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Jin M, Ma Z, Zhang H, Papetti AV, Dang R, Stillitano AC, Goldman SA, Jiang P. Co-Transplantation-Based Human-Mouse Chimeric Brain Models to Study Human Glial-Glial and Glial-Neuronal Interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.03.601990. [PMID: 39005270 PMCID: PMC11244967 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.03.601990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Human-mouse chimeric brain models, generated by transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural cells, are valuable for studying the development and function of human neural cells in vivo. Understanding glial-glial and glial-neuronal interactions is essential for unraveling the complexities of brain function and developing treatments for neurological disorders. To explore these interactions between human neural cells within an intact brain environment, we employe a co-transplantation strategy involving the engraftment of hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells along with primitive macrophage progenitors into the neonatal mouse brain. This approach creates human-mouse chimeric brains containing human microglia, macroglia (astroglia and oligodendroglia), and neurons. Using super-resolution imaging and 3D reconstruction techniques, we examine the dynamics between human neurons and glia, unveiling human microglia engulfing immature human neurons, microglia pruning synapses of human neurons, and significant interactions between human oligodendrocytes and neurons. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the chimeric brain uncovers a close recapitulation of the human glial progenitor cell population, along with a dynamic stage in astroglial development that mirrors the processes found in the human brain. Furthermore, cell-cell communication analysis highlights significant neuronal-glial and glial-glial interactions, especially the interaction between adhesion molecules neurexins and neuroligins. This innovative co-transplantation model opens up new avenues for exploring the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying human neurological diseases. It holds particular promise for studying disorders where glial-neuronal interactions and non-cell-autonomous effects play crucial roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ziyuan Ma
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ava V. Papetti
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Rui Dang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Lead Contact
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2
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Worley J, Noh H, You D, Turunen MM, Ding H, Paull E, Griffin AT, Grunn A, Zhang M, Guillan K, Bush EC, Brosius SJ, Hibshoosh H, Mundi PS, Sims P, Dalerba P, Dela Cruz FS, Kung AL, Califano A. Identification and Pharmacological Targeting of Treatment-Resistant, Stem-like Breast Cancer Cells for Combination Therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.08.562798. [PMID: 38798673 PMCID: PMC11118419 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.08.562798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Tumors frequently harbor isogenic yet epigenetically distinct subpopulations of multi-potent cells with high tumor-initiating potential-often called Cancer Stem-Like Cells (CSLCs). These can display preferential resistance to standard-of-care chemotherapy. Single-cell analyses can help elucidate Master Regulator (MR) proteins responsible for governing the transcriptional state of these cells, thus revealing complementary dependencies that may be leveraged via combination therapy. Interrogation of single-cell RNA sequencing profiles from seven metastatic breast cancer patients, using perturbational profiles of clinically relevant drugs, identified drugs predicted to invert the activity of MR proteins governing the transcriptional state of chemoresistant CSLCs, which were then validated by CROP-seq assays. The top drug, the anthelmintic albendazole, depleted this subpopulation in vivo without noticeable cytotoxicity. Moreover, sequential cycles of albendazole and paclitaxel-a commonly used chemotherapeutic -displayed significant synergy in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) from a TNBC patient, suggesting that network-based approaches can help develop mechanism-based combinatorial therapies targeting complementary subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Worley
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA 10032
| | - Heeju Noh
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Daoqi You
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mikko M Turunen
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Hongxu Ding
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA 85721
| | - Evan Paull
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Aaron T Griffin
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Adina Grunn
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Mingxuan Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Kristina Guillan
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Erin C Bush
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Samantha J Brosius
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hanina Hibshoosh
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Prabhjot S Mundi
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Peter Sims
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Piero Dalerba
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
| | - Filemon S Dela Cruz
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew L Kung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA 10032
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA 10032
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3
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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Pei F, Tao Z, Lu Q, Fang T, Peng S. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4-positive circulating tumor cell predicts worse treatment response and survival in advanced cholangiocarcinoma patients who receive immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 38664770 PMCID: PMC11044354 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Octamer-binding transcription factor 4-positive circulating tumor cell (OCT4+CTC) exhibits high stemness and invasive potential, which may influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of OCT4+CTC in advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients who received ICI treatment. METHODS In total, 40 advanced CCA patients who received ICI treatment were included, and CTC and OCT4 counts were detected via a Canpatrol system and an RNA in situ hybridization method before ICI treatment. Patients were subsequently divided into none CTC, OCT4-CTC, and OCT4+CTC groups. Patients were followed up for a median of 10.4 months. RESULTS The percentages of patients in none CTC, OCT4-CTC, and OCT4+CTC groups were 25.0%, 30.0%, and 45.0%, respectively. The proportion of patients with lymph node metastasis was highest in OCT4+CTC group, followed by none CTC group, and lowest in OCT4-CTC group (P = 0.025). The objective response rate (ORR) was lowest in OCT4+CTC group, moderate in OCT4-CTC group, and highest in none CTC group (P = 0.009), while disease control rate was not different among three groups (P = 0.293). In addition, progression-free survival (PFS) (P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.001) were shorter in the OCT4+CTC group than in none CTC & OCT4-CTC group. Moreover, OCT4+CTC (versus none CTC) was independently linked with poorer PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.752, P = 0.001] and OS (HR = 6.674, P = 0.003) in advanced CCA patients. CONCLUSION OCT4+CTC relates to lymph node metastasis and shows a good predictive value for poor treatment response and survival in advanced CCA patients who receive ICI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Pei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi, 435200, Hubei, China
| | - Zhen Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi, 435200, Hubei, China.
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi, 435200, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi, 435200, Hubei, China
| | - Shasha Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No. 141 Tianjin Road, Huangshi, 435200, Hubei, China
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5
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Chen Y, Li M, Wu Y. The occurrence and development of induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Genet 2024; 15:1389558. [PMID: 38699229 PMCID: PMC11063328 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1389558] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The ectopic expression of four transcription factors, Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM), known as "Yamanaka factors," can reprogram or stimulate the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Although OSKM is still the gold standard, there are multiple ways to reprogram cells into iPSCs. In recent years, significant progress has been made in improving the efficiency of this technology. Ten years after the first report was published, human pluripotent stem cells have gradually been applied in clinical settings, including disease modeling, cell therapy, new drug development, and cell derivation. Here, we provide a review of the discovery of iPSCs and their applications in disease and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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6
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Hasan U, Chauhan M, Basu SM, R J, Giri J. Overcoming multidrug resistance by reversan and exterminating glioblastoma and glioblastoma stem cells by delivering drug-loaded nanostructure hybrid lipid capsules (nHLCs). Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:342-359. [PMID: 37587289 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01401-z] [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] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is regarded as a highly aggressive brain cancer with a poor prognosis. There is an increase in the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR), making it a potential target for improving drug responses. Additionally, glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) increase resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy and play a major role in cancer relapse. In this study, we targeted P-gp using a small molecule inhibitor, reversan (RV), to inhibit MDR that prolonged the retention of drugs in the cytosolic milieu. To eliminate GBM and GSCs, we have used two well-established anti-cancer drugs, regorafenib (RF) and curcumin (CMN). To improve the pharmacokinetics and decrease systemic delivery of drugs, we developed nanostructure hybrid lipid capsules (nHLCs), where hydrophobic drugs can be loaded in the core, and their physicochemical properties were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Inhibition of MDR by RV has also shown enhanced retention of nHLC in GBM cells. Co-delivery of drug-loaded nHLCs, pre-treated with RV, exhibited superior cytotoxicity in both GBM and GSCs than their individual doses and effectively reduced the size and stemness of tumor spheres and accelerated the rate of apoptosis, suggesting a promising treatment for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Hasan
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Meenakshi Chauhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Suparna Mercy Basu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jayakumar R
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jyotsnendu Giri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India.
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7
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Hasan A, Khan NA, Uddin S, Khan AQ, Steinhoff M. Deregulated transcription factors in the emerging cancer hallmarks. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 98:31-50. [PMID: 38123029 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is a multifaceted process that entails several stages and demands the persistent expression or activation of transcription factors (TFs) to facilitate growth and survival. TFs are a cluster of proteins with DNA-binding domains that attach to promoter or enhancer DNA strands to start the transcription of genes by collaborating with RNA polymerase and other supporting proteins. They are generally acknowledged as the major regulatory molecules that coordinate biological homeostasis and the appropriate functioning of cellular components, subsequently contributing to human physiology. TFs proteins are crucial for controlling transcription during the embryonic stage and development, and the stability of different cell types depends on how they function in different cell types. The development and progression of cancer cells and tumors might be triggered by any anomaly in transcription factor function. It has long been acknowledged that cancer development is accompanied by the dysregulated activity of TF alterations which might result in faulty gene expression. Recent studies have suggested that dysregulated transcription factors play a major role in developing various human malignancies by altering and rewiring metabolic processes, modifying the immune response, and triggering oncogenic signaling cascades. This review emphasizes the interplay between TFs involved in metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, evading immune attacks, cellular senescence, and the maintenance of cancer stemness in cancerous cells. The insights presented herein will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic modalities to tackle the dysregulated transcription factors underlying cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Naushad Ahmad Khan
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India; Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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8
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Fleifel D, Cook JG. G1 Dynamics at the Crossroads of Pluripotency and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4559. [PMID: 37760529 PMCID: PMC10526231 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184559] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
G1 cell cycle phase dynamics are regulated by intricate networks involving cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and CDK inhibitors, which control G1 progression and ensure proper cell cycle transitions. Moreover, adequate origin licensing in G1 phase, the first committed step of DNA replication in the subsequent S phase, is essential to maintain genome integrity. In this review, we highlight the intriguing parallels and disparities in G1 dynamics between stem cells and cancer cells, focusing on their regulatory mechanisms and functional outcomes. Notably, SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, and the pluripotency reprogramming facilitator c-MYC, known for their role in establishing and maintaining stem cell pluripotency, are also aberrantly expressed in certain cancer cells. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the regulatory role of these pluripotency factors in G1 dynamics in the context of stem cells and cancer cells, which may offer new insights into the interconnections between pluripotency and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanette Gowen Cook
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
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Cardile A, Passarini C, Zanrè V, Fiore A, Menegazzi M. Hyperforin Enhances Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression Triggering Lipid Peroxidation in BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Cells and Hampers the Expression of Pro-Metastatic Markers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1369. [PMID: 37507910 PMCID: PMC10376533 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperforin (HPF) is an acylphloroglucinol compound found abundantly in Hypericum perforatum extract which exhibits antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our recent study revealed a potent antimelanoma effect of HPF, which hinders melanoma cell proliferation, motility, colony formation, and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, we have identified glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX-4), a key enzyme involved in cellular protection against iron-induced lipid peroxidation, as one of the molecular targets of HPF. Thus, in three BRAF-mutated melanoma cell lines, we investigated whether iron unbalance and lipid peroxidation may be a part of the molecular mechanisms underlying the antimelanoma activity of HPF. Initially, we focused on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which catalyzes the heme group into CO, biliverdin, and free iron, and observed that HPF treatment triggered the expression of this inducible enzyme. In order to investigate the mechanism involved in HO-1 induction, we verified that HPF downregulates the BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH-1) transcription factor, an inhibitor of the heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX-1) gene transcription. Remarkably, we observed a partial recovery of cell viability and an increase in the expression of the phosphorylated and active form of retinoblastoma protein when we suppressed the HMOX-1 gene using HMOX-1 siRNA while HPF was present. This suggests that the HO-1 pathway is involved in the cytostatic effect of HPF in melanoma cells. To explore whether lipid peroxidation is induced, we conducted cytofluorimetric analysis and observed a significant increase in the fluorescence of the BODIPY C-11 probe 48 h after HPF administration in all tested melanoma cell lines. To discover the mechanism by which HPF triggers lipid peroxidation, along with the induction of HO-1, we examined the expression of additional proteins associated with iron homeostasis and lipid peroxidation. After HPF administration, we confirmed the downregulation of GPX-4 and observed low expression levels of SLC7A11, a cystine transporter crucial for the glutathione production, and ferritin, able to sequester free iron. A decreased expression level of these proteins can sensitize cells to lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, HPF treatment resulted in increased expression levels of transferrin, which facilitates iron uptake, and LC3B proteins, a molecular marker of autophagy induction. Indeed, ferritin and GPX-4 have been reported to be digested during autophagy. Altogether, these findings suggest that HPF induced lipid peroxidation likely through iron overloading and decreasing the expression of proteins that protect cells from lipid peroxidation. Finally, we examined the expression levels of proteins associated with melanoma cell invasion and metastatic potential. We observed the decreased expression of CD133, octamer-4, tyrosine-kinase receptor AXL, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, and metalloproteinase-2 following HPF treatment. These findings provide further support for our previous observations, demonstrating the inhibitory effects of HPF on cell motility and colony formation in soft agar, which are both metastasis-related processes in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cardile
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Carlotta Passarini
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Valentina Zanrè
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fiore
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Menegazzi
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
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10
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Turyova E, Mikolajcik P, Grendar M, Kudelova E, Holubekova V, Kalman M, Marcinek J, Hrnciar M, Kovac M, Miklusica J, Laca L, Lasabova Z. Expression of OCT4 isoforms is reduced in primary colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166835. [PMID: 37409260 PMCID: PMC10319064 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166835] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. The carcinogenesis of CRC is indeed complex, and there are many different mechanisms and pathways that contribute to the development of malignancy and the progression from primary to metastatic tumors. The OCT4A, encoded by the POU5F1 gene, is a transcription factor responsible for the phenotype of stem cells, maintaining pluripotency and regulation of differentiation. The POU5F1 gene is made up of five exons that can create numerous isoforms through alternative promoter or alternative splicing. In addition to OCT4A, other isoforms called OCT4B are also translated into protein; however, their role in cells has been unclear. The aim of our work was to investigate the expression patterns of OCT4 isoforms in primary and metastatic CRC, providing us with useful information about their role in the development and progression of CRC. Methods Surgical specimens from a total of 78 patients were collected and isolated from primary tumors (n = 47) and metastases (n = 31). The relative gene expression of OCT4 isoforms was investigated using the RT-qPCR method together with the TaqMan probes for particular OCT4 isoforms. Results Our results suggest significantly downregulated expression of the OCT4A and OCT4Bs isoforms in both primary (p = 0.0002 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and metastatic tumors (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.00051, respectively) when compared with the control samples. We also observed a correlation between reduced expression of all OCT4 isoforms and both primary and left-sided tumors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively). On the other hand, the expression of all OCT4 isoforms was significantly upregulated in metastases compared with primary tumors (p < 0.0001). Discussion Unlike previous reports, we found out that the expression of OCT4A, OCT4Bs, and all OCT4 isoforms was significantly reduced in primary tumors and metastases compared with control samples. On the other hand, we supposed that the expression rate of all OCT4 isoforms may be related to the cancer type and side, as well as to liver metastases. However, further studies are required to investigate the detailed expression patterns and significance of individual OCT4 isoforms in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Turyova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Peter Mikolajcik
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marian Grendar
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Eva Kudelova
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Holubekova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Michal Kalman
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Marcinek
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Matej Hrnciar
- Department of Informatics, Information Systems and Software Engineering, Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Kovac
- Department of Informatics, Information Systems and Software Engineering, Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Miklusica
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Ludovit Laca
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zora Lasabova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
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11
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Smith J, Field M, Sugaya K. Suppression of NANOG Expression Reduces Drug Resistance of Cancer Stem Cells in Glioblastoma. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1276. [PMID: 37372456 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061276] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and incurable primary brain tumor that harbors therapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Due to the limited effectiveness of conventional chemotherapies and radiation treatments against CSCs, there is a critical need for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Our previous research revealed the significant expression of embryonic stemness genes, NANOG and OCT4, in CSCs, suggesting their role in enhancing cancer-specific stemness and drug resistance. In our current study, we employed RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress the expression of these genes and observed an increased susceptibility of CSCs to the anticancer drug, temozolomide (TMZ). Suppression of NANOG expression induced cell cycle arrest in CSCs, specifically in the G0 phase, and it concomitantly decreased the expression of PDK1. Since PDK1 activates the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote cell proliferation and survival, our findings suggest that NANOG contributes to chemotherapy resistance in CSCs through PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Therefore, the combination of TMZ treatment with RNAi targeting NANOG holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonhoi Smith
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Melvin Field
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
- Orlando Neurosurgery, AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
| | - Kiminobu Sugaya
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
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12
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Chen H, Yang W, Li Y, Ma L, Ji Z. Leveraging a disulfidptosis-based signature to improve the survival and drug sensitivity of bladder cancer patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1198878. [PMID: 37325625 PMCID: PMC10266281 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1198878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disulfidptosis is a recently discovered form of cell death. However, its biological mechanisms in bladder cancer (BCa) are yet to be understood. Methods Disulfidptosis-related clusters were identified by consensus clustering. A disulfidptosis-related gene (DRG) prognostic model was established and verified in various datasets. A series of experiments including qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, IHC, CCK-8, EdU, wound-healing, transwell, dual-luciferase reporter, and ChIP assays were used to study the biological functions. Results We identified two DRG clusters, which exhibited distinct clinicopathological features, prognosis, and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) landscapes. A DRG prognostic model with ten features (DCBLD2, JAM3, CSPG4, SCEL, GOLGA8A, CNTN1, APLP1, PTPRR, POU5F1, CTSE) was established and verified in several external datasets in terms of prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction. BCa patients with high DRG scores may be characterized by declined survival, inflamed TIME, and elevated tumor mutation burden. Besides, the correlation between DRG score and immune checkpoint genes and chemoradiotherapy-related genes indicated the implication of the model in personalized therapy. Furthermore, random survival forest analysis was performed to select the top important features within the model: POU5F1 and CTSE. qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry assays showed the enhanced expression of CTSE in BCa tumor tissues. A series of phenotypic assays revealed the oncogenetic roles of CTSE in BCa cells. Mechanically, POU5F1 can transactivate CTSE, promoting BCa cell proliferation and metastasis. Conclusions Our study highlighted the disulfidptosis in the regulation of tumor progression, sensitivity to therapy, and survival of BCa patients. POU5F1 and CTSE may be potential therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhigang Ji
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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13
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Rajan RG, Krutilina RI, Ignatova TN, Pavicevich ZS, Dulatova GM, Lane MA, Chatterjee AR, Rooney RJ, Antony M, Hagerty VR, Kukekov NV, Hanafy KA, Vrionis FD. Upregulation of the Oct3/4 Network in Basal Breast Cancer Is Associated with Its Metastatic Potential and Shows Tissue Dependent Variability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119142. [PMID: 37298091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119142] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive plasticity of Breast Cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is strongly correlated with cancer progression and resistance, leading to a poor prognosis. In this study, we report the expression profile of several pioneer transcription factors of the Oct3/4 network associated with tumor initiation and metastasis. In the triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) stably transfected with human Oct3/4-GFP, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using qPCR and microarray, and the resistance to paclitaxel was assessed using an MTS assay. The tumor-seeding potential in immunocompromised (NOD-SCID) mice and DEGs in the tumors were also assessed along with the intra-tumor (CD44+/CD24-) expression using flow cytometry. Unlike 2-D cultures, the Oct3/4-GFP expression was homogenous and stable in 3-D mammospheres developed from BCSCs. A total of 25 DEGs including Gata6, FoxA2, Sall4, Zic2, H2afJ, Stc1 and Bmi1 were identified in Oct3/4 activated cells coupled with a significantly increased resistance to paclitaxel. In mice, the higher Oct3/4 expression in tumors correlated with enhanced tumorigenic potential and aggressive growth, with metastatic lesions showing a >5-fold upregulation of DEGs compared to orthotopic tumors and variability in different tissues with the highest modulation in the brain. Serially re-implanting tumors in mice as a model of recurrence and metastasis highlighted the sustained upregulation of Sall4, c-Myc, Mmp1, Mmp9 and Dkk1 genes in metastatic lesions with a 2-fold higher expression of stem cell markers (CD44+/CD24-). Thus, Oct3/4 transcriptome may drive the differentiation and maintenance of BCSCs, promoting their tumorigenic potential, metastasis and resistance to drugs such as paclitaxel with tissue-specific heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin G Rajan
- Helene and Stephen Weicholz Cell Therapy Laboratory, Marcus Neuroscience Institute, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
| | - Raisa I Krutilina
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Tatyana N Ignatova
- Helene and Stephen Weicholz Cell Therapy Laboratory, Marcus Neuroscience Institute, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Zoran S Pavicevich
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Galina M Dulatova
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Maria A Lane
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Arindam R Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert J Rooney
- Le-Bonheur Children's Outpatient Hospital, 51 N Dunlap St., Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mymoon Antony
- Wellington Regional Medical Center, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414, USA
| | - Vivian R Hagerty
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Nickolay V Kukekov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 920 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Khalid A Hanafy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Frank D Vrionis
- Helene and Stephen Weicholz Cell Therapy Laboratory, Marcus Neuroscience Institute, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
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14
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Sen U, Shanavas S, Nagendra AH, Nihad M, Chaudhury D, Rachamalla HK, Banerjee R, Shenoy P S, Bose B. Significance of Oct-4 transcription factor as a pivotal therapeutic target for CD44 + /24 - mammary tumor initiating cells: Aiming at the root of the recurrence. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:742-753. [PMID: 36573403 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11978] [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: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the deadliest and frequently diagnosed metastatic cancers worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the cell population within the tumor niche, having an epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) transition phenotype, high self-renewal, vigorous metastatic capacity, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. Identification of targets for induction of apoptosis is essential to provide novel therapeutic approaches in BC. Our earlier studies showed that Vitamin C induces apoptotic cell death by losing redox balance in TNBC CSCs. In this study, we have attempted to identify previously unrecognized CSC survival factors that can be used as druggable targets for bCSCs apoptosis regulators isolated from the TNBC line, MDA MB 468. After a thorough literature review, Oct-4 was identified as the most promising marker for its unique abundance in cancer and absence in normal cells and the contribution of Oct-4 to the sustenance of cancer cells. We then validated a very high expression of Oct-4 in the MDA MB 468 bCSCs population using flow-cytometry. The loss of Oct-4 was carried out using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown in the bCSCs, followed by assessing for cellular apoptosis. Our results indicated that Oct-4 knockdown induced cell death, changes in cellular morphology, inhibited mammosphere formation, and positive for Annexin-V expression, thereby indicating the role of Oct-4 in bCSC survival. Moreover, our findings also suggest the direct interaction between Oct-4 and Vitamin C using in silico docking. This data, hence, contributes towards novel information about Oct-4 highlighting this molecule as a novel survival factor in bCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsav Sen
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Shanooja Shanavas
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Apoorva H Nagendra
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Muhammad Nihad
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Debajit Chaudhury
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Hari K Rachamalla
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-HRDC Campus, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajkumar Banerjee
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-HRDC Campus, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sudheer Shenoy P
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Bipasha Bose
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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15
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MUC1 promotes cancer stemness and predicts poor prognosis in osteosarcoma. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 242:154329. [PMID: 36680928 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common primary bone malignancy. Combining chemotherapy and surgical treatment significantly improved clinical outcomes for osteosarcoma patients. Osteosarcoma stem cells (OSCs) are often more malignant than differentiated cancer cells and are a key determinant of responses to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, therefore, the removal of OSCs could be an effective therapeutic strategy. Myxoprotein 1 (MUC1) is aberrantly overexpressed in many human cancers and it promotes cancer stemness through activation of pluripotency networks. In this study, we observed elevated MUC1 in osteosarcoma and a depressed prognosis in patients with high MUC1 expression profiles. Our observations also revealed that MUC1 promoted OS stemness and tumor metastasis both in vivo and in vitro. These data led us to hypothesize that MUC1 may be a therapeutic target for patients with OS.
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16
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Roundhill EA, Pantziarka P, Liddle DE, Shaw LA, Albadrani G, Burchill SA. Exploiting the Stemness and Chemoresistance Transcriptome of Ewing Sarcoma to Identify Candidate Therapeutic Targets and Drug-Repurposing Candidates. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030769. [PMID: 36765727 PMCID: PMC9913297 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030769] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Outcomes for most patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) have remained unchanged for the last 30 years, emphasising the need for more effective and tolerable treatments. We have hypothesised that using small-molecule inhibitors to kill the self-renewing chemotherapy-resistant cells (Ewing sarcoma cancer stem-like cells; ES-CSCs) responsible for progression and relapse could improve outcomes and minimise treatment-induced morbidities. For the first time, we demonstrate that ABCG1, a potential oncogene in some cancers, is highly expressed in ES-CSCs independently of CD133. Using functional models, transcriptomics and a bespoke in silico drug-repurposing pipeline, we have prioritised a group of tractable small-molecule inhibitors for further preclinical studies. Consistent with the cellular origin of ES, 21 candidate molecular targets of pluripotency, stemness and chemoresistance were identified. Small-molecule inhibitors to 13 of the 21 molecular targets (62%) were identified. POU5F1/OCT4 was the most promising new therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma, interacting with 10 of the 21 prioritised molecular targets and meriting further study. The majority of small-molecule inhibitors (72%) target one of two drug efflux proteins, p-glycoprotein (n = 168) or MRP1 (n = 13). In summary, we have identified a novel cell surface marker of ES-CSCs and cancer/non-cancer drugs to targets expressed by these cells that are worthy of further preclinical evaluation. If effective in preclinical models, these drugs and drug combinations might be repurposed for clinical evaluation in patients with ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ann Roundhill
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
- Correspondence: (E.A.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Pan Pantziarka
- Anticancer Fund, Brusselsesteenweg 11, 1860 Meise, Belgium
| | - Danielle E. Liddle
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Lucy A. Shaw
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Ghadeer Albadrani
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Susan Ann Burchill
- Children’s Cancer Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
- Correspondence: (E.A.R.); (S.A.B.)
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17
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Cheng R, Van Bortle K. RNA polymerase III transcription and cancer: A tale of two RPC7 subunits. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1073795. [PMID: 36710885 PMCID: PMC9877311 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1073795] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA polymerase III composition is shaped by the mutually exclusive incorporation of two paralogous subunits, RPC7α and RPC7β, encoded by genes POLR3G and POLR3GL in vertebrates. The expression of POLR3G and POLR3GL is spatiotemporally regulated during development, and multiple reports point to RPC7α-enhanced Pol III activity patterns, indicating that Pol III identity may underly dynamic Pol III transcription patterns observed in higher eukaryotes. In cancer, upregulation of POLR3G, but not POLR3GL, is associated with poor survival outcomes among patients, suggesting differences between RPC7α and RPC7β further influence disease progression and may translate into future biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. Here, we outline our current understanding of Pol III identity and transcription and reexamine the distinct protein characteristics of Pol III subunits RPC7α and RPC7β. Drawing on both structural and genomic studies, we discuss differences between RPC7α and RPC7β and the potential mechanisms by which Pol III identity may establish differential activities during development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Cheng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Kevin Van Bortle
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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18
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Chaudhary A, Raza SS, Haque R. Transcriptional factors targeting in cancer stem cells for tumor modulation. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:123-137. [PMID: 36603792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.010] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are now considered the primary "seeds" for the onset, development, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. Despite therapeutic breakthroughs, cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide. This is because the tumor microenvironment contains a key population of cells known as CSCs, which promote tumor aggression. CSCs are self-renewing cells that aid tumor recurrence by promoting tumor growth and persisting in patients after many traditional cancer treatments. According to reports, numerous transcription factors (TF) play a key role in maintaining CSC pluripotency and its self-renewal property. The understanding of the functions, structures, and interactional dynamics of these transcription factors with DNA has modified the hypothesis, paving the way for novel transcription factor-targeted therapies. These TFs, which are crucial and are required by cancer cells, play a vital function in the etiology of human cancer. Such CSC TFs will help with gene expression profiling, which provides crucial data for predicting the prognosis of patients. To overcome anti-cancer medication resistance and completely eradicate cancer, a potent therapy combining TFs-based CSC targets with traditional chemotherapy may be developed. In order to develop therapies that could eliminate CSCs, we here concentrated on the effect of TFs and other components of signalling pathways on cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Syed Shadab Raza
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Restorative Neurology, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India.
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19
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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20
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Cellular Prion Protein Role in Cancer Biology: Is It A Potential Therapeutic Target? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112833. [PMID: 36359353 PMCID: PMC9687521 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are worldwide health concerns, whether they are sporadic or hereditary. The fundamental mechanism that causes somatic or oncogenic mutations and ultimately aids cancer development is still unknown. However, mammalian cells with protein-only somatic inheritance may also contribute to cancerous malignancies. Emerging data from a recent study show that prion-like proteins and prions (PrPC) are crucial entities that have a functional role in developing neurological disorders and cancer. Furthermore, excessive PrPC expression profiling has also been detected in non-neuronal tissues, such as the lymphoid cells, kidney, GIT, lung, muscle, and mammary glands. PrPC expression is strongly linked with the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and breast malignancies. Similarly, experimental investigation presented that the PrPC expression, including the prion protein-coding gene (PRNP) and p53 ag are directly associated with tumorigenicity and metastasis (tumor suppressor gene). The ERK2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway also confers a robust metastatic capability for PrPC-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Additionally, prions could alter the epigenetic regulation of genes and overactive the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which promotes the development of cancer in humans. Protein overexpression or suppression caused by a prion and prion-like proteins has also been linked to oncogenesis and metastasis. Meanwhile, additional studies have discovered resistance to therapeutic targets, highlighting the significance of protein expression levels as potential diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets.
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21
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Sher G, Masoodi T, Patil K, Akhtar S, Kuttikrishnan S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. Dysregulated FOXM1 signaling in the regulation of cancer stem cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:107-121. [PMID: 35931301 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the introduction of the cancer stem cell (CSC) paradigm, significant advances have been made in understanding the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Endowed with self-renewing abilities and multilineage differentiation potential, CSCs have emerged as cellular drivers of virtually all facets of tumor biology, including metastasis, tumor recurrence/relapse, and drug resistance. The functional and biological characteristics of CSCs, such as self-renewal, cell fate decisions, survival, proliferation, and differentiation are regulated by an array of extracellular factors, signaling pathways, and pluripotent transcriptional factors. Besides the well-characterized regulatory role of transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, and MYC in CSCs, evidence for the central role of Forkhead box transcription factor FOXM1 in the establishment, maintenance, and functions of CSCs is accumulating. Conventionally identified as a master regulator of the cell cycle, a comprehensive understanding of this molecule has revealed its multifarious oncogenic potential and uncovered its role in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, self-renewal, and drug resistance. This review compiles the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that provides evidence for the mechanisms by which FOXM1 expression promotes stemness in glioblastoma, breast, colon, ovarian, lung, hepatic, and pancreatic carcinomas. We have also compiled the data showing the association of stem cell mediators with FOXM1 using TCGA mRNA expression data. Further, the prognostic importance of FOXM1 and other stem cell markers is presented. The delineation of FOXM1-mediated regulation of CSCs can aid in the development of molecularly targeted pharmacological approaches directed at the selective eradication of CSCs in several human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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22
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DiNatale A, Castelli MS, Nash B, Meucci O, Fatatis A. Regulation of Tumor and Metastasis Initiation by Chemokine Receptors. J Cancer 2022; 13:3160-3176. [PMID: 36118530 PMCID: PMC9475358 DOI: 10.7150/jca.72331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are a rare sub-population of cells within the bulk of a tumor that are major contributors to tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TICs have a stem-cell-like phenotype that is dictated by the expression of master regulator transcription factors, including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. These transcription factors are expressed via activation of multiple signaling pathways that drive cancer initiation and progression. Importantly, these same signaling pathways can be activated by select chemokine receptors. Chemokine receptors are increasingly being revealed as major drivers of the TIC phenotype, as their signaling can lead to activation of stemness-controlling transcription factors. Additionally, the cell surface expression of chemokine receptors provides a unique therapeutic target to disrupt signaling pathways that control the expression of master regulator transcription factors and the TIC phenotype. This review summarizes the master regulator transcription factors known to dictate the TIC phenotype, along with the complex signaling pathways that can mediate their expression and the chemokine receptors that are most upstream of this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony DiNatale
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Present Address: Janssen Oncology, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Maria Sofia Castelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Present address: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bradley Nash
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Program in Immune Cell Regulation & Targeting, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Alessandro Fatatis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.,Program in Translational and Cellular Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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23
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Cecchi M, Mannini A, Lapucci A, Silvano A, Lulli M, Luceri C, D’Ambrosio M, Chiarugi A, Eid AH, Parenti A. Dexamethasone Promotes a Stem-Like Phenotype in Human Melanoma Cells via Tryptophan 2,3 Dioxygenase. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:911019. [PMID: 35847038 PMCID: PMC9280025 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.911019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its well-established immunosuppressive actions, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) appears to elicit direct effects on tumor cell function. Although TDO has been associated with cancer stemness, its involvement in melanoma stem cell biology remains largely unknown. Since we showed that by upregulating TDO, dexamethasone (dex) promotes proliferation and migration of SK-Mel-28 human melanoma cells, we sought to investigate dex effects on melanoma spherogenesis and stemness, and whether these events are mediated by TDO. We demonstrate here that dex significantly upregulates TDO in A375, a more aggressive melanoma cell line, confirming that dex effects are not limited to SK-Mel-28 cells. Moreover, dex stimulates spherogenesis of both cell lines, which is mediated by TDO, evident by its suppression with 680C91, a TDO inhibitor. The formed melanospheres appear to be enriched with embryonic stem cell marker mRNAs, the expression of which is potentiated by dex. Expression of cancer stem cell markers (CD133, CD44, ganglioside GD2) was significantly increased in A375 spheres, as detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, our results suggest that TDO could represent a promising target in the management of melanoma and that dex, routinely used as a co-medication also in advanced melanoma, may stimulate melanoma cell function/tumor-supporting properties, a rather debilitating and undesired side effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cecchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Mannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lapucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Luceri
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario D’Ambrosio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Chiarugi
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Qatar University, QU Health, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Ali H. Eid, ; Astrid Parenti,
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ali H. Eid, ; Astrid Parenti,
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24
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Tung MC, Lin YW, Lee WJ, Wen YC, Liu YC, Chen JQ, Hsiao M, Yang YC, Chien MH. Targeting DRD2 by the antipsychotic drug, penfluridol, retards growth of renal cell carcinoma via inducing stemness inhibition and autophagy-mediated apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:400. [PMID: 35461314 PMCID: PMC9035181 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04828-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal genitourinary malignancies with poor prognoses, since it is largely resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. The persistence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is the major cause of treatment failure with RCC. Recent evidence showed that dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2)-targeting antipsychotic drugs such as penfluridol exert oncostatic effects on several cancer types, but the effect of penfluridol on RCC remains unknown. Here, we uncovered penfluridol suppressed in vitro cell growth and in vivo tumorigenicity of various RCC cell lines (Caki-1, 786-O, A498, and ACHN) and enhanced the Sutent (sunitinib)-triggered growth inhibition on clear cell (cc)RCC cell lines. Mechanistically, upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced unfolded protein response (UPR) was critical for autophagy-mediated apoptosis induced by penfluridol. Transcriptional inhibition of OCT4 and Nanog via inhibiting GLI1 was important for penfluridol-induced stemness and proliferation inhibition. The anticancer activities of penfluridol on ccRCC partially occurred through DRD2. In clinical ccRCC specimens, positive correlations of DRD2 with GLI1, OCT4, and Nanog were observed and their expressions were correlated with worse prognoses. Summarizing, DRD2 antagonists such as penfluridol induce UPR signaling and suppress the GLI1/OCT4/Nanog axis in ccRCC cells to reduce their growth through inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis and stemness inhibition. These drugs can be repurposed as potential agents to treat ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Che Tung
- Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Wei Lin
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jiunn Lee
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Wen
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ji-Qing Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Cancer Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chieh Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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25
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Rejano-Gordillo C, Ordiales-Talavero A, Nacarino-Palma A, Merino JM, González-Rico FJ, Fernández-Salguero PM. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: From Homeostasis to Tumor Progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:884004. [PMID: 35465323 PMCID: PMC9022225 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.884004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has emerged as one of the main regulators involved both in different homeostatic cell functions and tumor progression. Being a member of the family of basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional regulators, this intracellular receptor has become a key member in differentiation, pluripotency, chromatin dynamics and cell reprogramming processes, with plenty of new targets identified in the last decade. Besides this role in tissue homeostasis, one enthralling feature of AHR is its capacity of acting as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on the specific organ, tissue and cell type. Together with its well-known modulation of cell adhesion and migration in a cell-type specific manner in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), this duality has also contributed to the arise of its clinical interest, highlighting a new potential as therapeutic tool, diagnosis and prognosis marker. Therefore, a deregulation of AHR-controlled pathways may have a causal role in contributing to physiological and homeostatic failures, tumor progression and dissemination. With that firmly in mind, this review will address the remarkable capability of AHR to exert a different function influenced by the phenotype of the target cell and its potential consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rejano-Gordillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Ordiales-Talavero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Nacarino-Palma
- Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), Rua Do Instituto Bacteriológico, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jaime M. Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Francisco J. González-Rico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Francisco J. González-Rico, ; Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero,
| | - Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Francisco J. González-Rico, ; Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero,
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26
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Single cell-derived spheroids capture the self-renewing subpopulations of metastatic ovarian cancer. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:614-626. [PMID: 34845371 PMCID: PMC8901794 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00878-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High Grade Serous Ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a major unmet need in oncology, due to its precocious dissemination and the lack of meaningful human models for the investigation of disease pathogenesis in a patient-specific manner. To overcome this roadblock, we present a new method to isolate and grow single cells directly from patients' metastatic ascites, establishing the conditions for propagating them as 3D cultures that we refer to as single cell-derived metastatic ovarian cancer spheroids (sMOCS). By single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) we define the cellular composition of metastatic ascites and trace its propagation in 2D and 3D culture paradigms, finding that sMOCS retain and amplify key subpopulations from the original patients' samples and recapitulate features of the original metastasis that do not emerge from classical 2D culture, including retention of individual patients' specificities. By enabling the enrichment of uniquely informative cell subpopulations from HGSOC metastasis and the clonal interrogation of their diversity at the functional and molecular level, this method provides a powerful instrument for precision oncology in ovarian cancer.
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27
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DiNatale A, Kaur R, Qian C, Zhang J, Marchioli M, Ipe D, Castelli M, McNair CM, Kumar G, Meucci O, Fatatis A. Subsets of cancer cells expressing CX3CR1 are endowed with metastasis-initiating properties and resistance to chemotherapy. Oncogene 2022; 41:1337-1351. [PMID: 34999735 PMCID: PMC8941631 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02174-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) display stem cell-like features, cause metastatic recurrences and defy chemotherapy, which leads to patients' demise. Here we show that prostate and breast cancer patients harbor contingents of tumor cells with high expression of CX3CR1, OCT4a (POU5F1), and NANOG. Impairing CX3CR1 expression or signaling hampered the formation of tumor spheroids by cell lines from which we isolated small subsets co-expressing CX3CR1 and stemness-related markers, similarly to patients' tumors. These rare CX3CR1High cells show transcriptomic profiles enriched in pathways that regulate pluripotency and endowed with metastasis-initiating behavior in murine models. Cancer cells lacking these features (CX3CR1Low) were capable of re-acquiring CX3CR1-associated features over time, implying that MICs can continuously emerge from non-stem cancer cells. CX3CR1 expression also conferred resistance to docetaxel, and prolonged treatment with docetaxel selected CX3CR1High phenotypes with de-enriched transcriptomic profiles for apoptotic pathways. These findings nominate CX3CR1 as a novel marker of stem-like tumor cells and provide conceptual ground for future development of approaches targeting CX3CR1 signaling and (re)expression as therapeutic means to prevent or contain metastasis initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony DiNatale
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Ramanpreet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
- Champions Oncology, 1330 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Chen Qian
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
- Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Jieyi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Michael Marchioli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Darin Ipe
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Maria Castelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chris M McNair
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Cancer Informatics, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
- Program in Immune Cell Regulation & Targeting, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Alessandro Fatatis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
- Program in Translational and Cellular Oncology at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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28
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Larson ED, Komori H, Gibson TJ, Ostgaard CM, Hamm DC, Schnell JM, Lee CY, Harrison MM. Cell-type-specific chromatin occupancy by the pioneer factor Zelda drives key developmental transitions in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7153. [PMID: 34887421 PMCID: PMC8660810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During Drosophila embryogenesis, the essential pioneer factor Zelda defines hundreds of cis-regulatory regions and in doing so reprograms the zygotic transcriptome. While Zelda is essential later in development, it is unclear how the ability of Zelda to define cis-regulatory regions is shaped by cell-type-specific chromatin architecture. Asymmetric division of neural stem cells (neuroblasts) in the fly brain provide an excellent paradigm for investigating the cell-type-specific functions of this pioneer factor. We show that Zelda synergistically functions with Notch to maintain neuroblasts in an undifferentiated state. Zelda misexpression reprograms progenitor cells to neuroblasts, but this capacity is limited by transcriptional repressors critical for progenitor commitment. Zelda genomic occupancy in neuroblasts is reorganized as compared to the embryo, and this reorganization is correlated with differences in chromatin accessibility and cofactor availability. We propose that Zelda regulates essential transitions in the neuroblasts and embryo through a shared gene-regulatory network driven by cell-type-specific enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Larson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hideyuki Komori
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tyler J Gibson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cyrina M Ostgaard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Danielle C Hamm
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jack M Schnell
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cheng-Yu Lee
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Melissa M Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
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29
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Cheng CC, Lin CF, Lin YC, Young TH, Lou PJ. Overexpression of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V promotes human parotid gland acinar cell immortalization via the epidermal receptor activation. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1780-1789. [PMID: 34806177 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30641] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to maintain the proliferation capability of human parotid gland acinar cells (ACs) in vitro to extend passage number and to study the mechanism that regulates AC stemness. N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V) is the Golgi enzyme, and it has been reported that the β1,6GlcNAc-branched N-linked glycans are associated with various cell behaviors. Therefore, we modify the gene expression of ACs by transfection of the GnT-V-overexpression plasmid, and we found that upregulation of GnT-V extensively increased ACs proliferation and stemness properties in ACs/GnT-V compared to ACs transfected with Mock plasmid. More importantly, we observed that high levels of GnT-V positively correlated with ALDH1A3 expression via increasing phosphorylation of cell surface receptors and activating the downstream signaling transduction. Hence, the current study suggested that GnT-V is a significant factor for cell immortalization in the ACs model by activating the EGFR/ERK/ALDH1A3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chia Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yong-Chong Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Horng Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jen Lou
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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30
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Rickard BP, Conrad C, Sorrin AJ, Ruhi MK, Reader JC, Huang SA, Franco W, Scarcelli G, Polacheck WJ, Roque DM, del Carmen MG, Huang HC, Demirci U, Rizvi I. Malignant Ascites in Ovarian Cancer: Cellular, Acellular, and Biophysical Determinants of Molecular Characteristics and Therapy Response. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4318. [PMID: 34503128 PMCID: PMC8430600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascites refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum resulting from an underlying pathology, such as metastatic cancer. Among all cancers, advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer is most frequently associated with the production of malignant ascites and is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies. Despite decades of evidence showing that the accumulation of peritoneal fluid portends the poorest outcomes for cancer patients, the role of malignant ascites in promoting metastasis and therapy resistance remains poorly understood. This review summarizes the current understanding of malignant ascites, with a focus on ovarian cancer. The first section provides an overview of heterogeneity in ovarian cancer and the pathophysiology of malignant ascites. Next, analytical methods used to characterize the cellular and acellular components of malignant ascites, as well the role of these components in modulating cell biology, are discussed. The review then provides a perspective on the pressures and forces that tumors are subjected to in the presence of malignant ascites and the impact of physical stress on therapy resistance. Treatment options for malignant ascites, including surgical, pharmacological and photochemical interventions are then discussed to highlight challenges and opportunities at the interface of drug discovery, device development and physical sciences in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany P. Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; (M.K.R.); (S.A.H.); (W.J.P.)
| | - Christina Conrad
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.C.); (A.J.S.); (G.S.); (H.-C.H.)
| | - Aaron J. Sorrin
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.C.); (A.J.S.); (G.S.); (H.-C.H.)
| | - Mustafa Kemal Ruhi
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; (M.K.R.); (S.A.H.); (W.J.P.)
| | - Jocelyn C. Reader
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.C.R.); (D.M.R.)
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; (M.K.R.); (S.A.H.); (W.J.P.)
| | - Walfre Franco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.C.); (A.J.S.); (G.S.); (H.-C.H.)
| | - William J. Polacheck
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; (M.K.R.); (S.A.H.); (W.J.P.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Dana M. Roque
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.C.R.); (D.M.R.)
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Marcela G. del Carmen
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Huang-Chiao Huang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (C.C.); (A.J.S.); (G.S.); (H.-C.H.)
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; (M.K.R.); (S.A.H.); (W.J.P.)
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Tomar MS, Kumar A, Srivastava C, Shrivastava A. Elucidating the mechanisms of Temozolomide resistance in gliomas and the strategies to overcome the resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188616. [PMID: 34419533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ) is a first-choice alkylating agent inducted as a gold standard therapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and astrocytoma. A majority of patients do not respond to TMZ during the course of their treatment. Activation of DNA repair pathways is the principal mechanism for this phenomenon that detaches TMZ-induced O-6-methylguanine adducts and restores genomic integrity. Current understanding in the domain of oncology adds several other novel mechanisms of resistance such as the involvement of miRNAs, drug efflux transporters, gap junction's activity, the advent of glioma stem cells as well as upregulation of cell survival autophagy. This review describes a multifaceted account of different mechanisms responsible for the intrinsic and acquired TMZ-resistance. Here, we summarize different strategies that intensify the TMZ effect such as MGMT inhibition, development of novel imidazotetrazine analog, and combination therapy; with an aim to incorporate a successful treatment and increased overall survival in GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manendra Singh Tomar
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal, Saket Nagar, Bhopal 462020, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Chhitij Srivastava
- Department of Neurosurgery, King George's Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Shrivastava
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Fultang N, Chakraborty M, Peethambaran B. Regulation of cancer stem cells in triple negative breast cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:321-342. [PMID: 35582030 PMCID: PMC9019272 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer. Despite the successes of emerging targeted therapies, relapse, recurrence, and therapy failure rates in TNBC significantly outpace other subtypes of breast cancer. Mounting evidence suggests accumulation of therapy resistant Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) populations within TNBCs contributes to poor clinical outcomes. These CSCs are enriched in TNBC compared to non-TNBC breast cancers. The mechanisms underlying CSC accumulation have been well-characterized and discussed in other reviews. In this review, we focus on TNBC-specific mechanisms that allow the expansion and activity of self-renewing CSCs. We highlight cellular signaling pathways and transcription factors, specifically enriched in TNBC over non-TNBC breast cancer, contributing to stemness. We also analyze publicly available single-cell RNA-seq data from basal breast cancer tumors to highlight the potential of emerging bioinformatic approaches in identifying novel drivers of stemness in TNBC and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Fultang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Madhuparna Chakraborty
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Bela Peethambaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Islam Z, Ali AM, Naik A, Eldaw M, Decock J, Kolatkar PR. Transcription Factors: The Fulcrum Between Cell Development and Carcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:681377. [PMID: 34195082 PMCID: PMC8236851 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.681377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher eukaryotic development is a complex and tightly regulated process, whereby transcription factors (TFs) play a key role in controlling the gene regulatory networks. Dysregulation of these regulatory networks has also been associated with carcinogenesis. Transcription factors are key enablers of cancer stemness, which support the maintenance and function of cancer stem cells that are believed to act as seeds for cancer initiation, progression and metastasis, and treatment resistance. One key area of research is to understand how these factors interact and collaborate to define cellular fate during embryogenesis as well as during tumor development. This review focuses on understanding the role of TFs in cell development and cancer. The molecular mechanisms of cell fate decision are of key importance in efforts towards developing better protocols for directed differentiation of cells in research and medicine. We also discuss the dysregulation of TFs and their role in cancer progression and metastasis, exploring TF networks as direct or indirect targets for therapeutic intervention, as well as specific TFs' potential as biomarkers for predicting and monitoring treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyaul Islam
- Diabetes Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ameena Mohamed Ali
- Diabetes Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adviti Naik
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Eldaw
- Diabetes Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Prasanna R. Kolatkar
- Diabetes Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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Wu Y, Wang T, Xia L, Zhang M. LncRNA WDFY3-AS2 promotes cisplatin resistance and the cancer stem cell in ovarian cancer by regulating hsa-miR-139-5p/SDC4 axis. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:284. [PMID: 34051810 PMCID: PMC8164817 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is a high-mortality gynecological cancer that is typically treated with cisplatin, although such treatment often results in chemoresistance. Ovarian cancer resistance is usually related to cell stemness. Herein, we explored the function of lncRNA WDFY3-AS2 in OC cell resistance to cisplatin (DDP). METHODS Cisplatin resistant OC A2780 cell lines (A2780-DDP) were established by long-term exposure to cisplatin. CCK-8 assay were performed to evaluate the viability of A2780, and A2780-DDP cells. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of lncRNA WDFY3-AS2, miR-139-5p, and SDC4 in A2780-DDP cell lines. After treatment with cisplatin, cell apoptosis and CD44+CD166+-positive cells were measured by flow cytometry. The transwell assays were employed to measure the effect of WDFY3-AS2 on cell migration, and invasion. In addition, tumorsphere formation assay was used to enrich OC cancer stem cells (CSCs) from A2780-DDP cells. The expression of CSC markers (SOX2, OCT4, and Nanog) was detected by western blotting. The regulatory mechanism was confirmed by RNA pull down, and luciferase reporter assays. Furthermore, xenograft tumor in nude mice was used to assess the impact of WDFY3-AS2 on cisplatin resistance in OC in vivo. RESULTS WDFY3-AS2 was highly expressed in OC A2780-DDP cells, and silencing WDFY3-AS2 significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion but increased apoptosis in OC A2780-DDP cells. Additionally, WDFY3-AS2 significantly promoted the A2780-DDP cells tumorspheres. WDFY3-AS2 was predicted to impact OC by sponging miR-139-5p and regulating SDC4. The xenografts inoculated with A2780-DDP cells additionally confirmed that tumor growth in vivo was reduced by si-WDFY3-AS2 transfection. MiR-139-5p inhibitor or SDC4 overexpression could restore the suppressive influence of silenced WDFY3-AS2 on tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Together, WDFY3-AS2 may lead to change of cisplatin resistance by the expression of miR-139-5p/SDC4 in the OC A2870-DDP cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our finding may provide a drug target for the drug resistance of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- The Traditional and Western Medicine (TCM)-Integrated Cancer Center of Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- The Traditional and Western Medicine (TCM)-Integrated Cancer Center of Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Graduate School of Anhui, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- The Traditional and Western Medicine (TCM)-Integrated Cancer Center of Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Aspartame induces cancer stem cell enrichment through p21, NICD and GLI1 in human PANC-1 pancreas adenocarcinoma cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 153:112264. [PMID: 33992720 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the molecular effects of the common natural sugar glucose and artificial sweetener aspartame on cancer stem cell (CSC) population and cancer aggressiveness of PANC-1 human pancreas adenocarcinoma cells. According to our findings while aspartame exposure significantly increased the CSC population, high glucose had no effect on it. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker N-cadherin increased only in the aspartame group. The findings indicate that a high level of glucose exposure does not effect the invasion and migration of PANC-1 cells, while aspartame increases both of these aggressiveness criteria. The findings also suggest that a high concentration of glucose maintains CSC population through induction of nuclear Oct3/4 and differentiation to parental cells via increasing cytoplasmic c-myc. Aspartame exposure to PANC-1 cells activated AKT and deactivated GSK3β by increasing levels of ROS and cytoplasmic Ca+2, respectively, through T1R2/T1R3 stimulation. Then p-GSK3β(Ser9) boosted the CSC population by increasing pluripotency factors Oct3/4 and c-myc via NICD, GLI1 and p21. In the aspartame group, T1R1 silencing further increased the CSC population but decreased cell viability and suppressed the p21, NICD and GLI activation. The presence and amount of T1R subunits in the membrane fraction of PANC-1 cells are demonstrated for the first time in this study, as is the regulatory effect of T1R1's on CSC population. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that long-term aspartame exposure increases CSC population and tumor cell aggressiveness through p21, NICD, GLI1. Moreover, while aspartame had no tumorigenic effect, it could potentially advance an existing tumor.
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Raghav PK, Mann Z. Cancer stem cells targets and combined therapies to prevent cancer recurrence. Life Sci 2021; 277:119465. [PMID: 33831426 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) control the dynamics of tumorigenesis by self-renewal ability and differentiation potential. These properties contribute towards tumor malignancy, metastasis, cellular heterogeneity, and immune escape, which are regulated by multiple signaling pathways. The CSCs are chemoresistant and cause cancer recurrence, generally recognized as a small side-population that eventually leads to tumor relapse. Despite many treatment options available, none can be considered entirely efficient due to a lack of specificity and dose limitation. This review primarily highlights the processes involved in CSCs development and maintenance. Secondly, the current effective therapies based on stem cells, cell-free therapies that involve exosomes and miRNAs, and photodynamic therapy have been discussed. Also, the inhibitors that specifically target various signaling pathways, which can be used in combination to control CSCs kinetics have been highlighted. Conclusively, this comprehensive review is a detailed study of recently developed novel treatment strategies that will facilitate in coming up with better-targeted approaches against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoya Mann
- Independent Researcher, New Delhi, India
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Hsa-miR-3658 down-regulates OCT4 gene expression followed by suppressing SW480 cell proliferation and migration. Biochem J 2020; 477:2281-2293. [PMID: 32478824 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The pluripotency factor, OCT4 gene is a stemness marker that is involved in the tumorigenicity of different cancer types and knowing about molecular mechanisms of its regulation is crucially important. To date, a few microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be regulators of OCT4 gene expression. Looking for the novel miRNAs which are capable of regulating OCT4 gene expression, our bioinformatics analysis introduced hsa-miR-3658 (miR-3658) as a bona fide candidate. Then, RT-qPCR results indicated that miR-3658 expression is decreased in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor tissues, compared with normal pairs. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis showed that the OCT4 gene has been down-regulated following the miR-3658 overexpression. Consistently, dual-luciferase assay supported the direct interaction of miR-3658 with the 3'-UTR sequence of OCT4 gene. Unlike in HCT116 cells, overexpression of miR-3658 in SW480 cells brought about growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and reduced cell migration, detected by flow cytometry, and scratch test assay. Overall, these findings demonstrated that miR-3658 as a tumor suppressor miRNA exerts its effect against OCT4 gene expression, and it has the potential of being used as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target against colorectal cancer.
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Ding X, Yan Y, Zhang C, Xu X, Yang F, Liu Y, Wang G, Qin Y. OCT4 regulated neointimal formation in injured mouse arteries by matrix metalloproteinase 2-mediated smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:5421-5431. [PMID: 33372301 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play vital roles in neointimal hyperplasia and vascular restenosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4, a key transcription factor for maintaining stem cells in de-differentiated state) on neointima formation in response to vascular injury. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot results displayed a significant increase of OCT4 levels in injured carotid arteries. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays confirmed that the increased OCT4 expression was primarily localized in α-SMA-positive VSMCs from neointima, and colocalized with PCNA in the nuclei of VSMCs. Adenovirus-mediated OCT4 overexpression in injured carotid arteries exacerbated intimal thickening, while OCT4 knockdown significantly inhibited intimal thickening. In-vitro experiments confirmed that the increased OCT4 expression in VMSCs could be induced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) in a time-dependent manner. Overexpression of OCT4 greatly promoted VSMCs proliferation and migration, while OCT4 knockdown significantly retarded the PDGF-BB-induced excessive proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed that OCT4 could upregulate matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) expression through promoting its transcription. Moreover, knockdown of MMP2 significantly attenuated OCT4-mediated VSMCs proliferation and migration. These results indicated that OCT4 facilitated neointimal formation in response to vascular injury by MMP2-mediated VSMCs proliferation and migration, and targeting OCT4 in VSMCs might be a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiac Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, No. 903 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengke Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xudong Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiac Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiac Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guokun Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiac Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongwen Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
In this perspective, we introduce shelterin and the mechanisms of ATM activation and NHEJ at telomeres, before discussing the following questions: How are t-loops proposed to protect chromosome ends and what is the evidence for this model? Can other models explain how TRF2 mediates end protection? Could t-loops be pathological structures? How is end protection achieved in pluripotent cells? What do the insights into telomere end protection in pluripotent cells mean for the t-loop model of end protection? Why might different cell states have evolved different mechanisms of end protection? Finally, we offer support for an updated t-loop model of end protection, suggesting that the data is supportive of a critical role for t-loops in protecting chromosome ends from NHEJ and ATM activation, but that other mechanisms are involved. Finally, we propose that t-loops are likely dynamic, rather than static, structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Ruis
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
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The Cellular Prion Protein: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239208. [PMID: 33276687 PMCID: PMC7730109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the cellular prion protein (PrPC) have been actively conducted because misfolded PrPC is known to cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion disease. PrPC is a glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface glycoprotein that has been reported to affect several cellular functions such as stress protection, cellular differentiation, mitochondrial homeostasis, circadian rhythm, myelin homeostasis, and immune modulation. Recently, it has also been reported that PrPC mediates tumor progression by enhancing the proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. In addition, PrPC regulates cancer stem cell properties by interacting with cancer stem cell marker proteins. In this review, we summarize how PrPC promotes tumor progression in terms of proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and cancer stem cell properties. In addition, we discuss strategies to treat tumors by modulating the function and expression of PrPC via the regulation of HSPA1L/HIF-1α expression and using an anti-prion antibody.
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Couto de Carvalho LA, Tosta Dos Santos SL, Sacramento LV, de Almeida VR, de Aquino Xavier FC, Dos Santos JN, Gomes Henriques Leitão ÁC. Mesenchymal stem cell markers in periodontal tissues and periapical lesions. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151636. [PMID: 33132168 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by the potential to differentiate into multiple cell lineages, high proliferation rates, and self-renewal capacity, in addition to the ability to maintain their undifferentiated state. These cells have been identified in physiological oral tissues such as pulp tissue, dental follicle, apical papilla and periodontal ligament, as well as in pathological situations such as chronic periapical lesions (CPLs). The criteria used for the identification of MSCs include the positive expression of specific surface antigens, with CD73, CD90, CD105, CD44, CD146, STRO-1, CD166, NANOG and OCT4 being the most specific for these cells. AIM The aim of this review was to explore the literature on markers able to identify MSCs as well as the presence of these cells in the healthy periodontal ligament and CPLs, highlighting their role in regenerative medicine and implications in the progression of these lesions. METHODS Narrative literature review searching the PubMed and Medline databases. Articles published in English between 1974 and 2020 were retrieved. CONCLUSION The included studies confirmed the presence of MSCs in the healthy periodontal ligament and in CPLs. Several surface markers are used for the characterization of these cells which, although not specific, are effective in cell recognition. Mesenchymal stem cells participate in tissue repair, exerting anti- inflammatory, immunosuppressive and proangiogenic effects, and are therefore involved in the progression and attenuation of CPLs or even in the persistence of these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean Nunes Dos Santos
- Postgraduation Program in Dentistry and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
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Fang W, Ni M, Zhang M, Chen H. Prognostic value of OCT4 in colorectal cancer: analysis using immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics validation. Biomark Med 2020; 14:1473-1484. [PMID: 33185466 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2020-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study was first performed to investigate the role of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: The electronic databases were searched for the eligible studies. Odds ratios and hazard ratios were calculated. Functional analysis of OCT4 was examined. Results: Eight studies with 1480 CRC cases were identified. OCT4 expression was correlated with advanced clinical stage, tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, and distal metastasis. OCT4 was an independent prognostic biomarker for predicting worse disease-specific survival and overall survival in CRC. The functional analyses demonstrated that OCT4 was involved in multiple functions, such as cell adhesion, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling, and regulating pluripotency of stem cells. Conclusion: OCT4 may be correlated with disease progression and metastasis, and could predict prognosis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo Yinzhou no. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Meilin Ni
- Ningbo Customs District Technology Center, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo Yinzhou no. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo Yinzhou no. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315100, China
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Cioce M, Pulito C, Strano S, Blandino G, Fazio VM. Metformin: Metabolic Rewiring Faces Tumor Heterogeneity. Cells 2020; 9:E2439. [PMID: 33182253 PMCID: PMC7695274 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity impinges on all the aspects of tumor history, from onset to metastasis and relapse. It is growingly recognized as a propelling force for tumor adaptation to environmental and micro-environmental cues. Metabolic heterogeneity perfectly falls into this process. It strongly contributes to the metabolic plasticity which characterizes cancer cell subpopulations-capable of adaptive switching under stress conditions, between aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation-in both a convergent and divergent modality. The mitochondria appear at center-stage in this adaptive process and thus, targeting mitochondria in cancer may prove of therapeutic value. Metformin is the oldest and most used anti-diabetic medication and its relationship with cancer has witnessed rises and falls in the last 30 years. We believe it is useful to revisit the main mechanisms of action of metformin in light of the emerging views on tumor heterogeneity. We first analyze the most consolidated view of its mitochondrial mechanism of action and then we frame the latter in the context of tumor adaptive strategies, cancer stem cell selection, metabolic zonation of tumors and the tumor microenvironment. This may provide a more critical point of view and, to some extent, may help to shed light on some of the controversial evidence for metformin's anticancer action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cioce
- Department of Medicine, R.U. in Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Pulito
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Sabrina Strano
- SAFU Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Vito Michele Fazio
- Department of Medicine, R.U. in Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Institute of Translation Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 00133 Rome, Italy
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Jayarajan J, Milsom MD. The role of the stem cell epigenome in normal aging and rejuvenative therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:R236-R247. [PMID: 32744315 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells are ultimately responsible for the lifelong maintenance of regenerating of tissues during both homeostasis and following injury. Hence, the functional attrition of adult stem cells is thought to be an important driving factor behind the progressive functional decline of tissues and organs that is observed during aging. The mechanistic cause underlying this age-associated exhaustion of functional stem cells is likely to be complex and multifactorial. However, it is clear that progressive remodeling of the epigenome and the resulting deregulation of gene expression programs can be considered a hallmark of aging, and is likely a key factor in mediating altered biological function of aged stem cells. In this review, we outline cell intrinsic and extrinsic mediators of epigenome remodeling during aging; discuss how such changes can impact on stem cell function; and describe how resetting the aged epigenome may rejuvenate some of the biological characteristics of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyan Jayarajan
- Division of Experimental Hematology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael D Milsom
- Division of Experimental Hematology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM).,DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
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Zhao X, Lu H, Sun Y, Liu L, Wang H. Prognostic value of octamer binding transcription factor 4 for patients with solid tumors: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22804. [PMID: 33080755 PMCID: PMC7571959 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is critically important in the development and progression of cancer, and is considered a potential biomarker for tumor prognosis. However, the prognostic value of Oct4 in patients with solid tumors remains elusive. Herein, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic value of Oct4 in patients with solid tumors. METHODS We conducted a literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to retrieve comprehensive and eligible studies published until December 2019. The study was conducted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS)/progress-free survival (PFS) were used to evaluate the prognostic value of Oct4 in patients with solid tumors via either random or fixed-effects models. RESULTS In total, 36 studies with 5198 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Notably, elevated Oct4 expression was associated with worse OS (pooled HR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.55-2.62, P < .001) and DFS/RFS/PFS (pooled HR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.88-2.92, P < .001). CONCLUSION This work demonstrated that patients with solid tumors show high expression of Oct4 which is linked to worse prognosis in patients with solid tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (OS, DFS/RFS/PFS), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OS), gastric cancer (OS), cervical cancer (OS, DFS/RFS/PFS), and colorectal cancer (OS, DFS/RFS/PFS), this implicated Oct4 as a potential biomarker to predict the prognosis of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Tegginamani AS, Shivakumar VH, Kallarakkal TG, Ismail SM, Abraham MT, Bin Zamzuri AT. Analysis of octamer-binding transcription factor-4 expression in oral leukoplakia. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2020; 24:400. [PMID: 33456258 PMCID: PMC7802831 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_272_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oral potentially malignant disorders have a risk for malignant transformation but are difficult to reliably identify and predict which patients are at the risk for malignant transformation. OCT4 has been hypothesized to play a key oncogenic driver in a variety of solid tumors. A deeper understanding of the aberrant molecular pathways which lead to carcinogenesis needs to be identified by the potential markers. Aims: To assess the OCT4 stemness factor in oral leukoplakia for its potential risk to malignant transformation. Settings and Design: 20 cases of oral leukoplakia were obtained from archives at Oral Cancer Research & Coordinating center (OCRCC) Malaysia Subjects and Methods: 20 cases of oral leukoplakia were assessed by OCT4 immunohistochemically. Oral squamous cell carcinoma was used as a control. Result: no expression of OCT 4 was observed in any cases of oral leukoplakia. Conclusion: The molecular mechanisms of Oct4 regulation and in particular of its switch on and off in tissues depends upon its microenvironment, which makes it challenging in fundamental and applied research fields of regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. It's better that patients should undergo multiple biopsies for the early detection of malignant transformation with close follow-up during the first two to three years, a large amount of work remains to be done with multi-marker panel investigation, as cure rates have remained constant over three decades.
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Walcher L, Kistenmacher AK, Suo H, Kitte R, Dluczek S, Strauß A, Blaudszun AR, Yevsa T, Fricke S, Kossatz-Boehlert U. Cancer Stem Cells-Origins and Biomarkers: Perspectives for Targeted Personalized Therapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1280. [PMID: 32849491 PMCID: PMC7426526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis has gained increasing interest over the last decades. In particular, the analysis of biomarkers in cancer patients within the pre- and post-therapeutic period is required to identify several types of cells, which carry a risk for a disease progression and subsequent post-therapeutic relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive tumor initiation and can cause relapses. At the time point of tumor initiation, CSCs originate from either differentiated cells or adult tissue resident stem cells. Due to their importance, several biomarkers that characterize CSCs have been identified and correlated to diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. However, CSCs have been shown to display a high plasticity, which changes their phenotypic and functional appearance. Such changes are induced by chemo- and radiotherapeutics as well as senescent tumor cells, which cause alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Induction of senescence causes tumor shrinkage by modulating an anti-tumorigenic environment in which tumor cells undergo growth arrest and immune cells are attracted. Besides these positive effects after therapy, senescence can also have negative effects displayed post-therapeutically. These unfavorable effects can directly promote cancer stemness by increasing CSC plasticity phenotypes, by activating stemness pathways in non-CSCs, as well as by promoting senescence escape and subsequent activation of stemness pathways. At the end, all these effects can lead to tumor relapse and metastasis. This review provides an overview of the most frequently used CSC markers and their implementation as biomarkers by focussing on deadliest solid (lung, stomach, liver, breast and colorectal cancers) and hematological (acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia) cancers. Furthermore, it gives examples on how the CSC markers might be influenced by therapeutics, such as chemo- and radiotherapy, and the tumor microenvironment. It points out, that it is crucial to identify and monitor residual CSCs, senescent tumor cells, and the pro-tumorigenic senescence-associated secretory phenotype in a therapy follow-up using specific biomarkers. As a future perspective, a targeted immune-mediated strategy using chimeric antigen receptor based approaches for the removal of remaining chemotherapy-resistant cells as well as CSCs in a personalized therapeutic approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Walcher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kistenmacher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Huizhen Suo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reni Kitte
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Dluczek
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Strauß
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - André-René Blaudszun
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tetyana Yevsa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Kossatz-Boehlert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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Kumbar VM, Muddapur UM, Bhat KG, Shwetha H.R., Kugaji MS, Peram MR. Indirect Immunofluorescence and Tumorspheres Enrichment Technique for Identifying Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Cancer Cell Lines From Primary Oral Cancer Tissues: An In Vitro Study. JOURNAL OF ADVANCED ORAL RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2320206820941379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aim: The cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to be responsible for drug resistance and cancer relapse in the treatment of cancer. Identification and isolation of CSCs and study of their properties will play a crucial role in developing an effective drug against these targets. The aim of the study was to isolate CSCs from primary cancer by the tumorspheres enrichment method, to confirm by indirect immunofluorescence and gene expression of stem cell markers by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, we enriched oral CSCs through tumorsphere formation assay from seven primary cultures of OSCC patients with defined serum media. The expression and localization of the cell surface markers of CD133 and CD44 were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. Gene expression of stem cell markers such as CD44, CD133, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog were quantified by RT-PCR technique. One-way analysis of variance was applied to analyze gene expression. Results: Tumorsphere formation has been used to isolate the CSCs from the OSCC tissue culture. Both CD133 and CD44 antibody confirmed the presence of CSCs through indirect immunofluorescence. In comparison to parental cell lines, the expression levels of CD133, CD44, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog stem cell were significantly higher in CSC-enriched subpopulations. Conclusions: The cost-effective spheroid enrichment and the indirect immunofluorescence methods are useful for the isolation of CSCs from the primary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay M. Kumbar
- Central Research Laboratory, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental, Sciences & Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University (Formerly Known as B V Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology), BVB Campus, Hubballi, Karnataka, India
| | - Uday M. Muddapur
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University (Formerly Known as B V Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology), BVB Campus, Hubballi, Karnataka, India
| | - Kishore G. Bhat
- Central Research Laboratory, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental, Sciences & Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Shwetha H.R.
- Department of Oral Pathology, Maratha Mandal’s N G Halgekar Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Manohar S. Kugaji
- Central Research Laboratory, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental, Sciences & Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University (Formerly Known as B V Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology), BVB Campus, Hubballi, Karnataka, India
| | - Malleswara Rao Peram
- Central Research Laboratory, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental, Sciences & Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Maratha Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
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Oliphant MUJ, Kong D, Zhou H, Lewis MT, Ford HL. Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Role of Developmental pathways and pluripotency factors in normal mammary stem cells and breast cancer metastasis. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2020; 25:85-102. [PMID: 32323111 PMCID: PMC7395869 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-020-09449-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer initiation and progression are often observed as the result of dysregulation of normal developmental processes and pathways. Studies focused on normal mammary stem/progenitor cell activity have led to an understanding of how breast cancer cells acquire stemness-associated properties including tumor initiation, survival and multi-lineage differentiation into heterogeneous tumors that become difficult to target therapeutically. Importantly, more recent investigations have provided valuable insight into how key developmental regulators can impact multiple phases of metastasis, where they are repurposed to not only promote metastatic phenotypes such as migration, invasion and EMT at the primary site, but also to regulate the survival, initiation and maintenance of metastatic lesions at secondary organs. Herein, we discuss findings that have led to a better understanding of how embryonic and pluripotency factors contribute not only to normal mammary development, but also to metastatic progression. We further examine the therapeutic potential of targeting these developmental pathways, and discuss how a better understanding of compensatory mechanisms, crosstalk between pathways, and novel experimental models could provide critical insight into how we might exploit embryonic and pluripotency regulators to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M U J Oliphant
- Integrated Physiology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue, Building C1, Room 513B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Deguang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Hengbo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - M T Lewis
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Radiology. Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine. One Baylor Plaza BCM600, Room N1210, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - H L Ford
- Integrated Physiology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North, P18-6115, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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50
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Menendez ST, Rey V, Martinez-Cruzado L, Gonzalez MV, Morales-Molina A, Santos L, Blanco V, Alvarez C, Estupiñan O, Allonca E, Rodrigo JP, García-Castro J, Garcia-Pedrero JM, Rodriguez R. SOX2 Expression and Transcriptional Activity Identifies a Subpopulation of Cancer Stem Cells in Sarcoma with Prognostic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040964. [PMID: 32295077 PMCID: PMC7226033 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stemness in sarcomas is coordinated by the expression of pluripotency factors, like SOX2, in cancer stem cells (CSC). The role of SOX2 in tumor initiation and progression has been well characterized in osteosarcoma. However, the pro-tumorigenic features of SOX2 have been scarcely investigated in other sarcoma subtypes. Here, we show that SOX2 depletion dramatically reduced the ability of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) cells to form tumorspheres and to initiate tumor growth. Conversely, SOX2 overexpression resulted in increased in vivo tumorigenicity. Moreover, using a reporter system (SORE6) which allows to monitor viable cells expressing SOX2 and/or OCT4, we found that SORE6+ cells were significantly more tumorigenic than the SORE6- subpopulation. In agreement with this findings, SOX2 expression in sarcoma patients was associated to tumor grade, differentiation, invasive potential and lower patient survival. Finally, we studied the effect of a panel of anti-tumor drugs on the SORE6+ cells of the UPS model and patient-derived chondrosarcoma lines. We found that the mithramycin analogue EC-8042 was the most efficient in reducing SORE6+ cells in vitro and in vivo. Overall, this study demonstrates that SOX2 is a pro-tumorigenic factor with prognostic potential in sarcoma. Moreover, SORE6 transcriptional activity is a bona fide CSC marker in sarcoma and constitutes an excellent biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of anti-tumor treatments on CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia T. Menendez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Rey
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lucia Martinez-Cruzado
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - M. Victoria Gonzalez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alvaro Morales-Molina
- Cellular Biotechnology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Santos
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Verónica Blanco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica of the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carlos Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Servicio de Oncología Médica of the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Oscar Estupiñan
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Allonca
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Rodrigo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Castro
- Cellular Biotechnology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana Maria Garcia-Pedrero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rene Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)—Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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