1
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Pimentel JM, Zhou JY, Wu GS. Autophagy and cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2024:217285. [PMID: 39395780 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217285] [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: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process that sequesters cytoplasmic components in double-membrane vesicles known as autophagosomes, which are degraded upon fusion with lysosomes. This pathway maintains the integrity of proteins and organelles while providing energy and nutrients to cells, particularly under nutrient deprivation. Deregulation of autophagy can cause genomic instability, low protein quality, and DNA damage, all of which can contribute to cancer. Autophagy can also be overactivated in cancer cells to aid in cancer cell survival and drug resistance. Emerging evidence indicates that autophagy has functions beyond cargo degradation, including roles in tumor immunity and cancer stem cell survival. Additionally, autophagy can also influence the tumor microenvironment. This feature warrants further investigation of the role of autophagy in cancer, in which autophagy manipulation can improve cancer therapies, including cancer immunotherapy. This review discusses recent findings on the regulation of autophagy and its role in cancer therapy and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio M Pimentel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093; Institutional Research Academic Career Development Award Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093
| | - Jun Ying Zhou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, 48201; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 48201
| | - Gen Sheng Wu
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, 48201; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 48201; Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201.
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2
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Zhang Y, Wu Y, Liu Z, Yang K, Lin H, Xiong K. Non-coding RNAs as potential targets in metformin therapy for cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:333. [PMID: 39354464 PMCID: PMC11445969 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03516-w] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a widely used oral hypoglycemic drug, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. While initially known for its role in managing diabetes, accumulating evidence suggests that metformin exhibits anticancer properties through various mechanisms. Several cellular or animal experiments have attempted to elucidate the role of non-coding RNA molecules, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in mediating the anticancer effects of metformin. The present review summarized the current understanding of the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs modulate the response to metformin in cancer cells. The regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs, particularly miRNAs, in key cellular processes such as cell proliferation, cell death, angiogenesis, metabolism and epigenetics, and how metformin affects these processes are discussed. This review also highlights the role of lncRNAs in cancer types such as lung adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, and renal cancer, and points out the need for further exploration of the mechanisms by which metformin regulates lncRNAs. In addition, the present review explores the potential advantages of metformin-based therapies over direct delivery of ncRNAs, and this review highlights the mechanisms of non-coding RNA regulation when metformin is combined with other therapies. Overall, the present review provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of metformin mediated by non-coding RNAs, offering novel opportunities for the development of personalized treatment strategies in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunhao Wu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Zixu Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangping Yang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogenesis and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Kai Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China.
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3
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Zhou Q, Cao T, Li F, Zhang M, Li X, Zhao H, Zhou Y. Mitochondria: a new intervention target for tumor invasion and metastasis. Mol Med 2024; 30:129. [PMID: 39179991 PMCID: PMC11344364 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, responsible for cellular energy synthesis and signal transduction, intricately regulate diverse metabolic processes, mediating fundamental biological phenomena such as cell growth, aging, and apoptosis. Tumor invasion and metastasis, key characteristics of malignancies, significantly impact patient prognosis. Tumor cells frequently exhibit metabolic abnormalities in mitochondria, including alterations in metabolic dynamics and changes in the expression of relevant metabolic genes and associated signal transduction pathways. Recent investigations unveil further insights into mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities, revealing their active involvement in tumor cell proliferation, resistance to chemotherapy, and a crucial role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. This paper comprehensively outlines the latest research advancements in mitochondrial structure and metabolic function. Emphasis is placed on summarizing the role of mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities in tumor invasion and metastasis, including alterations in the mitochondrial genome (mutations), activation of mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling, and dynamics within the mitochondria, all intricately linked to the processes of tumor invasion and metastasis. In conclusion, the paper discusses unresolved scientific questions in this field, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and novel perspectives for developing innovative strategies targeting tumor invasion and metastasis based on mitochondrial biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanling Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Tingping Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Fujun Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Hailong Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China.
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China.
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4
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Zamanian MY, Golmohammadi M, Yumashev A, Hjazi A, Toama MA, AbdRabou MA, Gehlot A, Alwaily ER, Shirsalimi N, Yadav PK, Moriasi G. Effects of metformin on cancers in experimental and clinical studies: Focusing on autophagy and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4071. [PMID: 38863255 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Metformin (MET) is a preferred drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies show that apart from its blood glucose-lowering effects, it also inhibits the development of various tumours, by inducing autophagy. Various studies have confirmed the inhibitory effects of MET on cancer cell lines' propagation, migration, and invasion. The objective of the study was to comprehensively review the potential of MET as an anticancer agent, particularly focusing on its ability to induce autophagy and inhibit the development and progression of various tumors. The study aimed to explore the inhibitory effects of MET on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and its impact on key signaling pathways such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and PI3K. This review noted that MET exerts its anticancer effects by regulating key signalling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), LC3-I and LC3-II, Beclin-1, p53, and the autophagy-related gene (ATG), inhibiting the mTOR protein, downregulating the expression of p62/SQSTM1, and blockage of the cell cycle at the G0/G1. Moreover, MET can stimulate autophagy through pathways associated with the 5' AMPK, thereby inhibiting he development and progression of various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, osteosarcoma, myeloma, and non-small cell lung cancer. In summary, this detailed review provides a framework for further investigations that may appraise the autophagy-induced anticancer potential of MET and its repurposing for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yasin Zamanian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Golmohammadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexey Yumashev
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariam Alaa Toama
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Anita Gehlot
- Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Enas R Alwaily
- Microbiology Research Group, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Niyousha Shirsalimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Pankaj Kumar Yadav
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India
| | - Gervason Moriasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
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Lopresti L, Capitani N, Tatangelo V, Tangredi C, Boncompagni G, Frezzato F, Visentin A, Marotta G, Ciofini S, Gozzetti A, Bocchia M, Trentin L, Baldari CT, Patrussi L. p66Shc deficiency in CLL cells enhances PD-L1 expression and suppresses immune synapse formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1297116. [PMID: 38389706 PMCID: PMC10883382 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1297116] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Escape from immunosurveillance is a hallmark of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. In the protective niche of lymphoid organs, leukemic cells suppress the ability of T lymphocytes to form the immune synapse (IS), thereby hampering T-cell mediated anti-tumoral activities. By binding its cognate receptor PD-1 at the surface of T lymphocytes, the inhibitory ligand PD-L1, which is overexpressed in CLL cells, mediates the T-cell suppressive activities of CLL cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PD-L1 overexpression in CLL cells remains unknown. We have previously reported a defective expression of the pro-apoptotic and pro-oxidant adaptor p66Shc in CLL cells, which is causally related to an impairment in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and to the activation of the ROS-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB. The fact that PD-L1 expression is regulated by NF-κB suggests a mechanistic relationship between p66Shc deficiency and PD-L1 overexpression in CLL cells. Methods: 62 treatment-naive CLL patients and 43 healthy donors were included in this study. PD-L1 and p66Shc expression was quantified in B cells by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. IS architecture and local signaling was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. CD8+ cell killing activity was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Here we show that residual p66Shc expression in leukemic cells isolated both from CLL patients and from the CLL mouse model Eμ-TCL1 inversely correlated with PD-L1 expression. We also show that the PD-L1 increase prevented leukemic cells from forming ISs with T lymphocytes. Reconstitution of p66Shc, but not of a ROS-defective mutant, in both CLL cells and the CLL-derived cell line MEC-1, enhanced intracellular ROS and decreased PD-L1 expression. Similar results were obtained following treatment of CLL cells with H2O2 as exogenous source of ROS, that normalized PD-L1 expression and recovered IS formation. Discussion: Our data provide direct evidence that the p66Shc-deficiency-related ROS depletion in CLL cells concurs to enhance PD-L1 expression and provides a mechanistic basis for the suppression of T cell-mediated anti-tumoral functions in the immunosuppressive lymphoid niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nagaja Capitani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Federica Frezzato
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marotta
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Ciofini
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzetti
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Leng Y, Li J, Long Z, Li C, Zhang L, Huang Z, Xi J, Liu Y. Osteoblast-derived exosomes promote osteogenic differentiation of osteosarcoma cells via URG4/Wnt signaling pathway. Bone 2024; 178:116933. [PMID: 37832904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2023.116933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor. Although surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatment methods, the overall curative effect remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic options for osteosarcoma. In this study, the effect and molecular mechanism of osteoblast-derived exosomes on the treatment of osteosarcoma were evaluated. Human primary osteoblasts were cultured to observe the effects of osteoblast-derived exosomes on the osteogenic differentiation of osteosarcoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase detection were used to evaluate the degree of osteogenic differentiation, and immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to detect protein expression. The results showed that osteoblast-derived exosomes effectively inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells and promoted their mineralization in vitro. The exosomes also significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted tumor tissue mineralization in vivo. Osteoblast-derived exosomes upregulated the expression of bone sialoprotein, osteonectin, osteopontin, runt-related transcription factor 2, and Wnt inhibitory factor 1, downregulated the expression of cyclin D1, and suppressed the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and promoted its phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo. However, these effects were significantly reversed by upregulated gene (URG) 4 overexpression. These findings suggest that osteoblast-derived exosomes could activate the osteogenic differentiation process in osteosarcoma cells and promote their differentiation by targeting the URG4/Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxi Leng
- Orthopedics and Traumatology Department VI, Affiliated Hongdu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330008, PR China
| | - Jingtang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Zhisheng Long
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Zutai Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Xi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Yayun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China.
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7
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Ajmeera D, Ajumeera R. Drug repurposing: A novel strategy to target cancer stem cells and therapeutic resistance. Genes Dis 2024; 11:148-175. [PMID: 37588226 PMCID: PMC10425757 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is an effortless and frequently used approach in cancer therapy. However, in most cases, it can only prolong life expectancy and does not guarantee a complete cure. Furthermore, chemotherapy is associated with severe adverse effects, one of the major complications of effective cancer therapy. In addition, newly published research outputs show that cancer stem cells are involved in cancer disease progression, drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence and that they are functional in the trans-differentiation capacity of cancer stem cells to cancer cells in response to treatments. Novel strategies are therefore required for better management of cancer therapy. The prime approach would be to synthesize and develop novel drugs that need extensive resources, time, and endurance to be brought into therapeutic use. The subsequent approach would be to screen the anti-cancer activity of available non-cancerous drugs. This concept of repurposing non-cancer drugs as an alternative to current cancer therapy has become popular in recent years because using existing anticancer drugs has several adverse effects. Micronutrients have also been investigated for cancer therapy due to their significant anti-cancer effects with negligible or no side effects and availability in food sources. In this paper, we discuss an ideal hypothesis for screening available non-cancerous drugs with anticancer activity, with a focus on cancer stem cells and their clinical application for cancer treatment. Further, drug repurposing and the combination of micronutrients that can target both cancers and cancer stem cells may result in a better therapeutic approach leading to maximum tumor growth control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ajmeera
- Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Rajanna Ajumeera
- Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
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8
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WANG J, LIU P, YING L, ZHU R, YANG C, YANG Y, SU D. [Research Progress on the Combination Therapy of EGFR-TKIs and Metformin
in Acquired Resistance to EGFR-TKIs in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2023; 26:874-880. [PMID: 38061889 PMCID: PMC10714045 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2023.106.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) targeting EGFR are effective in EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but drug resistance is inevitable. With the application and expansion of individualized and combined therapy, more and more studies have shown that combined administration of Metformin effectively solves the problem of acquired drug resistance to EGFR-TKIs in clinical treatment and prolongs the survival of patients with NSCLC. EGFR-TKIs combined with Metformin is expected to be the treatment method of choice for NSCLC patients with EGFR-TKIs resistance. This paper intends to summarize the research progress of EGFR-TKIs combined with Metformin in the treatment of EGFR-TKIs acquired resistance in NSCLC, in order to provide a new idea for the treatment of NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs.
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Hashemi M, Razzazan M, Bagheri M, Asadi S, Jamali B, Khalafi M, Azimi A, Rad S, Behroozaghdam M, Nabavi N, Rashidi M, Dehkhoda F, Taheriazam A, Entezari M. Versatile function of AMPK signaling in osteosarcoma: An old player with new emerging carcinogenic functions. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154849. [PMID: 37837858 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling has a versatile role in Osteosarcoma (OS), an aggressive bone malignancy with a poor prognosis, particularly in cases that have metastasized or recurred. This review explores the regulatory mechanisms, functional roles, and therapeutic applications of AMPK signaling in OS. It focuses on the molecular activation of AMPK and its interactions with cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. The uncertain role of AMPK in cancer is also discussed, highlighting its potential as both a tumor suppressor and a contributor to carcinogenesis. The therapeutic potential of targeting AMPK signaling in OS treatment is examined, including direct and indirect activators like metformin, A-769662, resveratrol, and salicylate. Further research is needed to determine dosing, toxicities, and molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-osteosarcoma effects of these compounds. This review underscores the complex involvement of AMPK signaling in OS and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of its molecular mechanisms. By elucidating the role of AMPK in OS, the aim is to pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches that target this pathway, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life for OS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Razzazan
- Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Maryam Bagheri
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Asadi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behdokht Jamali
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Kherad Institute of Higher Education, Bushehr, lran
| | - Maryam Khalafi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics,Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Kish International Branch, Kish, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Azimi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics,Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Kish International Branch, Kish, Iran
| | - Sepideh Rad
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics,Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Kish International Branch, Kish, Iran
| | - Mitra Behroozaghdam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Farshid Dehkhoda
- Department of Orthopedics, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Olmedo I, Martínez D, Carrasco-Rojas J, Jara JA. Mitochondria in oral cancer stem cells: Unraveling the potential drug targets for new and old drugs. Life Sci 2023; 331:122065. [PMID: 37659591 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122065] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is a major health problem worldwide, with most cases arising in the oral cavity. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for over 90% of all cases. Compared to other types of cancer, OSCC, has the worse prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 50%. Additionally, OSCC is characterized by a high rate of resistance to chemotherapy treatment, which may be partly explained by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) subpopulation. CSC can adapt to harmful environmental condition and are highly resistant to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, thus contributing to tumor relapse. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of mitochondria in oral CSC as a potential target for oral cancer treatment. For this purpose, we reviewed some fundamental aspects of the most validated protein markers of stemness, autophagy, the mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in oral CSC. Moreover, a discussion will be made on why energy metabolism, especially oxidative phosphorylation in CSC, may offer such a diverse source of original pharmacological target for new drugs. Finally, we will describe some drugs able to disturb mitochondrial function, with emphasis on those aimed to interrupt the electron transport chain function, as novel therapeutic strategies in multidrug-resistant oral CSC. The reutilization of old drugs approved for clinical use as new antineoplastics, in cancer treatment, is also matter of revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Olmedo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Martínez
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Carrasco-Rojas
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - José A Jara
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Toxicological and Pharmacological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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11
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Almansa-Gómez S, Prieto-Ruiz F, Cansado J, Madrid M. Autophagy Modulation as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Osteosarcoma: Current Insights and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13827. [PMID: 37762129 PMCID: PMC10531374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, the process that enables the recycling and degradation of cellular components, is essential for homeostasis, which occurs in response to various types of stress. Autophagy plays an important role in the genesis and evolution of osteosarcoma (OS). The conventional treatment of OS has limitations and is not always effective at controlling the disease. Therefore, numerous researchers have analyzed how controlling autophagy could be used as a treatment or strategy to reverse resistance to therapy in OS. They highlight how the inhibition of autophagy improves the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments and how the promotion of autophagy could prove positive in OS therapy. The modulation of autophagy can also be directed against OS stem cells, improving treatment efficacy and preventing cancer recurrence. Despite promising findings, future studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and its relationship to OS, as well as the mechanisms underlying the functioning of autophagic modulators. Careful evaluation is required as autophagy modulation may have adverse effects on normal cells, and the optimization of autophagic modulators for use as drugs in OS is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José Cansado
- Yeast Physiology Group, Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (S.A.-G.); (F.P.-R.)
| | - Marisa Madrid
- Yeast Physiology Group, Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (S.A.-G.); (F.P.-R.)
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12
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Li D, Peng X, He G, Liu J, Li X, Lin W, Fang J, Li X, Yang S, Yang L, Li H. Crosstalk between autophagy and CSCs: molecular mechanisms and translational implications. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:409. [PMID: 37422448 PMCID: PMC10329683 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells(CSCs) play a key role in regulating tumorigenesis, progression, as well as recurrence, and possess typical metabolic characteristics. Autophagy is a catabolic process that can aid cells to survive under stressful conditions such as nutrient deficiency and hypoxia. Although the role of autophagy in cancer cells has been extensively studied, CSCs possess unique stemness, and their potential relationship with autophagy has not been fully analyzed. This study summarizes the possible role of autophagy in the renewal, proliferation, differentiation, survival, metastasis, invasion, and treatment resistance of CSCs. It has been found that autophagy can contribute to the maintenance of CSC stemness, facilitate the tumor cells adapt to changes in the microenvironment, and promote tumor survival, whereas in some other cases autophagy acts as an important process involved in the deprivation of CSC stemness thus leading to tumor death. Mitophagy, which has emerged as another popular research area in recent years, has a great scope when explored together with stem cells. In this study, we have aimed to elaborate on the mechanism of action of autophagy in regulating the functions of CSCs to provide deeper insights for future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Guangpeng He
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Weikai Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jianjun Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China.
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
- Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Health Management of Early Digestive Cancer, Shenyang, 110032, China.
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13
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Hua Y, Zheng Y, Yao Y, Jia R, Ge S, Zhuang A. Metformin and cancer hallmarks: shedding new lights on therapeutic repurposing. J Transl Med 2023; 21:403. [PMID: 37344841 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04263-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a well-known anti-diabetic drug that has been repurposed for several emerging applications, including as an anti-cancer agent. It boasts the distinct advantages of an excellent safety and tolerability profile and high cost-effectiveness at less than one US dollar per daily dose. Epidemiological evidence reveals that metformin reduces the risk of cancer and decreases cancer-related mortality in patients with diabetes; however, the exact mechanisms are not well understood. Energy metabolism may be central to the mechanism of action. Based on altering whole-body energy metabolism or cellular state, metformin's modes of action can be divided into two broad, non-mutually exclusive categories: "direct effects", which induce a direct effect on cancer cells, independent of blood glucose and insulin levels, and "indirect effects" that arise from systemic metabolic changes depending on blood glucose and insulin levels. In this review, we summarize an updated account of the current knowledge on metformin antitumor action, elaborate on the underlying mechanisms in terms of the hallmarks of cancer, and propose potential applications for repurposing metformin for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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14
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Nashif SK, Mahr RM, Jena S, Jo S, Nelson AB, Sadowski D, Crawford PA, Puchalska P, Alejandro EU, Gearhart MD, Wernimont SA. Metformin impairs trophoblast metabolism and differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1167097. [PMID: 37250894 PMCID: PMC10213689 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1167097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a widely prescribed medication whose mechanism of action is not completely defined and whose role in gestational diabetes management remains controversial. In addition to increasing the risk of fetal growth abnormalities and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes is associated with abnormalities in placental development including impairments in trophoblast differentiation. Given that metformin impacts cellular differentiation events in other systems, we assessed metformin's impact on trophoblast metabolism and differentiation. Using established cell culture models of trophoblast differentiation, oxygen consumption rates and relative metabolite abundance were determined following 200 µM (therapeutic range) and 2000 µM (supra-therapeutic range) metformin treatment using Seahorse and mass-spectrometry approaches. While no differences in oxygen consumption rates or relative metabolite abundance were detected between vehicle and 200 µM metformin-treated cells, 2000 µM metformin impaired oxidative metabolism and increased the abundance of lactate and TCA cycle intermediates, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, and malate. Examining differentiation, treatment with 2000 μM, but not 200 µM metformin, impaired HCG production and expression of multiple trophoblast differentiation markers. Overall, this work suggests that supra-therapeutic concentrations of metformin impair trophoblast metabolism and differentiation whereas metformin concentrations in the therapeutic range do not strongly impact these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sereen K. Nashif
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Renee M. Mahr
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Snehalata Jena
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Seokwon Jo
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alisa B. Nelson
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Danielle Sadowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Peter A. Crawford
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Patrycja Puchalska
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Emilyn U. Alejandro
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Micah D. Gearhart
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sarah A. Wernimont
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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15
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Allegra A, Murdaca G, Mirabile G, Gangemi S. Redox Signaling Modulates Activity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051325. [PMID: 37238995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy is already a staple of cancer care, many patients may not benefit from these cutting-edge treatments. A crucial field of research now focuses on figuring out how to improve treatment efficacy and assess the resistance mechanisms underlying this uneven response. For a good response, immune-based treatments, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, rely on a strong infiltration of T cells into the tumour microenvironment. The severe metabolic environment that immune cells must endure can drastically reduce effector activity. These immune dysregulation-related tumour-mediated perturbations include oxidative stress, which can encourage lipid peroxidation, ER stress, and T regulatory cells dysfunction. In this review, we have made an effort to characterize the status of immunological checkpoints, the degree of oxidative stress, and the part that latter plays in determining the therapeutic impact of immunological check point inhibitors in different neoplastic diseases. In the second section of the review, we will make an effort to assess new therapeutic possibilities that, by affecting redox signalling, may modify the effectiveness of immunological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, n. 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mirabile
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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16
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Shi P, Cheng Z, Zhao K, Chen Y, Zhang A, Gan W, Zhang Y. Active targeting schemes for nano-drug delivery systems in osteosarcoma therapeutics. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:103. [PMID: 36944946 PMCID: PMC10031984 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01826-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, the most common malignant tumor of the bone, seriously influences people's lives and increases their economic burden. Conventional chemotherapy drugs achieve limited therapeutic effects owing to poor targeting and severe systemic toxicity. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems can significantly enhance the utilization efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs through targeting ligand modifications and reduce the occurrence of systemic adverse effects. A variety of ligand-modified nano-drug delivery systems have been developed for different targeting schemes. Here we review the biological characteristics and the main challenges of current drug therapy of OS, and further elaborate on different targeting schemes and ligand selection for nano-drug delivery systems of osteosarcoma, which may provide new horizons for the development of advanced targeted drug delivery systems in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhi Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhangrong Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Kangcheng Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuhang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Anran Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Weikang Gan
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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17
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Genetic Alterations and Deregulation of Hippo Pathway as a Pathogenetic Mechanism in Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246211. [PMID: 36551696 PMCID: PMC9776600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved modulator of developmental biology with a key role in tissue and organ size regulation under homeostatic conditions. Like other signaling pathways with a significant role in embryonic development, the deregulation of Hippo signaling contributes to oncogenesis. Central to the Hippo pathway is a conserved cascade of adaptor proteins and inhibitory kinases that converge and regulate the activity of the oncoproteins YAP and TAZ, the final transducers of the pathway. Elevated levels and aberrant activation of YAP and TAZ have been described in many cancers. Though most of the studies describe their pervasive activation in epithelial neoplasms, there is increasing evidence pointing out its relevance in mesenchymal malignancies as well. Interestingly, somatic or germline mutations in genes of the Hippo pathway are scarce compared to other signaling pathways that are frequently disrupted in cancer. However, in the case of sarcomas, several examples of genetic alteration of Hippo members, including gene fusions, have been described during the last few years. Here, we review the current knowledge of Hippo pathway implication in sarcoma, describing mechanistic hints recently reported in specific histological entities and how these alterations represent an opportunity for targeted therapy in this heterogeneous group of neoplasm.
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18
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Eugenol Attenuates Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Via ROS-NRF2-ARE Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091838. [PMID: 36139913 PMCID: PMC9495523 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), a coronavirus that causes severe diarrhea due to oxidative stress in the piglet intestine, is a major cause of economic loss in the livestock industry. However, limited interventions have been shown to be effective in the treatment of TGEV. Here, we demonstrate the therapeutic activity of eugenol in TGEV-induced intestinal oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our data show that eugenol supplementation protects intestine and IPEC-J2 cells from TGEV-induced damage. Mechanistically, eugenol reduces TGEV-induced oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells by reducing reactive oxygen species levels. Interestingly, eugenol also inhibits TGEV-induced intestinal cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our data suggest that eugenol prevents TGEV-induced intestinal oxidative stress by reducing ROS-mediated damage to antioxidant signaling pathways. Therefore, eugenol may be a promising therapeutic strategy for TGEV infection.
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19
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Hasanvand A. The role of AMPK-dependent pathways in cellular and molecular mechanisms of metformin: a new perspective for treatment and prevention of diseases. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:775-788. [PMID: 35419709 PMCID: PMC9007580 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metformin can suppress gluconeogenesis and reduce blood sugar by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inducing small heterodimer partner (SHP) expression in the liver cells. The main mechanism of metformin's action is related to its activation of the AMPK enzyme and regulation of the energy balance. AMPK is a heterothermic serine/threonine kinase made of a catalytic alpha subunit and two subunits of beta and a gamma regulator. This enzyme can measure the intracellular ratio of AMP/ATP. If this ratio is high, the amino acid threonine 172 available in its alpha chain would be activated by the phosphorylated liver kinase B1 (LKB1), leading to AMPK activation. Several studies have indicated that apart from its significant role in the reduction of blood glucose level, metformin activates the AMPK enzyme that in turn has various efficient impacts on the regulation of various processes, including controlling inflammatory conditions, altering the differentiation pathway of immune and non-immune cell pathways, and the amelioration of various cancers, liver diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), kidney diseases, neurological disorders, etc. Metformin's activation of AMPK enables it to control inflammatory conditions, improve oxidative status, regulate the differentiation pathways of various cells, change the pathological process in various diseases, and finally have positive therapeutic effects on them. Due to the activation of AMPK and its role in regulating several subcellular signalling pathways, metformin can be effective in altering the cells' proliferation and differentiation pathways and eventually in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Hasanvand
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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20
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Feng J, Wang X, Ye X, Ares I, Lopez-Torres B, Martínez M, Martínez-Larrañaga MR, Wang X, Anadón A, Martínez MA. Mitochondria as an important target of metformin: The mechanism of action, toxic and side effects, and new therapeutic applications. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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21
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Andugulapati SB, Sundararaman A, Lahiry M, Rangarajan A. AMP- activated protein kinase (AMPK) promotes breast cancer stemness and drug resistance. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274505. [PMID: 35195687 PMCID: PMC9150117 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a major cause of therapy resistance and tumour progression. Currently, their regulation is not entirely understood. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated a context-specific pro-tumorigenic role for AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) under anchorage-deprivation and mammosphere formation, which are hallmarks of BCSCs. Therefore, we investigated the role of AMPK in the maintenance of BCSC state/function. AMPK depletion reduces serial sphere formation in vitro and tumour initiation in vivo. Intriguingly, tumour-derived cell analysis using stem cell markers and functional assays revealed that AMPK is required for the maintenance of BCSC populations in vivo. AMPK promotes the expression of stemness genes such as NANOG, SOX2 and BMI1 through the transcriptional upregulation of TWIST via promoter acetylation. Further, AMPK-driven stemness plays a critical role in doxorubicin resistance. Significantly, AMPK activity increased after chemotherapy in patient-derived tumour samples alongside an increase in stemness markers. Importantly, AMPK depletion sensitises mouse tumours to doxorubicin treatment. Our work indicates that targeting of AMPK in conjunction with regular chemotherapy is likely to reduce the stem cell pool and improve chemosensitivity in breast cancers. Summary: AMPK inhibition in conjunction with regular chemotherapy is likely to reduce the stem cell pool and improve chemosensitivity and therapeutic outcomes in breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Ananthalakshmy Sundararaman
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohini Lahiry
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Annapoorni Rangarajan
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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22
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Leite TC, Watters RJ, Weiss KR, Intini G. Avenues of research in dietary interventions to target tumor metabolism in osteosarcoma. J Transl Med 2021; 19:450. [PMID: 34715874 PMCID: PMC8555297 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03122-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone cancer, affecting mostly children and adolescents. Although much progress has been made throughout the years towards treating primary OS, the 5-year survival rate for metastatic OS has remained at only 20% for the last 30 years. Therefore, more efficient treatments are needed. Recent studies have shown that tumor metabolism displays a unique behavior, and plays important roles in tumor growth and metastasis, making it an attractive potential target for novel therapies. While normal cells typically fuel the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway with the products of glycolysis, cancer cells acquire a plastic metabolism, uncoupling these two pathways. This allows them to obtain building blocks for proliferation from glycolytic intermediates and ATP from OXPHOS. One way to target the metabolism of cancer cells is through dietary interventions. However, while some diets have shown anticancer effects against certain tumor types in preclinical studies, as of yet none have been tested to treat OS. Here we review the features of tumor metabolism, in general and about OS, and propose avenues of research in dietary intervention, discussing strategies that could potentially be effective to target OS metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiana Campos Leite
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Jean Watters
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kurt Richard Weiss
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Intini
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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23
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Metformin Potentiates the Anticancer Effect of Everolimus on Cervical Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184612. [PMID: 34572837 PMCID: PMC8468269 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent studies have shown that metformin combined with clinical chemotherapeutic drugs could cause decreased cell toxicity and attenuate tumor resistance in various types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether combined treatment with metformin and everolimus has a synergistic anticancer effect in human cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that this combined treatment synergistically inhibited the growth of human cervical cancer cell lines and xenografts in nude mice, and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, promoting sub-G1- and G0/G1-phase arrest and enhancing mtROS production. Combined treatment also synergistically inactivated PI3K/AKT signaling and activated MAPKs signaling in cervical cancer. Our data suggested that metformin potentiates the anticancer effect of everolimus on cervical cancer, and combined treatment provides a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with cervical cancer. Abstract Cervical cancer is globally the fourth most common cancer in women. Metformin is a widely used drug for the treatment of type II diabetes and has been shown to possess important anticancer properties in cervical cancer. Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor and is widely used to treat NETs, RCC, TSC, and breast cancers. The present study investigated the anticancer effects of metformin and everolimus in cervical cancer, when used alone or in combination. CaSki and C33A human cervical cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of everolimus alone or in combination with metformin. Cell viability was assessed using a CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis, cell-cycle, and mtROS analyses were conducted using flow cytometry. Target protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting. Related mechanisms were confirmed using appropriate inhibitors (z-VAD-fmk and BIRB796). The in vitro results were further confirmed in a xenograft tumor study. Both metformin and everolimus, when used alone, were moderately effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis of CaSki and C33A cells. When used in combination, these two drugs synergistically inhibited the growth of human cervical cancer cells and xenografts in nude mice, promoted sub-G1- and G0/G1-phase cell-cycle arrest, and enhanced mtROS production. The protein expressions of PI3K (p110α) and p-AKT were significantly downregulated, while P27, P21, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK were upregulated following combined treatment. These results revealed that metformin potentiates the anticancer effect of everolimus on cervical cancer, and combination treatment with metformin and everolimus provides a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with cervical cancer.
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Menéndez ST, Gallego B, Murillo D, Rodríguez A, Rodríguez R. Cancer Stem Cells as a Source of Drug Resistance in Bone Sarcomas. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122621. [PMID: 34198693 PMCID: PMC8232081 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone sarcomas are commonly characterized by a high degree of intra-tumor heterogeneity, which in part is due to the presence of subpopulations of tumor cells presenting stem cell properties. Similar to normal stem cells, these cancer stem cells (CSCs) display a drug resistant phenotype and therefore are responsible for relapses and tumor dissemination. Drug resistance in bone sarcomas could be enhanced/modulated during tumor evolution though the acquisition of (epi)-genetic alterations and the adaptation to changing microenvironments, including drug treatments. Here we summarize findings supporting the involvement of pro-stemness signaling in the development of drug resistance in bone sarcomas. This include the activation of well-known pro-stemness pathways (Wnt/β-Cat, NOTCH or JAT/STAT pathways), changes in the metabolic and autophagic activities, the alteration of epigenetic pathways, the upregulation of specific non-coding RNAs and the crosstalk with different microenvironmental factors. This altered signaling is expected to be translated to the clinic in the form of biomarkers of response and new therapies able to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía T. Menéndez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (B.G.); (D.M.); (A.R.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.T.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Borja Gallego
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (B.G.); (D.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Dzohara Murillo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (B.G.); (D.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Aida Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (B.G.); (D.M.); (A.R.)
| | - René Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (B.G.); (D.M.); (A.R.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBER en Oncología (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.T.M.); (R.R.)
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Brunel A, Bégaud G, Auger C, Durand S, Battu S, Bessette B, Verdier M. Autophagy and Extracellular Vesicles, Connected to rabGTPase Family, Support Aggressiveness in Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:1330. [PMID: 34072080 PMCID: PMC8227744 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though cancers have been widely studied and real advances in therapeutic care have been made in the last few decades, relapses are still frequently observed, often due to therapeutic resistance. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are, in part, responsible for this resistance. They are able to survive harsh conditions such as hypoxia or nutrient deprivation. Autophagy and Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) secretion are cellular processes that help CSC survival. Autophagy is a recycling process and EVs secretion is essential for cell-to-cell communication. Their roles in stemness maintenance have been well described. A common pathway involved in these processes is vesicular trafficking, and subsequently, regulation by Rab GTPases. In this review, we analyze the role played by Rab GTPases in stemness status, either directly or through their regulation of autophagy and EVs secretion.
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Abstract
Accumulating evidence strongly indicates that the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) leads to the emergence of worse clinical scenarios, such as chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, metastasis, and cancer recurrence. CSCs are a highly tumorigenic population characterized by self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential. Thus, CSCs establish a hierarchical intratumor organization that enables tumor adaptation to evade the immune response and resist anticancer therapy. YY1 functions as a transcription factor, RNA-binding protein, and 3D chromatin regulator. Thus, YY1 has multiple effects and regulates several molecular processes. Emerging evidence indicates that the development of lethal YY1-mediated cancer phenotypes is associated with the presence of or enrichment in cancer stem-like cells. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate whether and to what extent YY1 regulates the CSC phenotype. Since CSCs mirror the phenotypic behavior of stem cells, we initially describe the roles played by YY1 in embryonic and adult stem cells. Next, we scrutinize evidence supporting the contributions of YY1 in CSCs from a number of various cancer types. Finally, we identify new areas for further investigation into the YY1-CSCs axis, including the participation of YY1 in the CSC niche.
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Zhang H, Zhao C, Jiang G, Hu B, Zheng H, Hong Y, Cui Z, Shi L, Li X, Lin F, Ding Y, Wei L, Li M, Liang X, Zhang Y. Apelin Rejuvenates Aged Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Regulating Autophagy and Improves Cardiac Protection After Infarction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:628463. [PMID: 33738284 PMCID: PMC7960672 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.628463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The protective effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy for myocardial infarction (MI) are largely hampered as they age. Apelin is an endogenous ligand of its receptor APJ and plays an essential role in regulating multiple biological activities including MSC proliferation and survival. In this study, we investigated whether Apelin regulates MSC senescence and whether its overexpression could rejuvenate aged MSCs (AMSCs) to improve cardiac protection following infarction in mice. MSC senescence was evaluated by senescence-associated β-galactosidase assays. Apelin level was examined by western blotting. Autophagy was determined by transmission electron microscopy. The cardioprotective effect of AMSCs with Apelin overexpression (Apelin-AMSCs) was assessed in a mouse MI model. Apelin expression was dramatically reduced in AMSCs. Interestingly, knockdown of Apelin induced young MSCs (YMSC) senescence, whereas overexpression rescued AMSC senescence. Apelin overexpression also increased AMSC angiogenic capacity. Mechanistically, Apelin overexpression upregulated the autophagy level of AMSCs by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, thereby rejuvenating AMSCs. Compared with AMSCs, transplantation of Apelin-AMSCs achieved better therapeutic efficacy for MI by enhancing cell survival and angiogenesis. In conclusion, our results reveal that Apelin activates AMPK to rejuvenate AMSCs by increasing autophagy and promotes cardioprotection following infarction in mice. This study identified a novel target to rejuvenate AMSCs and enhance their therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengling Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Guojun Jiang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Bei Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifeng Zheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yimei Hong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Cui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Linli Shi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Lin
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Translational Medical Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wei
- Clinical Translational Medical Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mimi Li
- Clinical Translational Medical Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoting Liang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Translational Medical Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang X, Su Q, Zhou J, Yang Z, Liu Z, Ji L, Gao H, Jiang G. To betray or to fight? The dual identity of the mitochondria in cancer. Future Oncol 2021; 17:723-743. [DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that provide energy for oxidative phosphorylation in cells. Equally, they are the major sites for the metabolism of amino acids, lipids and iron. When cells become cancerous, the morphology, cellular location and metabolic mode of the mitochondria change accordingly. These mitochondrial changes can have two opposing effects on cancer: procancer and anticancer effects. Specifically, mitochondria play roles in the fight against cancer by participating in processes such as ferroptosis, mitophagy and antitumor immunity. Contrastingly, cancer cells can also enslave mitochondria to give them the conditions necessary for growth and metastasis. Moreover, through mitochondria, cancer cells can escape from immune surveillance, resulting in their immune escape and enhanced malignant transformation ability. At present, cancer-related studies of mitochondria are one-sided; therefore, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding by systematically reviewing the two-sided cancer-related properties of mitochondria. Mitochondrial-targeted drugs are gradually emerging and showing significant advantages in cancer treatment; thus, our in-depth exploration of mitochondria in cancer will help to provide theoretical support for the future provision of efficient and low-toxicity cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
| | - Quanzhong Su
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
| | - Zhihong Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
| | - Zhantao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
| | - Lixia Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
| | - Guohui Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, PR China
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Lu G, Wu Z, Shang J, Xie Z, Chen C, Zhang C. The effects of metformin on autophagy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111286. [PMID: 33524789 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the first-line option for treating newly diagnosed diabetic patients and also involved in other pharmacological actions, including antitumor effect, anti-aging effect, polycystic ovarian syndrome prevention, cardiovascular action, and neuroprotective effect, etc. However, the mechanisms of metformin actions were not fully illuminated. Recently, increasing researches showed that autophagy is a vital medium of metformin playing pharmacological actions. Nevertheless, results on the effects of metformin on autophagy were inconsistent. Apart from few clinical evidences, more data focused on kinds of no-clinical models. First, many studies showed that metformin could induce autophagy via a number of signaling pathways, including AMPK-related signaling pathways (e.g. AMPK/mTOR, AMPK/CEBPD, MiTF/TFE, AMPK/ULK1, and AMPK/miR-221), Redd1/mTOR, STAT, SIRT, Na+/H+ exchangers, MAPK/ERK, PK2/PKR/AKT/ GSK3β, and TRIB3. Secondly, some signaling pathways were involved in the process of metformin inhibiting autophagy, such as AMPK-related signaling pathways (AMPK/NF-κB and other undetermined AMPK-related signaling pathways), Hedgehog, miR-570-3p, miR-142-3p, and MiR-3127-5p. Thirdly, two types of signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT/mTOR and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress could bidirectionally impact the effectiveness of metformin on autophagy. Finally, multiple signal pathways were reviewed collectively in terms of affecting the effectiveness of metformin on autophagy. The pharmacological effects of metformin combining its actions on autophagy were also discussed. It would help better apply metformin to treat diseases in term of mediating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangli Lu
- School of Business, Henan University, Henan, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Institute of Nursing and Health, College of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Henan, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jia Shang
- School of Kaifeng Culture and Tourism, Henan, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhenxing Xie
- School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Henan, Kaifeng, Jinming Avenue, 475004, China.
| | - Chaoran Chen
- Institute of Nursing and Health, College of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Henan, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Chuning Zhang
- Institute of Nursing and Health, College of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Henan, Kaifeng, China
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Jiang LL, Liu L. Effect of metformin on stem cells: Molecular mechanism and clinical prospect. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:1455-1473. [PMID: 33505595 PMCID: PMC7789120 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i12.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a first-line medication for type II diabetes. Numerous studies have shown that metformin not only has hypoglycemic effects, but also modulates many physiological and pathological processes ranging from aging and cancer to fracture healing. During these different physiological activities and pathological changes, stem cells usually play a core role. Thus, many studies have investigated the effects of metformin on stem cells. Metformin affects cell differentiation and has promising applications in stem cell medicine. It exerts anti-aging effects and can be applied to gerontology and regenerative medicine. The potential anti-cancer stem cell effect of metformin indicates that it can be an adjuvant therapy for cancers. Furthermore, metformin has beneficial effects against many other diseases including cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the effects of metformin on stem cells and provide an overview of its molecular mechanisms and clinical prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Li Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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Chen YH, Yang SF, Yang CK, Tsai HD, Chen TH, Chou MC, Hsiao YH. Metformin induces apoptosis and inhibits migration by activating the AMPK/p53 axis and suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling in human cervical cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:88. [PMID: 33236135 PMCID: PMC7716426 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide, and it is expected to result in 460,000 deaths per year by 2040. Moreover, patients with cervical cancer often display drug resistance and severe side effects; therefore, the development of effective novel chemotherapeutic agents is important. In the present study, the effects of metformin, a first-line therapeutic drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, were evaluated in cervical cancer. Compared with the control group, metformin significantly inhibited cell viability and migration, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human cervical cancer cell lines (CaSki and HeLa). Following metformin treatment, the protein expression levels of p-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), which promotes cell death, and the tumor suppressor protein p-p53 were remarkably upregulated in CaSki and C33A cells compared with the control group. Furthermore, compared with the control group, metformin significantly suppressed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in CaSki, C33A and HeLa cells. Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) significantly reversed the effects of metformin on CaSki, C33A and HeLa cell viability, and AMPK and p53 phosphorylation. The results of the present study suggested that metformin induced AMPK-mediated apoptosis, thus metformin may serve as a chemotherapeutic agent for human cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chueh-Ko Yang
- Women's Health Research Laboratory, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Horng-Der Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tze-Ho Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Chih Chou
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Hsuan Hsiao
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Ma K, Zhang C, Li W. Gamabufotalin suppressed osteosarcoma stem cells through the TGF-β/periostin/PI3K/AKT pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 331:109275. [PMID: 33010222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the effect of gamabufotalin (GBT) on metastasis and modulation of stemness features in osteosarcoma, and the molecular mechanisms underlying such effects. METHODS Human osteosarcoma U2OS/MG-63 cell lines were used in this study. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by MTT assay, wound healing assay, and cell invasion assay, respectively. The inhibitive effect of GBT on stemness was assessed by flow cytometry and mammosphere formation. The protein levels of related proteins were detected by western blotting analysis. The effect of GBT on tumorigenicity and metastasis was determined by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry in vivo experiments. RESULTS We found that GBT suppressed the viability of U2OS/MG-63 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Notably, GBT had no effect on the viability of human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) 1.19 cells. Moreover, GBT increased the width of wounds, reduced the number of invasive osteosarcoma cells and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype. Notably, we found that, compared with hFOB1.19 cells, the levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), periostin, phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT), and phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K) were higher in spheroids group than in parent cells. In addition, GBT reduced the ratio of CD133+ cells, the size of spheroids and Nanog, as well as the protein levels of SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), and octamer-binding protein 3/4 (OCT3/4). Our in vivo experiments showed that GBT consistently reduced lung metastasis lesions, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), TGF-β, periostin, p-AKT, and p-PI3K (immunohistochemistry staining), as well as that of CD133 in tumor tissues (immunofluorescence analysis). From a mechanistic point of view, exogenous TGF-β/periostin/PI3K/AKT overexpression neutralized the reduction of GBT-decreased invasion/migration and the suppression of stemness properties. CONCLUSION Collectively, our data demonstrated that GBT inhibited the viability and tumorigenesis capability of osteosarcoma cells by blocking the TGF-β/periostin/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, GBT may represent a promising therapeutic agent for the management of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ma
- Luoyang Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province & Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, 471002, China.
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Luoyang Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province & Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, 471002, China
| | - Wuyin Li
- Luoyang Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province & Orthopaedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, 471002, China.
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Najafzadeh B, Asadzadeh Z, Motafakker Azad R, Mokhtarzadeh A, Baghbanzadeh A, Alemohammad H, Abdoli Shadbad M, Vasefifar P, Najafi S, Baradaran B. The oncogenic potential of NANOG: An important cancer induction mediator. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2443-2458. [PMID: 32960465 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a unique population in the tumor, but they only comprise 2%-5% of the tumor bulk. Although CSCs share several features with embryonic stem cells, CSCs can give rise to the tumor cells. CSCs overexpress embryonic transcription factor NANOG, which is downregulated in differentiated tissues. This transcription factor confers CSC's stemness, unlimited self-renewal, metastasis, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and drug-resistance with the assistance of WNT, OCT4, SOX2, Hedgehog, BMI-1, and other complexes. NANOG facilitates CSCs development via multiple pathways, like angiogenesis and lessening E-cadherin expression levels, which paves the road for metastasis. Moreover, NANOG represses apoptosis and leads to drug-resistance. This review aims to highlight the pivotal role of NANOG and the pertained pathways in CSCs. Also, this current study intends to demonstrate that targeting NANOG can dimmish the CSCs, sensitize the tumor to chemotherapy, and eradicate the cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Parisa Vasefifar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Zhao B, Luo J, Yu T, Zhou L, Lv H, Shang P. Anticancer mechanisms of metformin: A review of the current evidence. Life Sci 2020; 254:117717. [PMID: 32339541 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metformin, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved "star" drug used for diabetes mellitus type 2, has become a topic of increasing interest to researchers due to its anti-neoplastic effects. Growing evidence has demonstrated that metformin may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent, and several clinical trials of metformin use in cancer treatment are ongoing. However, the anti-neoplastic effects of metformin and its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we present the newest findings on the anticancer activities of metformin, and highlight its diverse anticancer mechanisms. Several clinical trials, as well as the limitations of the current evidence are also demonstrated. This review explores the crucial roles of metformin and provides supporting evidence for the repurposing of metformin as a treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China; School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China; School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Tongyao Yu
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China; School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Liangfu Zhou
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China; School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Huanhuan Lv
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China; School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Peng Shang
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China.
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Bailly C. Regulation of PD-L1 expression on cancer cells with ROS-modulating drugs. Life Sci 2020; 246:117403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Bort A, Sánchez BG, de Miguel I, Mateos-Gómez PA, Diaz-Laviada I. Dysregulated lipid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma cancer stem cells. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2635-2647. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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