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Ogilvie LM, Coyle-Asbil B, Brunt KR, Petrik J, Simpson JA. Therapy-naïve malignancy causes cardiovascular disease: a state-of-the-art cardio-oncology perspective. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1515-H1537. [PMID: 38639740 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00795.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Although generally thought of as distinct diseases, the intersectional overlap between CVD and cancer is increasingly evident in both causal and mechanistic relationships. The field of cardio-oncology is largely focused on the cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation). Furthermore, the cumulative effects of cardiotoxic therapy exposure and the prevalence of CVD risk factors in patients with cancer lead to long-term morbidity and poor quality of life in this patient population, even when patients are cancer-free. Evidence from patients with cancer and animal models demonstrates that the presence of malignancy itself, independent of cardiotoxic therapy exposure or CVD risk factors, negatively impacts cardiac structure and function. As such, the primary focus of this review is the cardiac pathophysiological and molecular features of therapy-naïve cancer. We also summarize the strengths and limitations of preclinical cancer models for cardio-oncology research and discuss therapeutic strategies that have been tested experimentally for the treatment of cancer-induced cardiac atrophy and dysfunction. Finally, we explore an adjacent area of interest, called "reverse cardio-oncology," where the sequelae of heart failure augment cancer progression. Here, we emphasize the cross-disease communication between malignancy and the injured heart and discuss the importance of chronic low-grade inflammation and endocrine factors in the progression of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie M Ogilvie
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bridget Coyle-Asbil
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keith R Brunt
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- IMPART Investigator Team Canada, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jim Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy A Simpson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- IMPART Investigator Team Canada, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
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2
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Benedetti F, Silvestri G, Denaro F, Finesso G, Contreras-Galindo R, Munawwar A, Williams S, Davis H, Bryant J, Wang Y, Radaelli E, Rathinam CV, Gallo RC, Zella D. Mycoplasma DnaK expression increases cancer development in vivo upon DNA damage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320859121. [PMID: 38412130 PMCID: PMC10927570 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320859121] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Well-controlled repair mechanisms are involved in the maintenance of genomic stability, and their failure can precipitate DNA abnormalities and elevate tumor risk. In addition, the tumor microenvironment, enriched with factors inducing oxidative stress and affecting cell cycle checkpoints, intensifies DNA damage when repair pathways falter. Recent research has unveiled associations between certain bacteria, including Mycoplasmas, and various cancers, and the causative mechanism(s) are under active investigation. We previously showed that Mycoplasma fermentans DnaK, an HSP70 family chaperone protein, hampers the activity of proteins like PARP1 and p53, crucial for genomic integrity. Moreover, our analysis of its interactome in human cancer cell lines revealed DnaK's engagement with several components of DNA-repair machinery. Finally, in vivo experiments performed in our laboratory using a DnaK knock-in mouse model generated by our group demonstrated that DnaK exposure led to increased DNA copy number variants, indicative of genomic instability. We present here evidence that expression of DnaK is linked to increased i) incidence of tumors in vivo upon exposure to urethane, a DNA damaging agent; ii) spontaneous DNA damage ex vivo; and iii) expression of proinflammatory cytokines ex vivo, variations in reactive oxygen species levels, and increased β-galactosidase activity across tissues. Moreover, DnaK was associated with increased centromeric instability. Overall, these findings highlight the significance of Mycoplasma DnaK in the etiology of cancer and other genetic disorders providing a promising target for prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Benedetti
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Giovannino Silvestri
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Frank Denaro
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD21251
| | - Giovanni Finesso
- Comparative Pathology Core, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | | | - Arshi Munawwar
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Sumiko Williams
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD21251
| | - Harry Davis
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Joseph Bryant
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Enrico Radaelli
- Comparative Pathology Core, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Chozha V. Rathinam
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Robert C. Gallo
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Davide Zella
- Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
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3
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Reeves MQ, Balmain A. Mutations, Bottlenecks, and Clonal Sweeps: How Environmental Carcinogens and Genomic Changes Shape Clonal Evolution during Tumor Progression. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041388. [PMID: 38052482 PMCID: PMC10910358 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The transition from a single, initiated cell to a full-blown malignant tumor involves significant genomic evolution. Exposure to carcinogens-whether directly mutagenic or not-can drive progression toward malignancy, as can stochastic acquisition of cancer-promoting genetic events. Mouse models using both carcinogens and germline genetic manipulations have enabled precise inquiry into the evolutionary dynamics that take place as a tumor progresses from benign to malignant to metastatic stages. Tumor progression is characterized by changes in somatic point mutations and copy-number alterations, even though any single tumor can itself have a high or low burden of genomic alterations. Further, lineage-tracing, single-cell analyses and CRISPR barcoding have revealed the distinct clonal dynamics within benign and malignant tumors. Application of these tools in a range of mouse models can shed unique light on the patterns of clonal evolution that take place in both mouse and human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Q Reeves
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Allan Balmain
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
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4
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Wang W, Yang Y, Chen Z, Wang X, Zhang GL, He T, Tong L, Tang B. Simultaneous Detection of Aldehyde Metabolites by Light-Assisted Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:787-793. [PMID: 38170819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In the clinic, small-molecule metabolites (SMMs) in blood are highly convincing indicators for disease diagnosis, such as cancer. However, challenges still exist for detection of SMMs due to their low concentration and complicated components in blood. In this work, we report the design of a novel "selenium signature" nanoprobe (Se nanoprobe) for efficient identification of multiple aldehyde metabolites in blood. This Se nanoprobe consists of magnetic nanoparticles that can enrich aldehyde metabolites from a complex environment, functionalized with photosensitive "selenium signature" hydrazide molecules that can react with aldehyde metabolites. Upon irradiation with UV, the aldehyde derivatives can be released from the Se nanoprobe and further sprayed by mass spectrometry through ambient ionization (AIMS). By quantifying the selenium isotope distribution (MS/MS) from the derivatization product, accurate detection of several aldehyde metabolites, including valeraldehyde (Val), heptaldehyde (Hep), 2-furaldehyde (2-Fur), 10-undecenal aldehyde (10-Und), and benzaldehyde (Ben), is realized. This strategy reveals a new solution for quick and accurate cancer diagnosis in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guang-Lu Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Tairan He
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lili Tong
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
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5
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Romualdo GR, Heidor R, Bacil GP, Moreno FS, Barbisan LF. Past, present, and future of chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis rodent models: Perspectives concerning classic and new cancer hallmarks. Life Sci 2023; 330:121994. [PMID: 37543357 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the main primary liver cancer, accounts for 5 % of all incident cases and 8.4 % of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC displays a spectrum of environmental risk factors (viral chronic infections, aflatoxin exposure, alcoholic- and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases) that result in molecular complexity and heterogeneity, contributing to a rising epidemiological burden, poor prognosis, and non-satisfactory treatment options. The emergence of HCC (i.e., hepatocarcinogenesis) is a multistep and complex process that addresses many (epi)genetic alterations and phenotypic traits, the so-called cancer hallmarks. "Polymorphic microbiomes", "epigenetic reprogramming", "senescent cells" and "unlocking phenotypic plasticity" are trending hallmarks/enabling features in cancer biology. As the main molecular drivers of HCC are still undruggable, chemically induced in vivo models of hepatocarcinogenesis are useful tools in preclinical research. Thus, this narrative review aimed at recapitulating the basic features of chemically induced rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis, eliciting their permanent translational value regarding the "classic" and the "new" cancer hallmarks/enabling features. We gathered state-of-art preclinical evidence on non-cirrhotic, inflammation-, alcoholic liver disease- and nonalcoholic fatty liver-associated HCC models, demonstrating that these bioassays indeed express the recently added hallmarks, as well as reflect the interplay between classical and new cancer traits. Our review demonstrated that these protocols remain valuable for translational preclinical application, as they recapitulate trending features of cancer science. Further "omics-based" approaches are warranted while multimodel investigations are encouraged in order to avoid "model-biased" responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Heidor
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Prata Bacil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Salvador Moreno
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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6
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Mahmoudian RA, Farshchian M, Golyan FF, Mahmoudian P, Alasti A, Moghimi V, Maftooh M, Khazaei M, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Mahaki H, Shahidsales S, Avan A. Preclinical tumor mouse models for studying esophageal cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 189:104068. [PMID: 37468084 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104068] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical models are extensively employed in cancer research because they can be manipulated in terms of their environment, genome, molecular biology, organ systems, and physical activity to mimic human behavior and conditions. The progress made in in vivo cancer research has resulted in significant advancements, enabling the creation of spontaneous, metastatic, and humanized mouse models. Most recently, the remarkable and extensive developments in genetic engineering, particularly the utilization of CRISPR/Cas9, transposable elements, epigenome modifications, and liquid biopsies, have further facilitated the design and development of numerous mouse models for studying cancer. In this review, we have elucidated the production and usage of current mouse models, such as xenografts, chemical-induced models, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), for studying esophageal cancer. Additionally, we have briefly discussed various gene-editing tools that could potentially be employed in the future to create mouse models specifically for esophageal cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reihaneh Alsadat Mahmoudian
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Division of Oncology, Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Fardi Golyan
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Mahmoudian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Alasti
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Moghimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Mina Maftooh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Hanie Mahaki
- Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; College of Medicine, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala, Iraq; Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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7
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Tang YJ, Shuldiner EG, Karmakar S, Winslow MM. High-Throughput Identification, Modeling, and Analysis of Cancer Driver Genes In Vivo. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041382. [PMID: 37277208 PMCID: PMC10317066 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The vast number of genomic and molecular alterations in cancer pose a substantial challenge to uncovering the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and identifying therapeutic targets. High-throughput functional genomic methods in genetically engineered mouse models allow for rapid and systematic investigation of cancer driver genes. In this review, we discuss the basic concepts and tools for multiplexed investigation of functionally important cancer genes in vivo using autochthonous cancer models. Furthermore, we highlight emerging technical advances in the field, potential opportunities for future investigation, and outline a vision for integrating multiplexed genetic perturbations with detailed molecular analyses to advance our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning J Tang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Emily G Shuldiner
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Saswati Karmakar
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Monte M Winslow
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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8
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Haraoka Y, Miyake M, Ishitani T. Zebrafish imaging reveals hidden oncogenic-normal cell communication during primary tumorigenesis. Cell Struct Funct 2023; 48:113-121. [PMID: 37164759 PMCID: PMC10721949 DOI: 10.1247/csf.23026] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations drive tumorigenesis, and single cells with oncogenic mutations act as the tumor seeds that gradually evolve into fully transformed tumors. However, oncogenic cell behavior and communication with neighboring cells during primary tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. We used the zebrafish, a small vertebrate model suitable for in vivo cell biology, to address these issues. We describe the cooperative and competitive communication between oncogenic cells and neighboring cells, as revealed by our recent zebrafish imaging studies. Newly generated oncogenic cells are actively eliminated by neighboring cells in healthy epithelia, whereas oncogenic cells cooperate with their neighbors to prime tumorigenesis in unhealthy epithelia via additional mutations or inflammation. In addition, we discuss the potential of zebrafish in vivo imaging to determine the initial steps of human tumorigenesis.Key words: zebrafish, imaging, cell-cell communication, cell competition, EDAC, senescence, primary tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinari Haraoka
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mai Miyake
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tohru Ishitani
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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9
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Hebert JD, Neal JW, Winslow MM. Dissecting metastasis using preclinical models and methods. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:391-407. [PMID: 37138029 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00568-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis has long been understood to lead to the overwhelming majority of cancer-related deaths. However, our understanding of the metastatic process, and thus our ability to prevent or eliminate metastases, remains frustratingly limited. This is largely due to the complexity of metastasis, which is a multistep process that likely differs across cancer types and is greatly influenced by many aspects of the in vivo microenvironment. In this Review, we discuss the key variables to consider when designing assays to study metastasis: which source of metastatic cancer cells to use and where to introduce them into mice to address different questions of metastasis biology. We also examine methods that are being used to interrogate specific steps of the metastatic cascade in mouse models, as well as emerging techniques that may shed new light on previously inscrutable aspects of metastasis. Finally, we explore approaches for developing and using anti-metastatic therapies, and how mouse models can be used to test them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess D Hebert
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joel W Neal
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Monte M Winslow
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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10
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Occhiuto CJ, Moerland JA, Leal AS, Gallo KA, Liby KT. The Multi-Faceted Consequences of NRF2 Activation throughout Carcinogenesis. Mol Cells 2023; 46:176-186. [PMID: 36994476 PMCID: PMC10070161 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2191] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxidative balance of a cell is maintained by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway. This cytoprotective pathway detoxifies reactive oxygen species and xenobiotics. The role of the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway as pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic throughout stages of carcinogenesis (including initiation, promotion, progression, and metastasis) is complex. This mini review focuses on key studies describing how the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway affects cancer at different phases. The data compiled suggest that the roles of KEAP1/NRF2 in cancer are highly dependent on context; specifically, the model used (carcinogen-induced vs genetic), the tumor type, and the stage of cancer. Moreover, emerging data suggests that KEAP1/NRF2 is also important for regulating the tumor microenvironment and how its effects are amplified either by epigenetics or in response to co-occurring mutations. Further elucidation of the complexity of this pathway is needed in order to develop novel pharmacological tools and drugs to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Occhiuto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jessica A. Moerland
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Ana S. Leal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Gallo
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Karen T. Liby
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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11
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Cataisson C, Lee AJ, Zhang AM, Mizes A, Korkmaz S, Carofino BL, Meyer TJ, Michalowski AM, Li L, Yuspa SH. RAS oncogene signal strength regulates matrisomal gene expression and tumorigenicity of mouse keratinocytes. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:1149-1161. [PMID: 36306264 PMCID: PMC10122430 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental and molecular carcinogenesis are linked by the discovery that chemical carcinogen induced-mutations in the Hras or Kras genes drives tumor development in mouse skin. Importantly, enhanced expression or allele amplification of the mutant Ras gene contributes to selection of initiated cells, tumor persistence, and progression. To explore the consequences of Ras oncogene signal strength, primary keratinocytes were isolated and cultured from the LSL-HrasG12D and LSL-KrasG12D C57BL/6J mouse models and the mutant allele was activated by adeno-Cre recombinase. Keratinocytes expressing one (H) or two (HH) mutant alleles of HrasG12D, one KrasG12D allele (K), or one of each (HK) were studied. All combinations of activated Ras alleles stimulated proliferation and drove transformation marker expression, but only HH and HK formed tumors. HH, HK, and K sustained long-term keratinocyte growth in vitro, while H and WT could not. RNA-Seq yielded two distinct gene expression profiles; HH, HK, and K formed one cluster while H clustered with WT. Weak MAPK activation was seen in H keratinocytes but treatment with a BRAF inhibitor enhanced MAPK signaling and facilitated tumor formation. K keratinocytes became tumorigenic when they were isolated from mice where the LSL-KrasG12D allele was backcrossed from the C57BL/6 onto the FVB/N background. All tumorigenic keratinocytes but not the non-tumorigenic precursors shared a common remodeling of matrisomal gene expression that is associated with tumor formation. Thus, RAS oncogene signal strength determines cell-autonomous changes in initiated cells that are critical for their tumor-forming potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Cataisson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alex J Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ashley M Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alicia Mizes
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Serena Korkmaz
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brandi L Carofino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas J Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | | | - Luowei Li
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stuart H Yuspa
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Abdolahi S, Ghazvinian Z, Muhammadnejad S, Saleh M, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Baghaei K. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, applications and challenges in cancer research. J Transl Med 2022; 20:206. [PMID: 35538576 PMCID: PMC9088152 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishing of the first cancer models created a new perspective on the identification and evaluation of new anti-cancer therapies in preclinical studies. Patient-derived xenograft models are created by tumor tissue engraftment. These models accurately represent the biology and heterogeneity of different cancers and recapitulate tumor microenvironment. These features have made it a reliable model along with the development of humanized models. Therefore, they are used in many studies, such as the development of anti-cancer drugs, co-clinical trials, personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and PDX biobanks. This review summarizes patient-derived xenograft models development procedures, drug development applications in various cancers, challenges and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Zeinab Ghazvinian
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samad Muhammadnejad
- Cell-Based Therapies Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Saleh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti 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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13
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Connolly KA, Fitzgerald B, Damo M, Joshi NS. Novel Mouse Models for Cancer Immunology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2022; 6:269-291. [PMID: 36875867 PMCID: PMC9979244 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070620-105523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models for the study of cancer immunology provide excellent systems in which to test biological mechanisms of the immune response against cancer. Historically, these models have been designed to have different strengths based on the current major research questions at the time. As such, many mouse models of immunology used today were not originally developed to study questions currently plaguing the relatively new field of cancer immunology, but instead have been adapted for such purposes. In this review, we discuss various mouse model of cancer immunology in a historical context as a means to provide a fuller perspective of each model's strengths. From this outlook, we discuss the current state of the art and strategies for tackling future modeling challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A. Connolly
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Brittany Fitzgerald
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Martina Damo
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Nikhil S. Joshi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
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14
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Vogeley C, Rolfes KM, Krutmann J, Haarmann-Stemmann T. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Environmentally-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skin. Front Oncol 2022; 12:841721. [PMID: 35311158 PMCID: PMC8927079 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.841721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies in humans and academia as well as public authorities expect a further increase of its incidence in the next years. The major risk factor for the development of SCC of the general population is the repeated and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Another important risk factor, in particular with regards to occupational settings, is the chronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are formed during incomplete combustion of organic material and thus can be found in coal tar, creosote, bitumen and related working materials. Importantly, both exposomal factors unleash their carcinogenic potential, at least to some extent, by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The AHR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and key regulator in xenobiotic metabolism and immunity. The AHR is expressed in all cutaneous cell-types investigated so far and maintains skin integrity. We and others have reported that in response to a chronic exposure to environmental stressors, in particular UV radiation and PAHs, an activation of AHR and downstream signaling pathways critically contributes to the development of SCC. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about AHR's role in skin carcinogenesis and focus on its impact on defense mechanisms, such as DNA repair, apoptosis and anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, we discuss the possible consequences of a simultaneous exposure to different AHR-stimulating environmental factors for the development of cutaneous SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vogeley
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean Krutmann
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
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15
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Liu YZ, Lu HL, Qi XM, Xing GZ, Wang X, Yu P, Liu L, Yang FF, Ding XL, Zhang ZA, Deng ZP, Gong LK, Ren J. Aristolochic acid I promoted clonal expansion but did not induce hepatocellular carcinoma in adult rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:2094-2105. [PMID: 33686245 PMCID: PMC8633323 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00622-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is a well-known nephrotoxic carcinogen, which is currently reported to be also associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether AAI is a direct hepatocarcinogen remains controversial. In this study we investigated the association between AAI exposure and HCC in adult rats using a sensitive rat liver bioassay with several cofactors. Formation of glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive (GST-P+) foci was used as the marker for preneoplastic lesions/clonal expansion. We first conducted a medium-term (8 weeks) study to investigate whether AAI had any tumor-initiating or -promoting activity. Then a long-term (52 weeks) study was conducted to determine whether AAI can directly induce HCC. We showed that oral administration of single dose of AAI (20, 50, or 100 mg/kg) in combination with partial hepatectomy (PH) to stimulate liver proliferation did not induce typical GST-P+ foci in liver. In the 8-week study, only high dose of AAI (10 mg · kg-1 · d-1, 5 days a week for 6 weeks) in combination with PH significantly increased the number and area of GST-P+ foci initiated by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in liver. Similarly, only high dose of AAI (10 mg· kg-1· d-1, 5 days a week for 52 weeks) in combination with PH significantly increased the number and area of hepatic GST-P+ foci in the 52-week study. No any nodules or HCC were observed in liver of any AAI-treated groups. In contrast, long-term administration of AAI (0.1, 1, 10 mg· kg-1· d-1) time- and dose-dependently caused death due to the occurrence of cancers in the forestomach, intestine, and/or kidney. Besides, AAI-DNA adducts accumulated in the forestomach, kidney, and liver in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Taken together, AAI promotes clonal expansion only in the high-dose group but did not induce any nodules or HCC in liver of adult rats till their deaths caused by cancers developed in the forestomach, intestine, and/or kidney. Findings from our animal studies will pave the way for further large-scale epidemiological investigation of the associations between AA and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Zhen Liu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Heng-Lei Lu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin-Ming Qi
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Guo-Zhen Xing
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Pan Yu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fang-Fang Yang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Ding
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ze-An Zhang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhong-Ping Deng
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Li-Kun Gong
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Institutes of Drug Discovery and Development, CAS, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
| | - Jin Ren
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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16
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Role of Advanced Glycation End-Products and Other Ligands for AGE Receptors in Thyroid Cancer Progression. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184084. [PMID: 34575195 PMCID: PMC8470575 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, thyroid cancers (TCs) remain a clinical challenge owing to their heterogeneous nature. The etiopathology of TCs is associated not only with genetic mutations or chromosomal rearrangements, but also non-genetic factors, such as oxidative-, nitrosative-, and carbonyl stress-related alterations in tumor environment. These factors, through leading to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, induce tumor tissue proliferation. Interestingly, the incidence of TCs is often coexistent with various simultaneous mutations. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), their precursors and receptors (RAGEs), and other ligands for RAGEs are reported to have significant influence on carcinogenesis and TCs progression, inducing gene mutations, disturbances in histone methylation, and disorders in important carcinogenesis-related pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/NF-kB, p21/MEK/MPAK, or JAK/STAT, RAS/ERK/p53, which induce synthesis of interleukins, growth factors, and cytokines, thus influencing metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancer proliferation. Precursors of AGE (such as methylglyoxal (MG)) and selected ligands for RAGEs: AS1004, AS1008, and HMGB1 may, in the future, become potential targets for TCs treatment, as low MG concentration is associated with less aggressive anaplastic thyroid cancer, whereas the administration of anti-RAGE antibodies inhibits the progression of papillary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer. This review is aimed at collecting the information on the role of compounds, engaged in glycation process, in the pathogenesis of TCs. Moreover, the utility of these compounds in the diagnosis and treatment of TCs is thoroughly discussed. Understanding the mechanism of action of these compounds on TCs pathogenesis and progression may potentially be the grounds for the development of new treatment strategies, aiming at quality-of-life improvements.
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17
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Li S, Counter CM. Signaling levels mold the RAS mutation tropism of urethane. eLife 2021; 10:67172. [PMID: 33998997 PMCID: PMC8128437 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are commonly mutated in human cancer. Despite many possible mutations, individual cancer types often have a 'tropism' towards a specific subset of RAS mutations. As driver mutations, these patterns ostensibly originate from normal cells. High oncogenic RAS activity causes oncogenic stress and different oncogenic mutations can impart different levels of activity, suggesting a relationship between oncoprotein activity and RAS mutation tropism. Here, we show that changing rare codons to common in the murine Kras gene to increase protein expression shifts tumors induced by the carcinogen urethane from arising from canonical Q61 to biochemically less active G12 Kras driver mutations, despite the carcinogen still being biased towards generating Q61 mutations. Conversely, inactivating the tumor suppressor p53 to blunt oncogenic stress partially reversed this effect, restoring Q61 mutations. One interpretation of these findings is that the RAS mutation tropism of urethane arises from selection in normal cells for specific mutations that impart a narrow window of signaling that promotes proliferation without causing oncogenic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Li
- Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, United States
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18
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Poon DJJ, Tay LM, Ho D, Chua MLK, Chow EKH, Yeo ELL. Improving the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy against radioresistant cancers: Leveraging on novel artificial intelligence-based approaches for drug combination discovery. Cancer Lett 2021; 511:56-67. [PMID: 33933554 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite numerous advances in cancer radiotherapy, tumor radioresistance remain one of the major challenges limiting treatment efficacy of radiotherapy. Conventional strategies to overcome radioresistance involve understanding the underpinning molecular mechanisms, and subsequently using combinatorial treatment strategies involving radiation and targeted drug combinations against these radioresistant tumors. These strategies exploit and target the molecular fingerprint and vulnerability of the radioresistant clones to achieve improved efficacy in tumor eradication. However, conventional drug-screening approaches for the discovery of new drug combinations have been proven to be inefficient, limited and laborious. With the increasing availability of computational resources in recent years, novel approaches such as Quadratic Phenotypic Optimization Platform (QPOP), CURATE.AI and Drug Combination and Prediction and Testing (DCPT) platform have emerged to aid in drug combination discovery and the longitudinally optimized modulation of combination therapy dosing. These platforms could overcome the limitations of conventional screening approaches, thereby facilitating the discovery of more optimal drug combinations to improve the therapeutic ratio of combinatorial treatment. The use of better and more accurate models and methods with rapid turnover can thus facilitate a rapid translation in the clinic, hence, resulting in a better patient outcome. Here, we reviewed the clinical observations, molecular mechanisms and proposed treatment strategies for tumor radioresistance and discussed how novel approaches may be applied to enhance drug combination discovery, with the aim to further improve the therapeutic ratio and treatment efficacy of radiotherapy against radioresistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Jun Jie Poon
- Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, 169610, Singapore.
| | - Li Min Tay
- Cancer Science Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| | - Dean Ho
- The N.1 Institute of Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Department of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore; The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
| | - Melvin Lee Kiang Chua
- Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, 169610, Singapore; Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, 169610, Singapore; Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore.
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore; The N.1 Institute of Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Department of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore; The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
| | - Eugenia Li Ling Yeo
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, 169610, Singapore.
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19
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The critical roles of somatic mutations and environmental tumor-promoting agents in cancer risk. Nat Genet 2020; 52:1139-1143. [PMID: 33106632 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-00727-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is driven by genomic mutations in 'cancer driver' genes, which have essential roles in tumor development. These mutations may be caused by exposure to mutagens in the environment or by endogenous DNA-replication errors in tissue stem cells. Recent observations of abundant mutations, including cancer driver mutations, in histologically normal human tissues suggest that mutations alone are not sufficient for tumor development, thus prompting the question of how single mutant cells give rise to neoplasia. In a concept supported by decades-old data from mouse tumor models, non-mutagenic tumor-promoting agents have been posited to activate the proliferation of dormant mutated cells, thus generating actively growing lesions, with the promotion stage as the rate-limiting step in tumor formation. Non-mutagenic promoting agents, either endogenous or environmental, may therefore have a more important role in human cancer etiology than previously thought.
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20
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Li S, MacAlpine DM, Counter CM. Capturing the primordial Kras mutation initiating urethane carcinogenesis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1800. [PMID: 32286309 PMCID: PMC7156420 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental carcinogen urethane exhibits a profound specificity for pulmonary tumors driven by an oncogenic Q61L/R mutation in the gene Kras. Similarly, the frequency, isoform, position, and substitution of oncogenic RAS mutations are often unique to human cancers. To elucidate the principles underlying this RAS mutation tropism of urethane, we adapted an error-corrected, high-throughput sequencing approach to detect mutations in murine Ras genes at great sensitivity. This analysis not only captured the initiating Kras mutation days after urethane exposure, but revealed that the sequence specificity of urethane mutagenesis, coupled with transcription and isoform locus, to be major influences on the extreme tropism of this carcinogen. Why the carcinogen urethane causes only lung tumours driven by a specific oncogenic mutation in just one Ras gene in mice is unclear. Here, the authors capture mutations immediately after urethane exposure and show that the sequence specificity of mutagenesis, transcriptional status, and Ras genetic loci may all contribute to this specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - David M MacAlpine
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Christopher M Counter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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21
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Glushkov AN, Polenok EG, Mun SA, Gordeeva LA. Immunization against environmental chemical carcinogens: Pro and contra. Med Hypotheses 2019; 131:109303. [PMID: 31443747 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109303] [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: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The problems of immunoprotection from the environmental chemical carcinogens are discussed. The main experimental argument pro active immunization against carcinogens is a possibility of specific mucosal antibodies (Abs) to inhibit the penetration of carcinogens from environment and to stimulate its excretion with the following decreasing of carcinogen-DNA adducts levels. Hypothesis of cancer immunostimulation after active immunization against carcinogens is based on a high cancer risk in persons with high levels of serum Abs specific to environmental carcinogens coupled with high levels of Abs to endogenous steroids stimulating the proliferation of target cells, for example, Abs to benzo[a]pyrene together with Abs to estradiol. The active immunization could increase the cancer risk much more in those persons. The passive immunization could be an alternative safe approach to avoid this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Glushkov
- Institute of Human Ecology, Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo 650065, Russian Federation
| | - Elena G Polenok
- Institute of Human Ecology, Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo 650065, Russian Federation.
| | - Stella A Mun
- Institute of Human Ecology, Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo 650065, Russian Federation
| | - Lyudmila A Gordeeva
- Institute of Human Ecology, Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo 650065, Russian Federation
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22
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Lang CMR, Chan CK, Veltri A, Lien WH. Wnt Signaling Pathways in Keratinocyte Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091216. [PMID: 31438551 PMCID: PMC6769728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin functions as a barrier between the organism and the surrounding environment. Direct exposure to external stimuli and the accumulation of genetic mutations may lead to abnormal cell growth, irreversible tissue damage and potentially favor skin malignancy. Skin homeostasis is coordinated by an intricate signaling network, and its dysregulation has been implicated in the development of skin cancers. Wnt signaling is one such regulatory pathway orchestrating skin development, homeostasis, and stem cell activation. Aberrant regulation of Wnt signaling cascades not only gives rise to tumor initiation, progression and invasion, but also maintains cancer stem cells which contribute to tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarize recent studies highlighting functional evidence of Wnt-related oncology in keratinocyte carcinomas, as well as discussing preclinical and clinical approaches that target oncogenic Wnt signaling to treat cancers. Our review provides valuable insight into the significance of Wnt signaling for future interventions against keratinocyte carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chim Kei Chan
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Anthony Veltri
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Wen-Hui Lien
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium.
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