation into thyroid progenitor cells (TPCs-day 22), which maturate into thyrocytes (day 30). Here, we create follicular cell-derived TCs of all the different histotypes based on specific genomic alterations delivered by CRISPR-Cas9 in hESC-derived TPCs. Specifically, TPCs harboring BRAFV600E or NRASQ61R mutations generate papillary or follicular TC, respectively, whereas addition of TP53R248Q generate undifferentiated TCs. Of note, TCs arise by engineering TPCs, whereas mature thyrocytes have a very limited tumorigenic capacity. The same mutations result in teratocarcinomas when delivered in early differentiating hESCs. Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1)/Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)/Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) ternary complex, in cooperation with Kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), is involved in TC initiation and progression. Increasing radioiodine uptake, KISS1R and TIMP1 targeting may represent a therapeutic adjuvant option for undifferentiated TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Tirrò
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Di Bella
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Sciacca
- Queen Mary University, Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Pillitteri
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Dario Giuffrida
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,A.O.U.P. "Paolo Giaccone", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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20
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Zhang J, Chen B, Li H, Wang Y, Liu X, Wong KY, Chan WN, Chan AK, Cheung AH, Leung KT, Dong Y, Pan Y, Ke H, Liang L, Zhou Z, Xiao J, Wong CC, Wu WK, Cheng AS, Ma BB, Yu J, Lo KW, Kang W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts potentiate colorectal cancer progression by crosstalk of the IGF2-IGF1R and Hippo-YAP1 signaling pathways. J Pathol 2023; 259:205-219. [PMID: 36373776 DOI: 10.1002/path.6033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The tumor microenvironment exerts crucial effects in driving CRC progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serve as one of the most important tumor microenvironment components promoting CRC progression. This study aimed to elucidate the novel molecular mechanisms of CAF-secreted insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 in colorectal carcinogenesis. Our results indicated that IGF2 was a prominent factor upregulated in CAFs compared with normal fibroblasts. CAF-derived conditioned media (CM) promoted tumor growth, migration, and invasion of HCT 116 and DLD-1 cells. IGF1R expression is significantly increased in CRC, serving as a potent receptor in response to IGF2 stimulation and predicting unfavorable outcomes for CRC patients. Apart from the PI3K-AKT pathway, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the YAP1-target signature serves as a prominent downstream effector to mediate the oncogenic signaling of IGF2-IGF1R. By single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and immunohistochemical validation, IGF2 was found to be predominantly secreted by CAFs, whereas IGF1R was expressed mainly by cancer cells. IGF2 triggers the nuclear accumulation of YAP1 and upregulates YAP1 target signatures; however, these effects were abolished by either IGF1R knockdown or inhibition with picropodophyllin (PPP), an IGF1R inhibitor. Using CRC organoid and in vivo studies, we found that cotargeting IGF1R and YAP1 with PPP and verteporfin (VP), a YAP1 inhibitor, enhanced antitumor effects compared with PPP treatment alone. In conclusion, this study revealed a novel molecular mechanism by which CAFs promote CRC progression. The findings highlight the translational potential of the IGF2-IGF1R-YAP1 axis as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Zhang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Kit Yee Wong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Wai Nok Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Aden Ky Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Alvin Hk Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Kam Tong Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yujuan Dong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yi Pan
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Huixing Ke
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, China National Center of Gerontology, Bejing Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jianyong Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - William Kk Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Alfred Sl Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Brigette By Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | -
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
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21
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Ebrahimi N, Afshinpour M, Fakhr SS, Kalkhoran PG, Shadman-Manesh V, Adelian S, Beiranvand S, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Khorram R, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer: Signaling pathways involved in stemness and therapy resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 182:103920. [PMID: 36702423 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of cancer death worldwide. Although, in some cases, treatment can increase patient survival and reduce cancer recurrence, in many cases, tumors can develop resistance to therapy leading to recurrence. One of the main reasons for recurrence and therapy resistance is the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess a self-renewal ability, and their stemness properties lead to the avoidance of apoptosis, and allow a new clone of cancer cells to emerge. Numerous investigations inidicated the involvment of cellular signaling pathways in embryonic development, and growth, repair, and maintenance of tissue homeostasis, also participate in the generation and maintenance of stemness in colorectal CSCs. This review discusses the role of Wnt, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Sonic hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways in colorectal CSCs, and the possible modulating drugs that could be used in treatment for resistant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Division of Genetics, Department of cell and molecular & microbiology, Faculty of Science and technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maral Afshinpour
- Department of chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Department of Biotechnology; Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Campus Hamar, Norway
| | - Paniz Ghasempour Kalkhoran
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology_Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Shadman-Manesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Adelian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA.
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22
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Ghazvinian Z, Abdolahi S, Tokhanbigli S, Tarzemani S, Piccin A, Reza Zali M, Verdi J, Baghaei K. Contribution of natural killer cells in innate immunity against colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1077053. [PMID: 36686835 PMCID: PMC9846259 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1077053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are members of the innate immune system and promote cytotoxic activity against tumor or infected cells independently from MHC recognition. NK cells are modulated by the expression of activator/inhibitory receptors. The ratio of this activator/inhibitory receptors is responsible for the cytotoxic activity of NK cells toward the target cells. Owing to the potent anti-tumor properties of NK cells, they are considered as interesting approach in tumor treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death in the world and the incidence is about 2 million new cases per year. Metastatic CRC is accompanied by a poor prognosis with less than three years of overall survival. Chemotherapy and surgery are the most adopted treatments. Besides, targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade are novel approach to CRC treatment. In these patients, circulating NK cells are a prognostic marker. The main target of CRC immune cell therapy is to improve the tumor cell's recognition and elimination by immune cells. Adaptive NK cell therapy is the milestone to achieve the purpose. Allogeneic NK cell therapy has been widely investigated within clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the NK related approaches including CAR NK cells, cell-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs against CRC tumoral cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ghazvinian
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Tarzemani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Piccin
- Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Exosomes derived from MDR cells induce cetuximab resistance in CRC via PI3K/AKT signaling‑mediated Sox2 and PD‑L1 expression. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:86. [PMID: 36741914 PMCID: PMC9852420 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab is used as a first-line targeted therapeutic drug in colorectal cancer. It has previously been reported that the efficacy of the EGFR antibody cetuximab is limited by the emergence of acquired drug resistance. In our previous study the transmissibility effect of exosomes from drug resistant tumor cells to sensitive tumor cells was identified. It can therefore be hypothesized that drug resistant cells might affect neighboring and distant cells via regulation of exosome composition and behavior. However, the mechanism of exosomes in KRAS-wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. In the present study, functional analysis of overall survival post-diagnosis in patients with KRAS wild-type and those with mutant CRC was performed using human CRC specimens. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that multidrug resistance (MDR) cancer cell-derived exosomes were potentially a key factor, which promoted cetuximab-resistance in CRC cells and reduced the inhibitory effect of cetuximab in CRC xenograft models. The Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays were performed to assess the effects of exosomes derived from CRC/MDR cells on cetuximab resistance. Sphere formation assay results demonstrated that exosomes derived from CRC/MDR cells altered the self-renewal and multipotential ability of stem-cell-associated markers and facilitated resistance to cetuximab in cetuximab-sensitive cells. Furthermore, exosomes derived from CRC/MDR cells decreased sensitivity to cetuximab via the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling, which promoted Sox2 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) mRNA and protein expression according to reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses, as well as apoptosis resistance both in vitro and in vivo according to a TUNEL assay. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that exosomes derived from CRC/MDR cells may promote cetuximab resistance in KRAS wild-type cells via activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-mediated expression of Sox2 and PD-L1, which will be useful for investigating a potential clinical target in predicting cetuximab resistance.
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24
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Paskeh MDA, Ghadyani F, Hashemi M, Abbaspour A, Zabolian A, Javanshir S, Razzazan M, Mirzaei S, Entezari M, Goharrizi MASB, Salimimoghadam S, Aref AR, Kalbasi A, Rajabi R, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Sethi G. Biological impact and therapeutic perspective of targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: Promises and Challenges. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106553. [PMID: 36400343 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression results from activation of various signaling networks. Among these, PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high incidence rate, especially in regions with high prevalence of viral hepatitis infection. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, alcohol consumption, and inflammation can also lead to initiation and development of HCC. The treatment of HCC depends on the identification of oncogenic factors that lead tumor cells to develop resistance to therapy. The present review article focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in HCC progression. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes glucose uptake, favors glycolysis and increases tumor cell proliferation. It inhibits both apoptosis and autophagy while promoting HCC cell survival. PI3K/Akt stimulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during HCC metastasis. In addition to increasing colony formation capacity and facilitating the spread of tumor cells, PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates angiogenesis. Therefore, silencing PI3K/Akt signaling prevents aggressive HCC cell behavior. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can confer drug resistance, particularly to sorafenib, and decreases the radio-sensitivity of HCC cells. Anti-cancer agents, like phytochemicals and small molecules can suppress PI3K/Akt signaling by limiting HCC progression. Being upregulated in tumor tissues and clinical samples, PI3K/Akt can also be used as a biomarker to predict patients' response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghadyani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abbaspour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center,Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Resident of department of Orthopedics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Javanshir
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Razzazan
- Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6, Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
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25
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Liao W, Zhang L, Chen X, Xiang J, Zheng Q, Chen N, Zhao M, Zhang G, Xiao X, Zhou G, Zeng J, Tang J. Targeting cancer stem cells and signalling pathways through phytochemicals: A promising approach against colorectal cancer. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154524. [PMID: 36375238 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are strongly associated with high tumourigenicity, chemotherapy or radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis and recurrence, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, targeting CSCs may be a promising approach. Recently, discovery and research on phytochemicals that effectively target colorectal CSCs have been gaining popularity because of their broad safety profile and multi-target and multi-pathway modes of action. PURPOSE This review aimed to elucidate and summarise the effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals with potential anti-CSC agents that could contribute to the better management of CRC. METHODS We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from the original publication date to March 2022 to review the mechanisms by which phytochemicals inhibit CRC progression by targeting CSCs and their key signalling pathways. Phytochemicals were classified and summarised based on the mechanisms of action. RESULTS We observed that phytochemicals could affect the biological properties of colorectal CSCs. Phytochemicals significantly inhibit self-renewal, migration, invasion, colony formation, and chemoresistance and induce apoptosis and differentiation of CSCs by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (e.g., diallyl trisulfide and genistein), the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (e.g., caffeic acid and piperlongumine), the neurogenic locus notch homolog protein pathway (e.g., honokiol, quercetin, and α-mangostin), the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway (e.g., curcumin, morin, and ursolic acid), and other key signalling pathways. It is worth noting that several phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, silibinin, evodiamine, and thymoquinone, highlight multi-target and multi-pathway effects in restraining the malignant biological behaviour of CSCs. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the potential of targeted therapies for colorectal CSCs using phytochemicals. Phytochemicals could serve as novel therapeutic agents for CRC and aid in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Liao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Juyi Xiang
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China; Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
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26
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Nallasamy P, Nimmakayala RK, Parte S, Are AC, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Tumor microenvironment enriches the stemness features: the architectural event of therapy resistance and metastasis. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:225. [PMID: 36550571 PMCID: PMC9773588 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01682-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer divergence has many facets other than being considered a genetic term. It is a tremendous challenge to understand the metastasis and therapy response in cancer biology; however, it postulates the opportunity to explore the possible mechanism in the surrounding tumor environment. Most deadly solid malignancies are distinctly characterized by their tumor microenvironment (TME). TME consists of stromal components such as immune, inflammatory, endothelial, adipocytes, and fibroblast cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer stem-like cells are a small sub-set of the population within cancer cells believed to be a responsible player in the self-renewal, metastasis, and therapy response of cancer cells. The correlation between TME and CSCs remains an enigma in understanding the events of metastasis and therapy resistance in cancer biology. Recent evidence suggests that TME dictates the CSCs maintenance to arbitrate cancer progression and metastasis. The immune, inflammatory, endothelial, adipocyte, and fibroblast cells in the TME release growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, microRNAs, and exosomes that provide cues for the gain and maintenance of CSC features. These intricate cross-talks are fueled to evolve into aggressive, invasive, migratory phenotypes for cancer development. In this review, we have abridged the recent developments in the role of the TME factors in CSC maintenance and how these events influence the transition of tumor progression to further translate into metastasis and therapy resistance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Abhirup C Are
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Li J, Zhou F, Shang L, Liu N, Liu Y, Zhang M, Wang S, Yang S. Integrated network pharmacology and experimental verification to investigate the mechanisms of YYFZBJS against colorectal cancer via CDK1/PI3K/Akt signaling. Front Oncol 2022; 12:961653. [PMID: 36457504 PMCID: PMC9706206 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.961653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common digestive tract malignancy with rising incidence and morbidity worldwide during recent years. Yi-Yi-Fu-Zi-Bai-Jiang-San (YYFZBJS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has showed positive effects against cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying its anticancer effects requires investigation. METHODS Information on bioactive compounds, potential YYFZBJS targets, and CRC-associated genes, was obtained from public databases. The key targets and ingredients as well their corresponding signaling pathways were identified using bioinformatic approaches, including Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses, gene ontology (GO), and protein-protein interaction (PPI). Subsequently, molecular docking was used to verify the main compounds-targets. Potential YYFZBJS therapeutic effects against CRC were validated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Using pharmacological network analysis, 40 YYFZBJS active compounds and 21 potential anti-CRC targets were identified. YYFZBJS was an important regulator of CRC through various targets and signaling pathways, particularly the cell cycle and PI3K/AKT pathway. Additionally, YYFZBJS suppressed the proliferation of CRC cells. Flow cytometry showed that YYFZBJS induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Western blotting analysis indicated that YYFZBJS reduced the protein levels of CDK1, p-AKT, and p-PI3K, without altering total PI3K and AKT protein levels. In vivo analysis found that YYFZBJS inhibited tumor growth and PI3K/AKT signaling in a mouse model of CRC. CONCLUSION As predicted by network pharmacology and validated by the experimental results, YYFZBJS inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and arrested cell cycle progression in CRC by modulating the CDK1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiao Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fangyuan Zhou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Luorui Shang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Na Liu
- Rehabilitation Department of traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Red Cross Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhan Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuhan Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shenglan Yang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Abstract
The RAS family of proteins is among the most frequently mutated genes in human malignancies. In ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynecological malignancy, RAS, especially KRAS mutational status at codons 12, 13, and 61, ranges from 6-65% spanning different histo-types. Normally RAS regulates several signaling pathways involved in a myriad of cellular signaling cascades mediating numerous cellular processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and death. Aberrant activation of RAS leads to uncontrolled induction of several downstream signaling pathways such as RAF-1/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), PI3K phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT, RalGEFs, Rac/Rho, BRAF (v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B), MEK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), PKB (protein kinase B) and PKC (protein kinase C) involved in cell proliferation as well as maintenance pathways thereby driving tumorigenesis and cancer cell propagation. KRAS mutation is also known to be a biomarker for poor outcome and chemoresistance in OC. As a malignancy with several histotypes showing varying histopathological characteristics, we focus on reviewing recent literature showcasing the involvement of oncogenic RAS in mediating carcinogenesis and chemoresistance in OC and its subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, 3050, Qatar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Anjana Anand
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, 3050, Qatar
| | | | | | - Hesham M. Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, 3050, Qatar
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Wang N, Cao Y, Si C, Shao P, Su G, Wang K, Bao J, Yang L. Emerging Role of ERBB2 in Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Signaling Pathways to Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5160. [PMID: 36291943 PMCID: PMC9600272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent improvements in the comprehensive therapy of malignancy, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) continues to have a poor prognosis. Notably, 5% of mCRC cases harbor Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) alterations. ERBB2, commonly referred to as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, is a member of the human epidermal growth factor receptor family of protein tyrosine kinases. In addition to being a recognized therapeutic target in the treatment of gastric and breast malignancies, it is considered crucial in the management of CRC. In this review, we describe the molecular biology of ERBB2 from the perspective of biomarkers for mCRC-targeted therapy, including receptor structures, signaling pathways, gene alterations, and their detection methods. We also discuss the relationship between ERBB2 aberrations and the underlying mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR therapy and immunotherapy tolerance in these patients with a focus on novel targeted therapeutics and ongoing clinical trials. This may aid the development of a new standard of care in patients with ERBB2-positive mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuepeng Cao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chengshuai Si
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Peng Shao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guoqing Su
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Bao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, China
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Wang ZH, Zheng ZQ, Jia S, Liu SN, Xiao XF, Chen GY, Liang WQ, Lu XF. Trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer: Mechanisms, emerging biomarkers and targeting agents. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1006429. [PMID: 36276152 PMCID: PMC9584623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1006429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab is a standard molecular targeted therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) -positive breast cancer, which can significantly improve the survival of patients with this molecular subtype of breast cancer. However, the clinical problem of onset or secondary resistance to trastuzumab has limited its efficacy. Therefore, it is very important to explore the mechanism of trastuzumab resistance and formulate countermeasures. Our study described the underlying molecular mechanism of trastuzumab resistance including ERBB2 mutations and nuclear localization, transcriptional and post-translational alterations of ERBB2, over-activation of bypass signaling pathways activation and so on. Then summarize the potential emerging predicting biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for trastuzumab resistance, in order to provide research direction for reversing trastuzumab resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-hao Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
- Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
| | - Zhuo-qun Zheng
- Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
| | - Shi−cheng Jia
- Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
| | - Shu-ni Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
| | - Xiao-fen Xiao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
- Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
| | - Guan-yuan Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
- Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
| | - Wei-quan Liang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou, China
| | - Xiao-feng Lu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou, China
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Li H, Wang B, Qi B, Jiang G, Qin M, Yu M. Connexin32 regulates expansion of liver cancer stem cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2022; 48:166. [PMID: 35894130 PMCID: PMC9351005 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8381] [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: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are responsible for liver cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Previous studies by the authors demonstrated that upregulated expression of connexin 32 (Cx32) reversed doxorubicin resistance and reduced invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. However, the role of Cx32 in expansion of LCSCs remains unclear. A total of 85 patients were enrolled in the present study and followed-up for 5 years. The expression of Cx32 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cx32 was silenced in HepG2 cells and overexpressed in HCCLM3 cells and the stemness of liver cells was examined by detecting the expression of LCSC markers (EpCAM, CD133, Nanog, Oct4, Sox9, c-Myc), sphere formation, and xenograft tumorigenesis. Finally, the effect of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway on Cx32-regulated LCSC expansion was investigated. Cx32 was downregulated in LCSCs and HCC tissues, and predicted poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Overexpression of Cx32 in HCCLM3 cells significantly inhibited LCSC expansion, tumorigenesis, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway activity. By contrast, silencing of Cx32 in HepG2 cells upregulated expansion of LCSCs and PI3K/Akt pathway activity. Modulating the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway by SC-79 and LY294002 in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells, respectively, confirmed that Cx32 could affect the expansion of LCSCs through PI3K/Akt signaling. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Cx32 regulated the expansion of LCSCs, and increased expression of Cx32 significantly inhibited the expansion of LCSCs, suggesting that Cx32 may be an optimal target for intervention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Boying Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Benquan Qi
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Guojun Jiang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Min Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
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Cong VT, Houng JL, Kavallaris M, Chen X, Tilley RD, Gooding JJ. How can we use the endocytosis pathways to design nanoparticle drug-delivery vehicles to target cancer cells over healthy cells? Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:7531-7559. [PMID: 35938511 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00707f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery in cancer typically focuses on maximising the endocytosis of drugs into the diseased cells. However, there has been less focus on exploiting the differences in the endocytosis pathways of cancer cells versus non-cancer cells. An understanding of the endocytosis pathways in both cancer and non-cancer cells allows for the design of nanoparticles to deliver drugs to cancer cells whilst restricting healthy cells from taking up anticancer drugs, thus efficiently killing the cancer cells. Herein we compare the differences in the endocytosis pathways of cancer and healthy cells. Second, we highlight the importance of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (size, shape, stiffness, and surface chemistry) on cellular uptake and how they can be adjusted to selectively target the dominated endocytosis pathway of cancer cells over healthy cells and to deliver anticancer drug to the target cells. The review generates new thought in the design of cancer-selective nanoparticles based on the endocytosis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Thanh Cong
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. .,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jacinta L Houng
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. .,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. .,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Zhu C, Guan X, Zhang X, Luan X, Song Z, Cheng X, Zhang W, Qin JJ. Targeting KRAS mutant cancers: from druggable therapy to drug resistance. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:159. [PMID: 35922812 PMCID: PMC9351107 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene, occurring in a variety of tumor types. Targeting KRAS mutations with drugs is challenging because KRAS is considered undruggable due to the lack of classic drug binding sites. Over the past 40 years, great efforts have been made to explore routes for indirect targeting of KRAS mutant cancers, including KRAS expression, processing, upstream regulators, or downstream effectors. With the advent of KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, KRAS mutations are now druggable. Despite such inhibitors showing remarkable clinical responses, resistance to monotherapy of KRAS inhibitors is eventually developed. Significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance to KRAS-mutant inhibitors. Here we review the most recent advances in therapeutic approaches and resistance mechanisms targeting KRAS mutations and discuss opportunities for combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Zhu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xinuo Zhang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengbo Song
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xiangdong Cheng
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China. .,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China. .,School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China. .,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
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Martelli V, Pastorino A, Sobrero AF. Prognostic and predictive molecular biomarkers in advanced colorectal cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108239. [PMID: 35780916 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The revolution of precision medicine has produced unprecedented seismic shifts in the treatment paradigm of advanced cancers. Among the major killers, colorectal cancer (CRC) is far behind the others. In fact, the great successes obtained in breast, NSCLC, melanoma, and genitourinary tract tumors have been observed only in fewer than 5 % metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): those with the mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), a well-known predictive factor for to the outstanding efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors (CPI). The treatment of the remaining vast majority mCRC patients is still based upon only two molecular determinants: the RAS and BRAF mutational status. New promising biomarkers include HER2, tumor mutational burden (TMB) for its possible implications on CPI efficacy, and the extremely rare NTRK fusions. The Consensus Molecular Subtypes classification (CMS) is a good example of the efforts to combine different molecular features of this disease, although its relevance in clinical practice is still under investigation. In this Review, we focus on all these prognostic and predictive biomarkers, analyzing data from the most important clinical trials of the last years. We also try to rank them according to their prognostic and predictive power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino Martelli
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pastorino
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto F Sobrero
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino - IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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Wu Z, Yu X, Zhang S, He Y, Guo W. The role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in gallbladder carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:4426-4442. [PMID: 35958463 PMCID: PMC9360899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is poor, with a less than 5% five-year survival rate. Identifying the mechanisms underlying GBC occurrence and advancement is necessary to improve GBC patient prognosis and survival rates. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase (AKT) pathway is involved in cancer deterioration, tumor growth, cell proliferation, and distant metastasis. Studying the impacts of the PI3K/AKT pathway has resulted in the identification of key factors involved in GBC progression that might serve as therapeutic targets, promoting the development of new treatments. METHODS We reviewed recent literature exploring abnormal regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in gallbladder cancer, with a focus on abnormal RNA levels, protein level regulation, and drug treatment advances. RESULTS Further investigation of the regulation of small molecules and proteins by the PI3K/AKT pathway might ultimately provide new diagnostic or prognostic markers or cancer treatment targets. Recent studies have focused on RNA and proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle or cell movement in cancer progression via PI3K/AKT pathway, the use of anticancer drug combinations, or the anticancer effects of drugs not currently utilized for cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS We herein review the known available molecules that affect the PI3K/AKT pathway in patients with GBC and the mechanisms of drug action associated with this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan UniversitiesZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ TransplantationZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan UniversitiesZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ TransplantationZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan UniversitiesZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ TransplantationZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan UniversitiesZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ TransplantationZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan UniversitiesZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ TransplantationZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
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Rau A, Janssen N, Kühl L, Sell T, Kalmykova S, Mürdter TE, Dahlke MH, Sers C, Morkel M, Schwab M, Kontermann RE, Olayioye MA. Triple Targeting of HER Receptors Overcomes Heregulin-mediated Resistance to EGFR Blockade in Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:799-809. [PMID: 35247930 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Current treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancers include anti-EGFR/HER1 therapy with the blocking antibody cetuximab. Although a subset of patients with KRAS WT disease initially respond to the treatment, resistance develops in almost all cases. Relapse has been associated with the production of the ligand heregulin (HRG) and/or compensatory signaling involving the receptor tyrosine kinases HER2 and HER3. Here, we provide evidence that triple-HER receptor blockade based on a newly developed bispecific EGFR×HER3-targeting antibody (scDb-Fc) together with the HER2-blocking antibody trastuzumab effectively inhibited HRG-induced HER receptor phosphorylation, downstream signaling, proliferation, and stem cell expansion of DiFi and LIM1215 colorectal cancer cells. Comparative analyses revealed that the biological activity of scDb-Fc plus trastuzumab was sometimes even superior to that of the combination of the parental antibodies, with PI3K/Akt pathway inhibition correlating with improved therapeutic response and apoptosis induction as seen by single-cell analysis. Importantly, growth suppression by triple-HER targeting was recapitulated in primary KRAS WT patient-derived organoid cultures exposed to HRG. Collectively, our results provide strong support for a pan-HER receptor blocking approach to combat anti-EGFR therapy resistance of KRAS WT colorectal cancer tumors mediated by the upregulation of HRG and/or HER2/HER3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rau
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nicole Janssen
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lennart Kühl
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Sell
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,IRI Life Sciences and Institute of Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Svetlana Kalmykova
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,IRI Life Sciences and Institute of Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas E Mürdter
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc-H Dahlke
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christine Sers
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Morkel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, and of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Monilola A Olayioye
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology (SRCSB), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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Rosati G, Aprile G, Colombo A, Cordio S, Giampaglia M, Cappetta A, Porretto CM, De Stefano A, Bilancia D, Avallone A. Colorectal Cancer Heterogeneity and the Impact on Precision Medicine and Therapy Efficacy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1035. [PMID: 35625772 PMCID: PMC9138254 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051035] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel targeted therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer are needed to personalize treatments by guiding specific biomarkers selected on the genetic profile of patients. RAS and BRAF inhibitors have been developed for patients who become unresponsive to standard therapies. Sotorasib and adagrasib showed promising results in phase I/II basket trial and a phase III trial was planned with a combination of these RAS inhibitors and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Encorafenib and binimetinib were administered in phase II clinical trials for BRAF mutated patients. Pembrolizumab is now recommended in patients exhibiting microsatellite instability. Larotrectinib and entrectinib showed a fast and durable response with few and reversible adverse events in cases with NTRK fusions. Trastuzumab and trastuzumab deruxtecan exhibited promising and durable activity in HER-2-positive patients. In this review, the reasons for an extension of the molecular profile of patients were assessed and placed in the context of the advancements in the understanding of genetics. We highlight the differential effect of new targeted therapies through an ever-deeper characterization of tumor tissue. An overview of ongoing clinical trials is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Rosati
- Medical Oncology Unit, “S. Carlo” Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (M.G.); (D.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Aprile
- Department of Oncology, “San Bortolo” General Hospital, Azienda ULSS8 Berica, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; (G.A.); (A.C.)
| | - Alfredo Colombo
- Medical Oncology Unit, CDC Macchiarella, 90138 Palermo, Italy; (A.C.); (C.M.P.)
| | - Stefano Cordio
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Maria Paternò Arezzo” Hospital, 97100 Ragusa, Italy;
| | - Marianna Giampaglia
- Medical Oncology Unit, “S. Carlo” Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (M.G.); (D.B.)
| | - Alessandro Cappetta
- Department of Oncology, “San Bortolo” General Hospital, Azienda ULSS8 Berica, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; (G.A.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Alfonso De Stefano
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS-Fondazione “G. Pascale”, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Domenico Bilancia
- Medical Oncology Unit, “S. Carlo” Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (M.G.); (D.B.)
| | - Antonio Avallone
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS-Fondazione “G. Pascale”, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
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39
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Yang F, Xuan G, Chen Y, Cao L, Zhao M, Wang C, Chen E. MicroRNAs Are Key Molecules Involved in the Gene Regulation Network of Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:828128. [PMID: 35465317 PMCID: PMC9023807 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.828128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer and one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play central roles in normal cell maintenance, development, and other physiological processes. Growing evidence has illustrated that dysregulated miRNAs can participate in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance that confer miRNAs to serve as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC. Through binding to the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of target genes, miRNAs can lead to target mRNA degradation or inhibition at a post-transcriptional level. During the last decade, studies have found numerous miRNAs and their potential targets, but the complex network of miRNA/Targets in CRC remains unclear. In this review, we sought to summarize the complicated roles of the miRNA-target regulation network (Wnt, TGF-β, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and EMT related pathways) in CRC with up-to-date, high-quality published data. In particular, we aimed to discuss the downstream miRNAs of specific pathways. We hope these data can be a potent supplement for the canonical miRNA-target regulation network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guoyun Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lichao Cao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Erfei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Erfei Chen,
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40
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Darmkrebs: HER2 als therapeutisches Ziel identifiziert. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1732-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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41
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Huang W, Chen Y, Chang W, Ren L, Tang W, Zheng P, Wu Q, Liu T, Liu Y, Wei Y, Xu J. HER2 positivity as a biomarker for poor prognosis and unresponsiveness to anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:993-1002. [PMID: 34156520 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03655-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of HER2 positivity in prognosis and unresponsiveness to anti-EGFR therapy for colorectal cancer. METHODS Patients who underwent primary CRC tumor resection were included. HER2 status of CRC was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization tests. Comparison of survival analysis between HER2 positivity and negativity was evaluated by a stratified log-rank test and summarized with the use of Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. The treatment effects of cetuximab were further compared in full subgroup analyses. RESULT 1240 patients were enrolled, including 763 with stage I-III CRC and 477 with stage IV CRC. 57 (4.6%) CRC patients presented HER2 positivity in the entire cohort. The survival analysis showed that patients with HER2 positivity had significantly worse disease-free survival and overall survival in stage III and IV CRC. The multivariable analysis also confirmed that HER2 positivity was a significantly independent risk factor in stage III and IV CRC. Univariate and multivariable survival analysis showed no prognostic significance of HER2 positivity in stage I-II CRC patients. Prespecified subgroup analysis showed no favorable trends in progression-free survival and overall survival for cetuximab in the patients with HER2 positivity, KRAS/NRAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic CRC (interaction P values = 0.005 and 0.014). CONCLUSION For stage III and IV CRC patients, HER2 positivity was confirmed as an independent prognostic risk factor. It could help predict the unresponsiveness to anti-EGFR therapy for metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbai Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijiao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenju Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Colorectal Cancer Minimally Invasive, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Colorectal Cancer Minimally Invasive, Shanghai, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Colorectal Cancer Minimally Invasive, Shanghai, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianmin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Colorectal Cancer Minimally Invasive, Shanghai, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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42
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Effective targeting of breast cancer stem cells by combined inhibition of Sam68 and Rad51. Oncogene 2022; 41:2196-2209. [PMID: 35217791 PMCID: PMC8993694 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second cause of cancer-related deceases in the worldwide female population. Despite the successful treatment advances, 25% of BC develops resistance to current therapeutic regimens, thereby remaining a major hurdle for patient management. Current therapies, targeting the molecular events underpinning the adaptive resistance, still require effort to improve BC treatment. Using BC sphere cells (BCSphCs) as a model, here we showed that BC stem-like cells express high levels of Myc, which requires the presence of the multifunctional DNA/RNA binding protein Sam68 for the DNA-damage repair. Analysis of a cohort of BC patients displayed that Sam68 is an independent negative factor correlated with the progression of the disease. Genetic inhibition of Sam68 caused a defect in PARP-induced PAR chain synthesis upon DNA-damaging insults, resulting in cell death of TNBC cells. In contrast, BC stem-like cells were able to survive due to an upregulation of Rad51. Importantly, the inhibition of Rad51 showed synthetic lethal effect with the silencing of Sam68, hampering the cell viability of patient-derived BCSphCs and stabilizing the growth of tumor xenografts, including those TNBC carrying BRCA mutation. Moreover, the analysis of Myc, Sam68 and Rad51 expression demarcated a signature of a poor outcome in a large cohort of BC patients. Thus, our findings suggest the importance of targeting Sam68-PARP1 axis and Rad51 as potential therapeutic candidates to counteract the expansion of BC cells with an aggressive phenotype.
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43
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Gaggianesi M, Mangiapane LR, Modica C, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, Di Franco S, Lo Iacono M, D’Accardo C, Verona F, Pillitteri I, Turdo A, Veschi V, Brancato OR, Muratore G, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, De Maria R, Stassi G. Dual Inhibition of Myc Transcription and PI3K Activity Effectively Targets Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030673. [PMID: 35158939 PMCID: PMC8833549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030673] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Compelling evidence has shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for high resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapies. Here, we demonstrate that the tumor microenvironment protects CR-CSCs from EGFR/HER2, BRAF and PI3K targeting, promoting CD44v6 and Myc expression. Alternatively, as a substitution for HER2 and BRAF, the Myc transcription inhibitor can overcome the protective effects of microenvironmental cytokines, impairing the survival of CR-CSCs. These data highlight the targeting of Myc and PI3K activity as a novel therapeutic strategy against advanced colorectal cancer. Abstract Despite advances in the curative approach, the survival rate of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is still poor, which is likely due to the emergence of cancer cell clones resistant to the available therapeutic options. We have already shown that CD44v6-positive CRC stem cells (CR-CSCs) are refractory toward standard anti-tumor therapeutic agents due to the activation of the PI3K pathway together with high HER2 expression levels. Tumor microenvironmental cytokines confer resistance to CR-CSCs against HER2/PI3K targeting by enhancing activation of the MAPK pathway. Here, we show that the CSC compartment, spared by BRAF inhibitor-based targeted therapy, is associated with increased expression levels of CD44v6 and Myc and retains boosted clonogenic activity along with residual tumorigenic potential. Inhibition of Myc transcription, downstream of the MAPK cascade components, and PI3K pathway activity was able to overcome the protective effects of microenvironmental cytokines, affecting the survival and the clonogenic activity of CR-CSCs, regardless of their mutational background. Likewise, the double targeting induced stabilization of mouse tumor avatars. Altogether, these data outline the rationale for dual kinase targeting of CR-CSCs to prevent their adaptive response, which would lead to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Caterina D’Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Irene Pillitteri
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Ornella Roberta Brancato
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giampaolo Muratore
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.D.M.); (G.S.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4914 (R.D.M.); +39-091-2389-0813 (G.S.)
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.D.M.); (G.S.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4914 (R.D.M.); +39-091-2389-0813 (G.S.)
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Mouillet-Richard S. ERBB2 in anti-EGFR-resistant colorectal cancer: cancer stem cells come into play. Gut 2022; 71:4-5. [PMID: 33619166 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM-U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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45
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Silva VR, Santos LDS, Dias RB, Quadros CA, Bezerra DP. Emerging agents that target signaling pathways to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:1275-1313. [PMID: 34791817 PMCID: PMC8696218 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The modern concept of cancer biology indicates that cancer is formed of a small population of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which present both pluripotency and self-renewal properties. These cells are considered responsible for the progression of the disease, recurrence and tumor resistance. Interestingly, some cell signaling pathways participate in CRC survival, proliferation, and self-renewal properties, and most of them are dysregulated in CSCs, including the Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathways. In this review, we summarize the strategies for eradicating CRC stem cells by modulating these dysregulated pathways, which will contribute to the study of potential therapeutic schemes, combining conventional drugs with CSC-targeting drugs, and allowing better cure rates in anti-CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdenizia R Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Luciano de S Santos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Rosane B Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Quadros
- São Rafael Hospital, Rede D'Or/São Luiz, Salvador, Bahia, 41253-190, Brazil.,Bahia State University, Salvador, Bahia, 41150-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel P Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
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46
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Turdo A, D'Accardo C, Glaviano A, Porcelli G, Colarossi C, Colarossi L, Mare M, Faldetta N, Modica C, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Targeting Phosphatases and Kinases: How to Checkmate Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:690306. [PMID: 34778245 PMCID: PMC8581442 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.690306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic disease represents the major cause of death in oncologic patients worldwide. Accumulating evidence have highlighted the relevance of a small population of cancer cells, named cancer stem cells (CSCs), in the resistance to therapies, as well as cancer recurrence and metastasis. Standard anti-cancer treatments are not always conclusively curative, posing an urgent need to discover new targets for an effective therapy. Kinases and phosphatases are implicated in many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and oncogenic transformation. These proteins are crucial regulators of intracellular signaling pathways mediating multiple cellular activities. Therefore, alterations in kinases and phosphatases functionality is a hallmark of cancer. Notwithstanding the role of kinases and phosphatases in cancer has been widely investigated, their aberrant activation in the compartment of CSCs is nowadays being explored as new potential Achille's heel to strike. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the major protein kinases and phosphatases pathways by which CSCs can evade normal physiological constraints on survival, growth, and invasion. Moreover, we discuss the potential of inhibitors of these proteins in counteracting CSCs expansion during cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Glaviano
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Marzia Mare
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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47
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Gaggianesi M, Di Franco S, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, D'Accardo C, Verona F, Veschi V, Colarossi L, Faldetta N, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Messing Up the Cancer Stem Cell Chemoresistance Mechanisms Supported by Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:702642. [PMID: 34354950 PMCID: PMC8330815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.702642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in cancer patient management and in the development of targeted therapies, systemic chemotherapy is currently used as a first-line treatment for many cancer types. After an initial partial response, patients become refractory to standard therapy fostering rapid tumor progression. Compelling evidence highlights that the resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens is a peculiarity of a subpopulation of cancer cells within tumor mass, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). This cellular compartment is endowed with tumor-initiating and metastasis formation capabilities. CSC chemoresistance is sustained by a plethora of grow factors and cytokines released by neighboring tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed by adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune and endothelial cells. TME strengthens CSC refractoriness to standard and targeted therapies by enhancing survival signaling pathways, DNA repair machinery, expression of drug efflux transporters and anti-apoptotic proteins. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand CSC-TME crosstalk and develop therapeutic strategy halting this interplay. Here, we report the combinatorial approaches, which perturb the interaction network between CSCs and the different component of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Naida Faldetta
- Department of Surgery, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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48
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Guarini C, Grassi T, Pezzicoli G, Porta C. Beyond RAS and BRAF: HER2, a New Actionable Oncotarget in Advanced Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6813. [PMID: 34202896 PMCID: PMC8268006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a well-established oncogenic driver and a successful therapeutic target in several malignancies, such as breast and gastric cancers. HER2 alterations, including amplification and somatic mutations, have also been detected in a small but not negligible subset of patients affected by advanced colorectal cancer (aCRC). However, to date, there are no available oncotargets in this malignancy beyond RAS and BRAF that are available. Here we present an overview on the present predictive and prognostic role of HER2 expression in aCRC, as well as on its consequent potential therapeutic implications from preclinical investigations towards ongoing trials testing anti-HER2 agents in aCRC. While HER2's role as a molecular predictive biomarker for anti-EGFR therapies in CRC is recognized, HER2 prognostic value remains controversial. Moreover, thanks to the impressive and growing body of clinical evidence, HER2 is strongly emerging as a new potential actionable oncotarget in aCRC. In conclusion, in the foreseeable future, HER2-targeted therapeutic strategies may integrate the algorithm of aCRC treatment towards an increasingly tailored therapeutic approach to this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Guarini
- Post-Graduate School of Specialization in Medical Oncology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (T.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Teresa Grassi
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (T.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Gaetano Pezzicoli
- Post-Graduate School of Specialization in Medical Oncology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (T.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Camillo Porta
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (T.G.); (C.P.)
- Chair of Oncology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari ‘A. Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy
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49
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Di Franco S, Parrino B, Gaggianesi M, Pantina VD, Bianca P, Nicotra A, Mangiapane LR, Lo Iacono M, Ganduscio G, Veschi V, Brancato OR, Glaviano A, Turdo A, Pillitteri I, Colarossi L, Cascioferro S, Carbone D, Pecoraro C, Fiori ME, De Maria R, Todaro M, Screpanti I, Cirrincione G, Diana P, Stassi G. CHK1 inhibitor sensitizes resistant colorectal cancer stem cells to nortopsentin. iScience 2021; 24:102664. [PMID: 34169240 PMCID: PMC8209271 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited therapeutic options are available for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein, we report that exposure to a neo-synthetic bis(indolyl)thiazole alkaloid analog, nortopsentin 234 (NORA234), leads to an initial reduction of proliferative and clonogenic potential of CRC sphere cells (CR-CSphCs), followed by an adaptive response selecting the CR-CSphC-resistant compartment. Cells spared by the treatment with NORA234 express high levels of CD44v6, associated with a constitutive activation of Wnt pathway. In CR-CSphC-based organoids, NORA234 causes a genotoxic stress paralleled by G2-M cell cycle arrest and activation of CHK1, driving the DNA damage repair of CR-CSphCs, regardless of the mutational background, microsatellite stability, and consensus molecular subtype. Synergistic combination of NORA234 and CHK1 (rabusertib) targeting is synthetic lethal inducing death of both CD44v6-negative and CD44v6-positive CRC stem cell fractions, aside from Wnt pathway activity. These data could provide a rational basis to develop an effective strategy for the treatment of patients with CRC. CR-CSCs acquire a long-term resistance to the NORA234 treatment Replicative and genotoxic stress induces the activation of CHK1 Adaptive response to NORA234 is associated with high expression levels of CHK1 NORA234 together with targeting of CHK1 leads to depletion of CR-CSC compartment
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gloria Ganduscio
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ornella Roberta Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Glaviano
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Pillitteri
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Pathology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Institute of General Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Italy.,Policlinico A Gemelli, Lazio, Roma, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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