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Chavkin NW, Vippa T, Jung C, McDonnell S, Hirschi KK, Gokce N, Walsh K. Obesity accelerates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in adipose tissues of mice and humans. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1264479. [PMID: 37795485 PMCID: PMC10546194 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1264479] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vascular dysfunction and chronic inflammation are characteristics of obesity-induced adipose tissue dysfunction. Proinflammatory cytokines can drive an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), where endothelial cells undergo a phenotypic switch to mesenchymal-like cells that are pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic. In this study, we sought to determine whether obesity can promote EndoMT in adipose tissue. Methods Mice in which endothelial cells are lineage-traced with eYFP were fed a high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) or Control diet for 13, 26, and 52 weeks, and EndoMT was assessed in adipose tissue depots as percentage of CD45-CD31-Acta2+ mesenchymal-like cells that were eYFP +. EndoMT was also assessed in human adipose endothelial cells through cell culture assays and by the analysis of single cell RNA sequencing datasets obtained from the visceral adipose tissues of obese individuals. Results Quantification by flow cytometry showed that mice fed a HF/HS diet display a time-dependent increase in EndoMT over Control diet in subcutaneous adipose tissue (+3.0%, +2.6-fold at 13 weeks; +10.6%, +3.2-fold at 26 weeks; +11.8%, +2.9-fold at 52 weeks) and visceral adipose tissue (+5.5%, +2.3-fold at 13 weeks; +20.7%, +4.3-fold at 26 weeks; +25.7%, +4.8-fold at 52 weeks). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that EndoMT cells in visceral adipose tissue have enriched expression of genes associated with inflammatory and TGFβ signaling pathways. Human adipose-derived microvascular endothelial cells cultured with TGF-β1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α exhibited a similar upregulation of EndoMT markers and induction of inflammatory response pathways. Analysis of single cell RNA sequencing datasets from visceral adipose tissue of obese patients revealed a nascent EndoMT sub-cluster of endothelial cells with reduced PECAM1 and increased ACTA2 expression, which was also enriched for inflammatory signaling genes and other genes associated with EndoMT. Discussion These experimental and clinical findings show that chronic obesity can accelerate EndoMT in adipose tissue. We speculate that EndoMT is a feature of adipose tissue dysfunction that contributes to local inflammation and the systemic metabolic effects of obesity..
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W. Chavkin
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tanvi Vippa
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Changhee Jung
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Stephanie McDonnell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Karen K. Hirschi
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Noyan Gokce
- Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Hematovascular Biology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Izadpanah MH, Forghanifard MM. TWIST1 Plays Role in Expression of Stemness State Markers in ESCC. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122369. [PMID: 36553636 PMCID: PMC9777594 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122369] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stemness markers play critical roles in the maintenance of key properties of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), including the pluripotency, stemness state, and self-renewal capacities, as well as cell fate decision. Some of these features are present in cancer stem cells (CSCs). TWIST1, as a bHLH transcription factor oncogene, is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in both embryonic and cancer development. Our aim in this study was to investigate the functional correlation between TWIST1 and the involved genes in the process of CSCs self-renewal in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) line KYSE-30. METHODS TWIST1 overexpression was enforced in the ESCC KYSE-30 cells using retroviral vector containing the specific pruf-IRES-GFP-hTWIST1 sequence. Following RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the mRNA expression profile of TWIST1 and the stem cell markers, including BMI1, CRIPTO1, DPPA2, KLF4, SOX2, NANOG, and MSI1, were assessed using relative comparative real-time PCR. RESULTS Ectopic expression of TWIST1 in KYSE-30 cells resulted in an increased expression of TWIST1 compared to control GFP cells by nearly 9-fold. Transduction of TWIST1-retroviral particles caused a significant enhancement in BMI1, CRIPTO1, DPPA2, KLF4, and SOX2 mRNA expression, approximately 4.5-, 3.2-, 5.5-, 3.5-, and 3.7-folds, respectively, whereas this increased TWIST1 expression caused no change in the mRNA expression of NANOG and MSI1 genes. CONCLUSIONS TWIST1 gene ectopic expression in KYSE-30 cells enhanced the level of cancer stem cell markers' mRNA expression. These results may emphasize the role of TWIST1 in the self-renewal process and may corroborate the involvement of TWIST1 in the stemness state capacity of ESCC cell line KYSE-30, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Izadpanah
- Division of Human Genetics, Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9196773117, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Forghanifard
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan 3671637849, Iran
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +98-912-711-6027
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Pouliquen DL, Boissard A, Henry C, Coqueret O, Guette C. Curcuminoids as Modulators of EMT in Invasive Cancers: A Review of Molecular Targets With the Contribution of Malignant Mesothelioma Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:934534. [PMID: 35873564 PMCID: PMC9304619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.934534] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcuminoids, which include natural acyclic diarylheptanoids and the synthetic analogs of curcumin, have considerable potential for fighting against all the characteristics of invasive cancers. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic morphogenesis, however, the last decade has confirmed it orchestrates many features of cancer invasiveness, such as tumor cell stemness, metabolic rewiring, and drug resistance. A wealth of studies has revealed EMT in cancer is in fact driven by an increasing number of parameters, and thus understanding its complexity has now become a cornerstone for defining future therapeutic strategies dealing with cancer progression and metastasis. A specificity of curcuminoids is their ability to target multiple molecular targets, modulate several signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironments and enhance the host’s immune response. Although the effects of curcumin on these various parameters have been the subject of many reviews, the role of curcuminoids against EMT in the context of cancer have never been reviewed so far. This review first provides an updated overview of all EMT drivers, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and tumor microenvironment components, with a special focus on the most recent findings. Secondly, for each of these drivers the effects of curcumin/curcuminoids on specific molecular targets are analyzed. Finally, we address some common findings observed between data reported in the literature and the results of investigations we conducted on experimental malignant mesothelioma, a model of invasive cancer representing a useful tool for studies on EMT and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Pouliquen
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- *Correspondence: Daniel L. Pouliquen,
| | - Alice Boissard
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cécile Henry
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Olivier Coqueret
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Catherine Guette
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
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SIRT2-KLF4 Interactions are Critical for Myeloma Survival and Migration. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:7356477. [PMID: 35669651 PMCID: PMC9166995 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7356477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the roles and possible mechanisms of SIRT2 and KLF4 in the development and progression of myeloma. Methods Rt-PCR was used to detect SIRT2 in myeloma samples from patients and myeloma cells, the expression level of KLF4 in myeloma cells, and the effect of downregulation of SIRT2 expression on KLF4 expression level. MTT assay and wound-healing assay were used to observe the proliferation and migration of U266cells transient transfected with Sirt2 inhibitors. Results SIRT2 is highly expressed in myeloma, but KLF4 was down. Downregulation of SIRT2 expression stimulated the expression level of KLF4. Reduced SIRT2 activity results in the release of KLF4 expression, which inhibits the proliferation and migration of myeloma cells. Conclusion SIRT2-KLF4 combination plays an important role in the occurrence and development of myeloma.
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Jia X, Chen B, Li Z, Huang S, Chen S, Zhou R, Feng W, Zhu H, Zhu X. Identification of a Four-Gene-Based SERM Signature for Prognostic and Drug Sensitivity Prediction in Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 11:799223. [PMID: 35096599 PMCID: PMC8790320 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.799223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly molecular heterogeneous tumor with poor prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are reported to share common signaling pathways and cause poor prognosis in GC. Considering about the close relationship between these two processes, we aimed to establish a gene signature based on both processes to achieve better prognostic prediction in GC. Methods The gene signature was constructed by univariate Cox and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) GC cohort. We performed enrichment analyses to explore the potential mechanisms of the gene signature. Kaplan-Meier analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were implemented to assess its prognostic value in TCGA cohort. The prognostic value of gene signature on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and drug sensitivity was validated in different cohorts. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation of the prognostic value of gene signature for OS and DFS prediction was performed in the Fudan cohort. Results A prognostic signature including SERPINE1, EDIL3, RGS4, and MATN3 (SERM signature) was constructed to predict OS, DFS, and drug sensitivity in GC. Enrichment analyses illustrated that the gene signature has tight connection with the CSC and EMT processes in GC. Patients were divided into two groups based on the risk score obtained from the formula. The Kaplan-Meier analyses indicated high-risk group yielded significantly poor prognosis compared with low-risk group. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the risk score was positively correlated with carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil IC50 of GC cell lines. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the gene signature was an independent prognostic factor for predicting GC patients’ OS, DFS, and susceptibility to adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions Our SERM prognostic signature is of great value for OS, DFS, and drug sensitivity prediction in GC, which may give guidance to the development of targeted therapy for CSC- and EMT-related gene in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziteng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Runye Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanjing Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zhang L, Zhang SS, Wang KF, Li YH, Xu HJ, Sun KX, Ma S, Leng HM, Chen SZ, Jia WJ, Zhu XJ, Li J. Overexpression of Twist1 in vascular endothelial cells promotes pathological retinal angiogenesis in mice. Zool Res 2022; 43:64-74. [PMID: 34845879 PMCID: PMC8743260 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal angiogenesis is a critical process for normal retinal function. However, uncontrolled angiogenesis can lead to pathological neovascularization (NV), which is closely related to most irreversible blindness-causing retinal diseases. Understanding the molecular basis behind pathological NV is important for the treatment of related diseases. Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) is a well-known transcription factor and principal inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many human cancers. Our previous study showed that Twist1 expression is elevated in pathological retinal NV. To date, however, the role of TWIST1 in retinal pathological angiogenesis remains to be elucidated. To study the role of TWIST1 in pathological retinal NV and identify specific molecular targets for antagonizing pathological NV, we generated an inducible vascular endothelial cell (EC)-specific Twist1 transgenic mouse model ( Tg-Twist1 iEC+ ). Whole-mount retinas from Tg-Twist1 iEC+ mice showed retarded vascular progression and increased vascular density in the front end of the growing retinal vasculature, as well as aneurysm-like pathological retinal NV. Furthermore, overexpression of Twist1 in the ECs promoted cell proliferation but disturbed cell polarity, thus leading to uncontrolled retinal angiogenesis. TWIST1 promoted pathological NV by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inducing the expression of NV formation-related genes, thereby acting as a 'valve' in the regulation of pathological angiogenesis. This study identified the critical role of TWIST1 in retinal pathological NV, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for pathological NV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Kai-Fang Wang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yi-Hui Li
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Hui-Juan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Kuan-Xiang Sun
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Shi Ma
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Hong-Mei Leng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Si-Zhu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Wen-Jing Jia
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xian-Jun Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China. E-mail:
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TWIST1 transcriptionally upregulates complement 3 in glomerular mesangial cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats. Hypertens Res 2022; 45:66-74. [PMID: 34616033 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00750-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We have shown that complement 3 (C3) is upregulated in cardiovascular and renal organs, which induces the synthetic phenotype and exaggerates the growth of mesenchymal cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). However, the mechanisms of the upregulation of C3 have remained unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of TWIST1, a transcription factor that regulates mesodermal embryogenesis, in the upregulation of C3 in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) from SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Immunocytochemical staining and western blot analysis showed that the expression of TWIST1 in GMCs from SHRs was higher than that in GMCs from WKY rats in vivo and in vitro. Real-time PCR analysis showed increases in the expression of Twist1 mRNA with attenuated expression of miR-151-3p in GMCs from SHRs compared to that in cells from WKY rats. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed increases in TWIST1 binding to the C3 promoter in GMCs from SHRs compared to that in cells from WKY rats. Transfection of Twist1 cDNA by a lentiviral vector increased the expression of C3 mRNA in GMCs from WKY rats. TWIST1 siRNA significantly decreased the mRNA expression of C3 and osteopontin in GMCs from SHRs. These results indicate that the increases in TWIST1 expression, attenuation of miR-151-3p, and strong binding of TWIST1 upregulate C3 gene expression in GMCs from SHRs. The enhanced TWIST1-C3 system induces the synthetic phenotype of mesenchymal tissue that may be associated with cardiovascular and renal remodeling in hypertension.
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Micro-RNA 92a as a Therapeutic Target for Cardiac Microvascular Dysfunction in Diabetes. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010058. [PMID: 35052738 PMCID: PMC8773250 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular dysfunction is a pathological hallmark of diabetes, and is central to the ethology of diabetes-associated cardiac events. Herein, previous studies have highlighted the role of the vasoactive micro-RNA 92a (miR-92a) in small, as well as large, animal models. In this study, we explore the effects of miR-92a on mouse and human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (MCMEC, HCMEC), and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Diabetic HCMEC displayed impaired angiogenesis and a pronounced inflammatory phenotype. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed an upregulation of miR-92a in primary diabetic HCMEC. Downregulation of miR-92a by antagomir transfection in diabetic HCMEC rescued angiogenesis and ameliorated diabetic endothelial bed inflammation. Furthermore, additional analysis of potential in silico-identified miR-92a targets in diabetic HCMEC revealed the miR-92a dependent downregulation of an essential metalloprotease, ADAM10. Accordingly, downregulation of ADAM10 impaired angiogenesis and wound healing in MCMEC. In myocardial tissue slices from diabetic pigs, ADAM10 dysregulation in micro- and macro-vasculature could be shown. Altogether, our data demonstrate the role of miR-92a in cardiac microvascular dysfunction and inflammation in diabetes. Moreover, we describe for the first time the metalloprotease ADAM10 as a novel miR-92a target, mediating its anti-angiogenic effect.
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Huang CH, Chong KY, Lei KF. Analysis of the Internal Hypoxic Environment in Solid Tumor Tissue Using a Folding Paper System. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:33885-33893. [PMID: 34259499 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c08857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a nonphysiological oxygen tension which is common in most malignant tumors. Hypoxia stimulates complicated cell signaling networks in cancer cells, e.g., the HIF, PI3K, MAPK, and NFκB pathways. Then, cells release a number of cytokines such as VEGFA to promote the growth of peripheral blood vessels and lead to metastasis. In the current work, understanding of the internal hypoxic environment in solid tumor tissue was attempted by developing a folding paper system. A paper-based solid tumor was constructed by folding a filter paper cultured with cancer cells. The cellular response in each layer could be analyzed by disassembling the folded paper after the culture course. The result showed that an internal hypoxic environment was successfully reproduced in the paper-based solid tumor. The cells in the inner layer expressed high levels of HIF1-α and VEGFA. Hence, proliferation and migration of endothelial cells were shown to be induced by the cells located in the internal hypoxic environment. Moreover, the paper-based solid tumor was transplanted into nude mice for the study of hypoxic response and angiogenesis. The crosstalk between internal and external parts of solid tumor tissue could be analyzed by sectioning each layer of the paper-based solid tumor. This approach provides a favorable analytical method for the discovery of the interaction between cancer cells, hypoxia, and peripheral angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hao Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Kowit-Yu Chong
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Medical Research Lab, Bone and Joint Research Center, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
| | - Kin Fong Lei
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
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Therapeutic Approaches for Metastases from Colorectal Cancer and Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13010103. [PMID: 33466892 PMCID: PMC7830403 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the process of dissemination of a tumor, whereby cells from the primary site dislodge and find their way to other tissues where secondary tumors establish. Metastasis is the primary cause of death related to cancer. This process warrants changes in original tumoral cells and their microenvironment to establish a metastatic niche. Traditionally, cancer therapy has focused on metastasis prevention by systematic treatments or direct surgical re-sectioning. However, metastasis can still occur. More recently, new therapies direct their attention to targeting cancer stem cells. As they propose, these cells could be the orchestrators of the metastatic niche. In this review, we describe conventional and novel developments in cancer therapeutics for liver and lung metastasis. We further discuss the resistance mechanisms of targeted therapy, the advantages, and disadvantages of diverse treatment approaches, and future novel strategies to enhance cancer prognosis.
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Impact of KLF4 on Cell Proliferation and Epithelial Differentiation in the Context of Cystic Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186717. [PMID: 32937756 PMCID: PMC7555189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) cells display a more cancer-like phenotype vs. non-CF cells. KLF4 overexpression has been described in CF and this transcriptional factor acts as a negative regulator of wt-CFTR. KLF4 is described as exerting its effects in a cell-context-dependent fashion, but it is generally considered a major regulator of proliferation, differentiation, and wound healing, all the processes that are also altered in CF. Therefore, it is relevant to characterize the differential role of KLF4 in these processes in CF vs. non-CF cells. To this end, we used wt- and F508del-CFTR CFBE cells and their respective KLF4 knockout (KO) counterparts to evaluate processes like cell proliferation, polarization, and wound healing, as well as to compare the expression of several epithelial differentiation markers. Our data indicate no major impact of KLF4 KO in proliferation and a differential impact of KLF4 KO in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) acquisition and wound healing in wt- vs. F508del-CFTR cells. In parallel, we also observed a differential impact on the levels of some differentiation markers and epithelial-mesencymal transition (EMT)-associated transcription factors. In conclusion, KLF4 impacts TEER acquisition, wound healing, and the expression of differentiation markers in a way that is partially dependent on the CFTR-status of the cell.
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Wechman SL, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Das SK, Fisher PB. Vascular mimicry: Triggers, molecular interactions and in vivo models. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 148:27-67. [PMID: 32723566 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry is induced by a wide array of genes with functions related to cancer stemness, hypoxia, angiogenesis and autophagy. Vascular mimicry competent (VM-competent) cells that form de novo blood vessels are common in solid tumors facilitating tumor cell survival and metastasis. VM-competent cells display increased levels of vascular mimicry selecting for stem-like cells in an O2-gradient-dependent manner in deeply hypoxic tumor regions, while also aiding in maintaining tumor cell metabolism and stemness. Three of the principal drivers of vascular mimicry are EphA2, Nodal and HIF-1α, however, directly or indirectly many of these molecules affect VE-Cadherin (VE-Cad), which forms gap-junctions to bind angiogenic blood vessels together. During vascular mimicry, the endothelial-like functions of VM-competent cancer stem cells co-opt VE-Cad to bind cancer cells together to create cancer cell-derived blood conducting vessels. This process potentially compensates for the lack of access to blood and nutrient in avascular tumors, simultaneously providing nutrients and enhancing cancer invasion and metastasis. Current evidence also supports that vascular mimicry promotes cancer malignancy and metastasis due to the cooperation of oncogenic signaling molecules driving cancer stemness and autophagy. While a number of currently used cancer therapeutics are effective inhibitors of vascular mimicry, developing a new class of vascular mimicry specific inhibitors could allow for the treatment of angiogenesis-resistant tumors, inhibit cancer metastasis and improve patient survival. In this review, we describe the principal vascular mimicry pathways in addition to emphasizing the roles of hypoxia, autophagy and select proangiogenic oncogenes in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Wechman
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Aneuploid Circulating Tumor-Derived Endothelial Cell (CTEC): A Novel Versatile Player in Tumor Neovascularization and Cancer Metastasis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061539. [PMID: 32599893 PMCID: PMC7349247 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematogenous and lymphogenous cancer metastases are significantly impacted by tumor neovascularization, which predominantly consists of blood vessel-relevant angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, and lymphatic vessel-related lymphangiogenesis. Among the endothelial cells that make up the lining of tumor vasculature, a majority of them are tumor-derived endothelial cells (TECs), exhibiting cytogenetic abnormalities of aneuploid chromosomes. Aneuploid TECs are generated from “cancerization of stromal endothelial cells” and “endothelialization of carcinoma cells” in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Both processes crucially engage the hypoxia-triggered epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Compared to the cancerization process, endothelialization of cancer cells, which comprises the fusion of tumor cells with endothelial cells and transdifferentiation of cancer cells into TECs, is the dominant pathway. Tumor-derived endothelial cells, possessing the dual properties of cancerous malignancy and endothelial vascularization ability, are thus the endothelialized cancer cells. Circulating tumor-derived endothelial cells (CTECs) are TECs shed into the peripheral circulation. Aneuploid CD31+ CTECs, together with their counterpart CD31- circulating tumor cells (CTCs), constitute a unique pair of cellular circulating tumor biomarkers. This review discusses a proposed cascaded framework that focuses on the origins of TECs and CTECs in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and their clinical implications for tumorigenesis, neovascularization, disease progression, and cancer metastasis. Aneuploid CTECs, harboring hybridized properties of malignancy, vascularization and motility, may serve as a unique target for developing a novel metastasis blockade cancer therapy.
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Revisiting Cancer Stem Cells as the Origin of Cancer-Associated Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment: A Hypothetical View from the Potential of iPSCs. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040879. [PMID: 32260363 PMCID: PMC7226406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has an essential role in tumor initiation and development. Tumor cells are considered to actively create their microenvironment during tumorigenesis and tumor development. The TME contains multiple types of stromal cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), Tumor endothelial cells (TECs), tumor-associated adipocytes (TAAs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and others. These cells work together and with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and many other factors to coordinately contribute to tumor growth and maintenance. Although the types and functions of TME cells are well understood, the origin of these cells is still obscure. Many scientists have tried to demonstrate the origin of these cells. Some researchers postulated that TME cells originated from surrounding normal tissues, and others demonstrated that the origin is cancer cells. Recent evidence demonstrates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) have differentiation abilities to generate the original lineage cells for promoting tumor growth and metastasis. The differentiation of CSCs into tumor stromal cells provides a new dimension that explains tumor heterogeneity. Using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), our group postulates that CSCs could be one of the key sources of CAFs, TECs, TAAs, and TAMs as well as the descendants, which support the self-renewal potential of the cells and exhibit heterogeneity. In this review, we summarize TME components, their interactions within the TME and their insight into cancer therapy. Especially, we focus on the TME cells and their possible origin and also discuss the multi-lineage differentiation potentials of CSCs exploiting iPSCs to create a society of cells in cancer tissues including TME.
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Shao L, Chen Z, Soutto M, Zhu S, Lu H, Romero-Gallo J, Peek R, Zhang S, El-Rifai W. Helicobacter pylori-induced miR-135b-5p promotes cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer. FASEB J 2018; 33:264-274. [PMID: 29985646 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701456rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. Aberrant expression of microRNAs is strongly implicated in gastric tumorigenesis; however, their contribution in response to H. pylori infection has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the expression of miR-135b-5p and its role in gastric cancer. We describe the overexpression of miR-135b-5p in human gastric cancer tissue samples compared with normal tissue samples. Furthermore, we found that miR-135b-5p is also up-regulated in gastric tumors from the trefoil factor 1-knockout mouse model. Infection with H. pylori induced the expression of miR-135b-5p in the in vitro and in vivo models. miR-135b-5p induction was mediated by NF-κB. Treatment of gastric cancer cells with TNF-α induced miR-135b-5p in a NF-κB-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that miR-135b-5p targets Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and binds to its 3' UTR, leading to reduced KLF4 expression. Functionally, high levels of miR-135b-5p suppress apoptosis and induce cisplatin resistance. Our results uncovered a mechanistic link between H. pylori infection and miR-135b-5p-KLF4, suggesting that targeting miR-135b-5p could be a potential therapeutic approach to circumvent resistance to cisplatin.-Shao, L., Chen, Z., Soutto, M., Zhu, S., Lu, H., Romero-Gallo, J., Peek, R., Zhang, S., El-Rifai, W. Helicobacter pylori-induced miR-135b-5p promotes cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Mohammed Soutto
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shoumin Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Heng Lu
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA; and
| | - Judith Romero-Gallo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hematology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Richard Peek
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hematology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shutian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA; and
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Li Z, Zhu C, An B, Chen Y, He X, Qian L, Lan L, Li S. Indirubin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in tumor-derived endothelial cells. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:2937-2944. [PMID: 29849463 PMCID: PMC5965373 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s157949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most predominant malignancies with high fatality rate and its incidence is rising at an alarming rate because of its resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Indirubin is the major active anti-tumor ingredient of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of indirubin on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of tumor-derived endothelial cells (Td-EC). Methods Td-EC were derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by treating HUVEC with the conditioned medium of human liver cancer cell line HepG2. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were assessed by MTT, wound healing, in vitro cell invasion, and in vitro tube formation assay. Results Td-EC were successfully obtained from HUVEC cultured with 50% culture supernatant from serum-starved HepG2 cells. Indirubin significantly inhibited Td-EC proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Indirubin also inhibited Td-EC migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. However, indirubin's effects were weaker on HUVEC than Td-EC. Conclusion Indirubin significantly inhibited Td-EC proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohong Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chaofu Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Baiping An
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiuyun He
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Qian
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lan Lan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Increasing aggressiveness of patient-derived xenograft models of cervix carcinoma during serial transplantation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:21036-21051. [PMID: 29765518 PMCID: PMC5940365 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Four patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models (BK-12, ED-15, HL-16, LA-19) of carcinoma of the uterine cervix have been developed in our laboratory, and their stability during serial transplantation in vivo was investigated in this study. Two frozen cell stocks were established, one from xenografted tumors in passage 2 (early generation) and the other from xenografted tumors transplanted serially in mice for approximately two years (late generation), and the biology of late generation tumors was compared with that of early generation tumors. Late generation tumors showed higher incidence of lymph node metastases than early generation tumors in three models (ED-15, HL-16, LA-19), and the increased metastatic propensity was associated with increased tumor growth rate, increased microvascular density, and increased expression of angiogenesis-related and cancer stem cell-related genes. Furthermore, late generation tumors showed decreased fraction of pimonidazole-positive tissue (i.e., decreased fraction of hypoxic tissue) in two models (HL-16, LA-19) and decreased fraction of collagen-I-positive tissue (i.e., less extensive extracellular matrix) in two models (ED-15, HL-16). This study showed that serially transplanted PDXs may not necessarily mirror the donor patients’ diseases, and consequently, proper use of serially transplanted PDX models in translational cancer research requires careful molecular monitoring of the models.
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Li H, Yu L, Wang W, Wang L, Zheng X, Dai S, Sun Y. Dynamics of angiogenesis and cellularity in rabbit VX2 tumors using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:2978-2984. [PMID: 29435027 PMCID: PMC5778853 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have demonstrated that dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) may be used to evaluate microvessel density (MVD), and may quantitatively reflect tumor angiogenesis. To investigate the dynamics, including angiogenesis and tumor cellularity, of rabbit VX2 tumors during the 4 weeks following tumor implantation, the present study used DCE-MRI combined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to scan the tumors at 3 days, and then at 1, 2, 3 and 4-week intervals, following tumor implantation. The dynamics, volume transfer coefficient (Ktrans) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the tumor parenchyma were analyzed. Furthermore, the associations between Ktrans and MVD at 4 weeks after tumor implantation were analyzed. Tumor Ktrans was positively correlated with MVD at 4 weeks (r=0.674, P<0.001). Following tumor implantation, the tumor Ktrans level rose for 2 weeks and then began to decline, reaching its lowest point at 4 weeks (P<0.001). ADC values at 1 week were higher than at 3 days, but declined thereafter (P<0.001). Tumor necrosis appeared by 1 week after tumor implantation. The necrosis degree of tumor was gradually increased from the occurrence of necrosis within the 4-week time span of the present study (1 vs. 2 weeks, P=0.008; 2 vs. 3 weeks, P<0.001; 3 vs. 4 weeks, P<0.001). The present study identified that tumor angiogenesis is a dynamic process that serves a function in tumor growth, and that DCE-MRI may reflect tumor parenchymal MVD and be useful in evaluating angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Yu
- Department of PET/CT, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Wenzhi Wang
- Department of PET/CT, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Xiulan Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Shaochun Dai
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Yanqin Sun
- Department of PET/CT, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
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Schirosi L, De Summa S, Tommasi S, Paradiso A, Gasparini G, Popescu O, Simone G, Mangia A. VEGF and TWIST1 in a 16-biomarker immunoprofile useful for prognosis of breast cancer patients. Int J Cancer 2017; 141:1901-1911. [PMID: 28677228 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study concerns the expression of biomarkers involved in diverse pathways, such as progression, DNA repair mechanisms and angiogenesis to establish an immunoprofile capable of characterizing sporadic versus familial breast cancers (BCs). The aim was to identify a patient subgroup with a different clinical outcome, which could then be directed towards new targeted therapies. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was carried out using the immunohistochemical score from tissue microarray sections of an initial cohort of 183 (88 sporadic and 95 familial) patients with invasive BC. For the survival analysis, only those patients with complete follow-up were considered. The HCA revealed a 16-protein immunoprofile, nine of which represent the core, as was also found when familial and sporadic BCs were analysed individually. The 16-biomarker immunoprofile was able to identify a group of patients (Group 1) with a more aggressive tumour phenotype. Survival analyses showed that VEGF+ /TWIST1- patients with familial BC of Group 1 tended to demonstrate a lower DFS than the VEGF- /TWIST1+ sporadic BC patients of Group 2 (p = 0.052). Moreover, the entire cohort of VEGF+ /TWIST1- patients showed a statistically worse DFS than the patients with VEGF- /TWIST1+ expression (p = 0.034). In conclusion, we found that tumour stratification based on an immunoprofile is useful to predict the patient clinical behaviour. In particular, our study indicates that the clustering of tumors on the basis of this immunoprofile suggests the possibility to differentiate familial from sporadic BCs and to clinically select those patients who are more likely to benefit from inhibition of the VEGF pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schirosi
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Simona De Summa
- Molecular Genetic Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tommasi
- Molecular Genetic Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Paradiso
- Experimental Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ondina Popescu
- Pathology Department, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Simone
- Pathology Department, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Anita Mangia
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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Fazioli F, Colella G, Miceli R, Di Salvatore MG, Gallo M, Boccella S, De Chiara A, Ruosi C, de Nigris F. Post-surgery fluids promote transition of cancer stem cell-to-endothelial and AKT/mTOR activity, contributing to relapse of giant cell tumors of bone. Oncotarget 2017; 8:85040-85053. [PMID: 29156702 PMCID: PMC5689592 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB) are rare sarcomas with a high rate of unpredictable local relapse. Studies suggest that surgical methods affect recurrence, supporting the idea that local disease develops from re-growth of residual cancer cells. To identify early prognostic markers of individual risk of recurrence, we evaluated the effect of post-surgery fluids from a cohort of GCTB patients on growth of primary and established sarcoma cell lines, and mice xenograph. Post-surgery fluids increased cell growth and enhanced expression of CD44++, the principal receptor for the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan and the mesenchymal stem marker CD117+. Cancer cells became highly invasive and tumorigenic, acquiring stemness properties, and activated AKT/mTOR pathway. Prolonged stimulation with post-surgery fluids down-regulated the mesenchymal gene TWIST1 and Vimentin protein, and transdifferentiated cells into tubule-like structures positive to the endothelial markers VE-Cadherin and CD31+. In mice, post-surgery fluids gave rise to larger and more vascularized tumors than control, while in patients AKT/mTOR pathway activation was associated with recurrence by logistic regression (Kaplan-Meier; P<0.001). These findings indicate that post-surgery fluids are an adjuvant in mechanisms of tumor regrowth, increasing stem cell growth and AKT/mTOR activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Fazioli
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology Surgery, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Colella
- Department of Human Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Miceli
- S.C. Cellular Biology and Biotherapy, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Michele Gallo
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology Surgery, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples Italy
| | - Annarosaria De Chiara
- Division of Pathology, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Ruosi
- Department of Human Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples Italy
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Xiang H, Zhong ZX, Peng YD, Jiang SW. The Emerging Role of Zfp217 in Adipogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071367. [PMID: 28653987 PMCID: PMC5535860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 217 (Zfp217), a member of the krüppel-type zinc finger protein family, plays diverse roles in cell differentiation and development of mammals. Despite extensive research on the functions of Zfp217 in cancer, pluripotency and reprogramming, its physiological roles in adipogenesis remain unknown. Our previous RNA sequencing data suggest the involvement of Zfp217 in adipogenesis. In this study, the potential function of Zfp217 in adipogenesis was investigated through bioinformatics analysis and a series of experiments. The expression of Zfp217 was found to be gradually upregulated during the adipogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells, which was consistent with that of the adipogenic marker gene Pparg2. Furthermore, there was a positive, significant relationship between Zfp217 expression and adipocyte differentiation. It was also observed that Zfp217 could not only trigger proliferative defect in C3H10T1/2 cells, but also interact with Ezh2 and suppress the downstream target genes of Ezh2. Besides, three microRNAs (miR-503-5p, miR-135a-5p and miR-19a-3p) which target Zfp217 were found to suppress the process of adipogenesis. This is the first report showing that Zfp217 has the capacity to regulate adipogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Zhu-Xia Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yong-Dong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
| | - Si-Wen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Agricultural Ministry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Mao YZ, Jiang L. Effects of Notch signalling pathway on the relationship between vascular endothelial dysfunction and endothelial stromal transformation in atherosclerosis. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28622044 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1337030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
At present, with the improvement of living standards and population aging, the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease is on the rise and has been a serious threat to human health. Statistics show that the current death caused by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease has become the first cause of death has been increasing year by year. Therefore, studies on coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis (AS) have become a hot topic in clinical and basic research. In this study, the question of the effect of Notch signalling pathway on the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and endothelial stromal transformation in AS was studied in depth. Based on our results, we drew conclusions as follows. First, the Notch signalling pathway was activated in the atherosclerotic model; secondly, the Notch signalling pathway was demonstrated to enhance AS by promoting vascular endothelial dysfunction; thirdly, it was demonstrated that the Notch signalling pathway was mediated by promoting endothelial and to enhance AS; finally, we confirmed the endothelial function through the Notch signalling pathway to affect the transformation of endothelial stroma to achieve synergistic AS effect. The results of this study have a good guiding significance for the important role of Notch signalling in AS and indicate the ability to influence endothelial function and endothelial stromal transformation by intervening Notch signalling pathway and can affect the relationship between them, and thus eventually achieve the treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Zhong Mao
- a Department of Pediatric Surgery Union Hospital , Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Ling Jiang
- b Department of Geriatrics , Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
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Puente J, Laínez N, Dueñas M, Méndez-Vidal MJ, Esteban E, Castellano D, Martinez-Fernández M, Basterretxea L, Juan-Fita MJ, Antón L, León L, Lambea J, Pérez-Valderrama B, Vázquez S, Suarez C, del Muro XG, Gallardo E, Maroto JP, Samaniego ML, Suárez-Paniagua B, Sanz J, Paramio JM. Novel potential predictive markers of sunitinib outcomes in long-term responders versus primary refractory patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:30410-30421. [PMID: 28423742 PMCID: PMC5444752 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several potential predictive markers of efficacy of targeted agents in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have been identified. Interindividual heterogeneity warrants further investigation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Multicenter, observational, retrospective study in patients with clear-cell mRCC treated with sunitinib. Patients were classified in two groups: long-term responders (LR) (progression-free survival (PFS)≥22 months and at least stable disease), and primary refractory (PR) (progressive disease within 3-months of sunitinib onset). Objectives were to compare baseline clinical factors in both populations and to correlate tumor expression of selected signaling pathways components with sunitinib PFS. RESULTS 123 patients were analyzed (97 LR, 26 PR). In the LR cohort, overall response rate was 79% and median duration of best response was 30 months. Median PFS and overall survival were 43.2 (95% confidence intervals[CI]:37.2-49.3) and 63.5 months (95%CI:55.1-71.9), respectively. At baseline PR patients had a significantly lower proportion of nephrectomies, higher lactate dehydrogenase and platelets levels, lower hemoglobin, shorter time to and higher presence of metastases, and increased Fuhrman grade. Higher levels of HEYL, HEY and HES1 were observed in LR, although only HEYL discriminated populations significantly (AUC[ROC]=0.704; cut-off=34.85). Increased levels of hsa-miR-27b, hsa-miR-23b and hsa-miR-628-5p were also associated with prolonged survival. No statistical significant associations between hsa-miR-23b or hsa-miR-27b and the expression of c-Met were found. CONCLUSIONS Certain mRCC patients treated with sunitinib achieve extremely long-term responses. Favorable baseline hematology values and longer time to metastasis may predict longer PFS. HEYL, hsa-miR-27b, hsa-miR-23b and hsa-miR-628-5p could be potentially used as biomarkers of sunitinib response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Puente
- Medical Oncology Department, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Laínez
- Medical Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Dueñas
- Molecular Oncology Unit CIEMAT and Instituto Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Spain
| | | | - Emilio Esteban
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Daniel Castellano
- CIBERONC, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, and Instituto Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Martinez-Fernández
- Molecular Oncology Unit CIEMAT and Instituto Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Spain
| | | | | | - Luis Antón
- Medical Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Luis León
- Promoción e Planificación da Investigación Sanitaria, Axencia de Coñecemento en Saúde, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Julio Lambea
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Sergio Vázquez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo, Spain
| | - Cristina Suarez
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Hospital Universitari Vall d' Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Garcia del Muro
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Hospital Duran i Reynals, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Gallardo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain
| | - José Pablo Maroto
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Luz Samaniego
- Statistical Department, Trial Form Support TFS people, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julián Sanz
- Pathology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M. Paramio
- Molecular Oncology Unit CIEMAT and Instituto Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERONC, Spain
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Xiao W, Gao Z, Duan Y, Yuan W, Ke Y. Notch signaling plays a crucial role in cancer stem-like cells maintaining stemness and mediating chemotaxis in renal cell carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:41. [PMID: 28279221 PMCID: PMC5345133 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are correlated with the initiation, chemoresistance and relapse of tumors. Notch pathway has been reported to function in CSCs maintenance, but whether it is involved in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) CSCs maintaining stemness remain unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of Notch pathway on stemness of CSCs in RCC and the underlying mechanisms. Methods The CD133+/CD24+ cells were isolated from RCC ACHN and Caki-1 cell line using Magnetic-activated cell sorting and identified by Flow cytometry analysis. RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses were used for determining the stemness maker expression. The effect of Notch pathway on function of CSCs was assessed by self-renewal ability, chemosensitivity, invasive and migratory ability tumorigenicity in vivo using soft agar colony formation assay, sphere-forming assay, MTT assay, Transwell assay. Results Here, we found that the sorted CD133+/CD24+cells possessed elevated stemness maker CTR2, BCL-2, MDR1, OCT-4, KLF4, compared with parental cells, as well as enhanced self-renewal ability, stronger resistance to cisplatin and sorafenib, increased invasion and migration, and higher tumorigenesis in vivo, suggesting the CD133+/CD24+ cells have the stem-like characteristics of CSCs and thus identified as RCC CSCs. Then the enhanced notch1, notch2, Jagged1, Jagged2, DLL1 and DLL4 expression were detected in RCC CSCs and blockage of Notch1 or notch2 using pharmacological inhibitor MRK-003 or its endogenous inhibitor Numb resulted in loss of its stemness features: self-renewal, chemoresistance, invasive and migratory potential, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Moreover, it is confirmed that overexpression of notch1 up-regulated CXCR4 inRCC CSCs and augmented SDF-1-induced chemotaxis in RCC CSCs in vitro, which could be rescued when treatment of CXCR4 inhibitor, suggesting that notch signaling promotes the chemotaxis of RCC CSCs by SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. Conclusions Our results provide a new mechanism of RCC CSCs maintaining stemness via notch pathway as well as a potential therapeutic target in human RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiao
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, JiefangWest Road 61, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhiyong Gao
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, JiefangWest Road 61, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixing Duan
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, JiefangWest Road 61, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wuxiong Yuan
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, JiefangWest Road 61, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Ke
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, JiefangWest Road 61, Changsha, Hunan, China
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