1
|
Aydin H, Ozcelikkale A, Acar A. Exploiting Matrix Stiffness to Overcome Drug Resistance. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4682-4700. [PMID: 38967485 PMCID: PMC11322920 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00445] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing cancer research today. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance in tumor progression and metastasis are essential in developing better treatment modalities. Given the matrix stiffness affecting the mechanotransduction capabilities of cancer cells, characterization of the related signal transduction pathways can provide a better understanding for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aimed to summarize the recent advancements in tumor matrix biology in parallel to therapeutic approaches targeting matrix stiffness and its consequences in cellular processes in tumor progression and metastasis. The cellular processes governed by signal transduction pathways and their aberrant activation may result in activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stemness, and autophagy, which can be attributed to drug resistance. Developing therapeutic strategies to target these cellular processes in cancer biology will offer novel therapeutic approaches to tailor better personalized treatment modalities for clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hakan
Berk Aydin
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical
University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Altug Ozcelikkale
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical
University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
- Graduate
Program of Biomedical Engineering, Middle
East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Acar
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical
University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou X, Zhang C, Yu H, Feng Z, Bai X, Mei Y, Li L, Li X, Gou X, Deng Y. The MEF2A/SNHG16/miR-425-5p/NOTCH2 axis induces gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis in the starving bladder tumor microenvironment. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111337. [PMID: 39121977 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Gemcitabine resistance is one of the leading causes of bladder cancer (BCa) recurrence and progression. The dysregulation of ferroptosis is involved in this process; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we found a prominent increase in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) in tumor samples, which was related to advanced tumor grade and poor prognosis. SNHG16 is overexpressed in the starving tumor microenvironment (STME) and induces gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis in BCa. SNHG16 knockdown promotes ferroptosis and increases chemosensitivity to gemcitabine. Mechanistically, the transcription factor MEF2A was markedly upregulated in the STME, facilitating SNHG16 expression. SNHG16 acts as a competing endogenous RNA that sponges miR-425-5p and promotes NOTCH2 expression. SNHG16/miR-425-5p/NOTCH2 is demonstrated, for the first time, to suppress ferroptosis by inducing SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of miR-425-5p reverses NOTCH2-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis, thereby mitigating gemcitabine resistance. In conclusion, these findings reveal that the STME-activated MEF2A/SNHG16/miR-425-5p/NOTCH2 axis induces gemcitabine resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis and implicate SNHG16 as a potential therapeutic target for chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunlin Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, Chongqing, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenwei Feng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuesong Bai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhua Mei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyuan Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Gou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yuanzhong Deng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang J, Sun Q, Liu X, Yang Y, Rong R, Yan P, Xie Y. Targeting Notch signaling pathways with natural bioactive compounds: a promising approach against cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1412669. [PMID: 39092224 PMCID: PMC11291470 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1412669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling pathway is activated abnormally in solid and hematological tumors, which perform essential functions in cell differentiation, survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis. The activation of Notch signaling and communication among Notch and other oncogenic pathways heighten malignancy aggressiveness. Thus, targeting Notch signaling offers opportunities for improved survival and reduced disease incidence. Already, most attention has been given to its role in the cancer cells. Recent research shows that natural bioactive compounds can change signaling molecules that are linked to or interact with the Notch pathways. This suggests that there may be a link between Notch activation and the growth of tumors. Here, we sum up the natural bioactive compounds that possess inhibitory effects on human cancers by impeding the Notch pathway and preventing Notch crosstalk with other oncogenic pathways, which provoke further study of these natural products to derive rational therapeutic regimens for the treatment of cancer and develop novel anticancer drugs. This review revealed Notch as a highly challenging but promising target in oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qihui Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Rong
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Peiyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gupta P, Bermejo-Rodriguez C, Kocher H, Pérez-Mancera PA, Velliou EG. Chemotherapy Assessment in Advanced Multicellular 3D Models of Pancreatic Cancer: Unravelling the Importance of Spatiotemporal Mimicry of the Tumor Microenvironment. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300580. [PMID: 38327154 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300580] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenge for global health with very low survival rate and high therapeutic resistance. Hence, advanced preclinical models for treatment screening are of paramount importance. Herein, chemotherapeutic (gemcitabine) assessment on novel (polyurethane) scaffold-based spatially advanced 3D multicellular PDAC models is carried out. Through comprehensive image-based analysis at the protein level, and expression analysis at the mRNA level, the importance of stromal cells is confirmed, primarily activated stellate cells in the chemoresistance of PDAC cells within the models. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that, in addition to the presence of activated stellate cells, the spatial architecture of the scaffolds, i.e., segregation/compartmentalization of the cancer and stromal zones, affect the cellular evolution and is necessary for the development of chemoresistance. These results highlight that, further to multicellularity, mapping the tumor structure/architecture and zonal complexity in 3D cancer models is important for better mimicry of the in vivo therapeutic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Camino Bermejo-Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Hemant Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology and Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Pedro A Pérez-Mancera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Eirini G Velliou
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miyazaki K, Ariake K, Sato S, Miura T, Xun J, Douchi D, Ishida M, Ohtsuka H, Mizuma M, Nakagawa K, Kamei T, Unno M. GFPT2 expression is induced by gemcitabine administration and enhances invasion by activating the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway in pancreatic cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-024-10298-y. [PMID: 38888874 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Our previous studies revealed a novel link between gemcitabine (GEM) chemotherapy and elevated glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 2 (GFPT2) expression in pancreatic cancer (PaCa) cells. GFPT2 is a rate-limiting enzyme in the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). HBP can enhance metastatic potential by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of this study was to further evaluate the effect of chemotherapy-induced GFPT2 expression on metastatic potential. GFPT2 expression was evaluated in a mouse xenograft model following GEM exposure and in clinical specimens of patients after chemotherapy using immunohistochemical analysis. The roles of GFPT2 in HBP activation, downstream pathways, and cellular functions in PaCa cells with regulated GFPT2 expression were investigated. GEM exposure increased GFPT2 expression in tumors resected from a mouse xenograft model and in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). GFPT2 expression was correlated with post-operative liver metastasis after NAC. Its expression activated the HBP, promoting migration and invasion. Treatment with HBP inhibitors reversed these effects. Additionally, GFPT2 upregulated ZEB1 and vimentin expression and downregulated E-cadherin expression. GEM induction upregulated GFPT2 expression. Elevated GFPT2 levels promoted invasion by activating the HBP, suggesting the potential role of this mechanism in promoting chemotherapy-induced metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kent Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kyohei Ariake
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Sendai City Medical Center Sendai Open Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Satoko Sato
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takayuki Miura
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jingyu Xun
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Daisuke Douchi
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masaharu Ishida
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideo Ohtsuka
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masamichi Mizuma
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kei Nakagawa
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takashi Kamei
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cao J, Zeng K, Chen Q, Yang T, Lu F, Lin C, Zhan J, Ma W, Zhou T, Huang Y, Luo F, Zhao H. PQR309, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, synergizes with gemcitabine by impairing the GSK-3β and STAT3/HSP60 signaling pathways to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:237. [PMID: 38555280 PMCID: PMC10981756 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
End-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has unsatisfactory survival. The limited benefit of chemotherapy and the scarcity of targeted drugs are major challenges in NPC. New approaches to treat late-stage NPC are urgently required. In this study, we explored whether the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, PQR309, exerted a favorable antineoplastic effect and sensitized the response to gemcitabine in NPC. We observed that PI3K expression was positive and elevated in 14 NPC cell lines compared with that in normal nasopharygeal cell lines. Patients with NPC with higher PI3K levels displayed poorer prognosis. We subsequently showed that PQR309 alone effectively decreased the viability, invasiveness, and migratory capability of NPC cells and neoplasm development in mice xenograft models, and dose-dependently induced apoptosis. More importantly, PQR309 remarkably strengthened the anti-NPC function of gemcitabine both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, PQR309 sensitized NPC to gemcitabine by increasing caspase pathway-dependent apoptosis, blocking GSK-3β and STAT3/HSP60 signaling, and ablating epithelial-mesenchyme transition. Thus, targeting PI3K/mTOR using PQR309 might represent a treatment option to promote the response to gemcitabine in NPC, and provides a theoretical foundation for the study of targeted drugs combined with chemotherapy for NPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Kangmei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Qun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Feiteng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Chaozhuo Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Jianhua Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Ting Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Fan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China.
| | - Hongyun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin Q, Serratore A, Niu J, Shen S, Roy Chaudhuri T, Ma WW, Qu J, Kandel ES, Straubinger RM. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 inhibition suppresses pancreatic cancer chemoresistance and chemotherapy-driven aggressiveness. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 73:101064. [PMID: 38387284 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often intrinsically-resistant to standard-of-care chemotherapies such as gemcitabine. Acquired gemcitabine resistance (GemR) can arise from treatment of initially-sensitive tumors, and chemotherapy can increase tumor aggressiveness. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and chemotherapy-driven tumor aggressiveness, which are understood incompletely. METHODS Differential proteomic analysis was employed to investigate chemotherapy-driven chemoresistance drivers and responses of PDAC cells and patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) having different chemosensitivities. We also investigated the prognostic value of FGFR1 expression in the efficacy of selective pan-FGFR inhibitor (FGFRi)-gemcitabine combinations. RESULTS Quantitative proteomic analysis of a highly-GemR cell line revealed fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) as the highest-expressed receptor tyrosine kinase. FGFR1 knockdown or FGFRi co-treatment enhanced gemcitabine efficacy and decreased GemR marker expression, implicating FGFR1 in augmentation of GemR. FGFRi treatment reduced PDX tumor progression and prolonged survival significantly, even in highly-resistant tumors in which neither single-agent showed efficacy. Gemcitabine exacerbated aggressiveness of highly-GemR tumors, based upon proliferation and metastatic markers. Combining FGFRi with gemcitabine or gemcitabine+nab-paclitaxel reversed tumor aggressiveness and progression, and prolonged survival significantly. In multiple PDAC PDXs, FGFR1 expression correlated with intrinsic tumor gemcitabine sensitivity. CONCLUSION FGFR1 drives chemoresistance and tumor aggressiveness, which FGFRi can reverse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiang Lin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Andrea Serratore
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Jin Niu
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Shichen Shen
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Tista Roy Chaudhuri
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Wen Wee Ma
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Eugene S Kandel
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Robert M Straubinger
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ebrahimi N, Manavi MS, Faghihkhorasani F, Fakhr SS, Baei FJ, Khorasani FF, Zare MM, Far NP, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Ren J, Reiter RJ, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Chen C, Ertas YN, Lu Q. Harnessing function of EMT in cancer drug resistance: a metastasis regulator determines chemotherapy response. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:457-479. [PMID: 38227149 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10162-7] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complicated molecular process that governs cellular shape and function changes throughout tissue development and embryogenesis. In addition, EMT contributes to the development and spread of tumors. Expanding and degrading the surrounding microenvironment, cells undergoing EMT move away from the main location. On the basis of the expression of fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), collagen, and smooth muscle actin (-SMA), the mesenchymal phenotype exhibited in fibroblasts is crucial for promoting EMT. While EMT is not entirely reliant on its regulators like ZEB1/2, Twist, and Snail proteins, investigation of upstream signaling (like EGF, TGF-β, Wnt) is required to get a more thorough understanding of tumor EMT. Throughout numerous cancers, connections between tumor epithelial and fibroblast cells that influence tumor growth have been found. The significance of cellular crosstalk stems from the fact that these events affect therapeutic response and disease prognosis. This study examines how classical EMT signals emanating from various cancer cells interfere to tumor metastasis, treatment resistance, and tumor recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Science and Biotechnology, Campus Hamar, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Mohammad Mehdi Zare
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nazanin Pazhouhesh Far
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Translational Medicine Group, Xsphera Biosciences, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Chu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yavuz Nuri Ertas
- ERNAM-Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Türkiye.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Türkiye.
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Uehara M, Domoto T, Takenaka S, Takeuchi O, Shimasaki T, Miyashita T, Minamoto T. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β: the nexus of chemoresistance, invasive capacity, and cancer stemness in pancreatic cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:4. [PMID: 38318525 PMCID: PMC10838383 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a significant clinical challenge due to the limited number of patients eligible for curative (R0) surgery, failures in the clinical development of targeted and immune therapies, and the pervasive acquisition of chemotherapeutic resistance. Refractory pancreatic cancer is typified by high invasiveness and resistance to therapy, with both attributes related to tumor cell stemness. These malignant characteristics mutually enhance each other, leading to rapid cancer progression. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have produced evidence of the pivotal role of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β in the progression of over 25 different cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the pathological roles of aberrant GSK3β in supporting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, as well as its contribution to gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Importantly, we discuss the central role of GSK3β as a molecular hub that mechanistically connects chemoresistance, tumor cell invasion, and stemness in pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the involvement of GSK3β in the formation of desmoplastic tumor stroma and in promoting anti-cancer immune evasion, both of which constitute major obstacles to successful cancer treatment. Overall, GSK3β has characteristics of a promising therapeutic target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Uehara
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Takahiro Domoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Satoshi Takenaka
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Osamu Takeuchi
- Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Research, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Takeo Shimasaki
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Miyashita
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Toshinari Minamoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim S, Leem G, Choi J, Koh Y, Lee S, Nam SH, Kim JS, Park CH, Hwang HK, Min KI, Jo JH, Lee HS, Chung MJ, Park JY, Park SW, Song SY, Shin EC, Kang CM, Bang S, Park JE. Integrative analysis of spatial and single-cell transcriptome data from human pancreatic cancer reveals an intermediate cancer cell population associated with poor prognosis. Genome Med 2024; 16:20. [PMID: 38297291 PMCID: PMC10832111 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01287-7] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies using single-cell transcriptomic analysis have reported several distinct clusters of neoplastic epithelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment. However, their molecular characteristics and biological significance have not been clearly elucidated due to intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing using enriched non-immune cell populations from 17 pancreatic tumor tissues (16 pancreatic cancer and one high-grade dysplasia) and generated paired spatial transcriptomic data from seven patient samples. RESULTS We identified five distinct functional subclusters of pancreatic cancer cells and six distinct cancer-associated fibroblast subclusters. We deeply profiled their characteristics, and we found that these subclusters successfully deconvoluted most of the features suggested in bulk transcriptome analysis of pancreatic cancer. Among those subclusters, we identified a novel cancer cell subcluster, Ep_VGLL1, showing intermediate characteristics between the extremities of basal-like and classical dichotomy, despite its prognostic value. Molecular features of Ep_VGLL1 suggest its transitional properties between basal-like and classical subtypes, which is supported by spatial transcriptomic data. CONCLUSIONS This integrative analysis not only provides a comprehensive landscape of pancreatic cancer and fibroblast population, but also suggests a novel insight to the dynamic states of pancreatic cancer cells and unveils potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongryong Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Galam Leem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Junjeong Choi
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjun Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Suho Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hee Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Kyoung Hwang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Il Min
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Jo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Seung Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Jae Chung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Youp Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Young Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Moo Kang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seungmin Bang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Eun Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
den Hollander P, Maddela JJ, Mani SA. Spatial and Temporal Relationship between Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Stem Cells in Cancer. Clin Chem 2024; 70:190-205. [PMID: 38175600 PMCID: PMC11246550 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is often linked with carcinogenesis. However, EMT is also important for embryo development and only reactivates in cancer. Connecting how EMT occurs during embryonic development and in cancer could help us further understand the root mechanisms of cancer diseases. CONTENT There are key regulatory elements that contribute to EMT and the induction and maintenance of stem cell properties during embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Here, we explore the implications of EMT in the different stages of embryogenesis and tissue development. We especially highlight the necessity of EMT in the mesodermal formation and in neural crest cells. Through EMT, these cells gain epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). With this transition, crucial morphological changes occur to progress through the metastatic cascade as well as tissue regeneration after an injury. Stem-like cells, including cancer stem cells, are generated from EMT and during this process upregulate factors necessary for stem cell maintenance. Hence, it is important to understand the key regulators allowing stem cell awakening in cancer, which increases plasticity and promotes treatment resistance, to develop strategies targeting this cell population and improve patient outcomes. SUMMARY EMT involves multifaceted regulation to allow the fluidity needed to facilitate adaptation. This regulatory mechanism, plasticity, involves many cooperating transcription factors. Additionally, posttranslational modifications, such as splicing, activate the correct isoforms for either epithelial or mesenchymal specificity. Moreover, epigenetic regulation also occurs, such as acetylation and methylation. Downstream signaling ultimately results in the EMT which promotes tissue generation/regeneration and cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra den Hollander
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Joanna Joyce Maddela
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kim JY, Hong N, Park S, Ham SW, Kim EJ, Kim SO, Jang J, Kim Y, Kim JK, Kim SC, Park JW, Kim H. Jagged1 intracellular domain/SMAD3 complex transcriptionally regulates TWIST1 to drive glioma invasion. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:822. [PMID: 38092725 PMCID: PMC10719344 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Jagged1 (JAG1) is a Notch ligand that correlates with tumor progression. Not limited to its function as a ligand, JAG1 can be cleaved, and its intracellular domain translocates to the nucleus, where it functions as a transcriptional cofactor. Previously, we showed that JAG1 intracellular domain (JICD1) forms a protein complex with DDX17/SMAD3/TGIF2. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying JICD1-mediated tumor aggressiveness remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that JICD1 enhances the invasive phenotypes of glioblastoma cells by transcriptionally activating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, especially TWIST1. The inhibition of TWIST1 reduced JICD1-driven tumor aggressiveness. Although SMAD3 is an important component of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling, the JICD1/SMAD3 transcriptional complex was shown to govern brain tumor invasion independent of TGF-β signaling. Moreover, JICD1-TWIST1-MMP2 and MMP9 axes were significantly correlated with clinical outcome of glioblastoma patients. Collectively, we identified the JICD1/SMAD3-TWIST1 axis as a novel inducer of invasive phenotypes in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayoung Hong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehyeon Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Ham
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Kim
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseok Jang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonji Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Kyum Kim
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Chan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Whi Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cammareri P, Myant KB. Be like water, my cells: cell plasticity and the art of transformation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1272730. [PMID: 37886398 PMCID: PMC10598658 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1272730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity defines the capacity of cells to adopt distinct identities during development, tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Dynamic fluctuations between different states, within or across lineages, are regulated by changes in chromatin accessibility and in gene expression. When deregulated, cellular plasticity can contribute to cancer initiation and progression. Cancer cells are remarkably plastic which contributes to phenotypic and functional heterogeneity within tumours as well as resistance to targeted therapies. It is for these reasons that the scientific community has become increasingly interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms governing cancer cell plasticity. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss different examples of cellular plasticity associated with metaplasia and epithelial-mesenchymal transition with a focus on therapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin B. Myant
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hashimoto A, Hashimoto S. ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6 Pathway Acts as a Key Executor of Mesenchymal Tumor Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14934. [PMID: 37834383 PMCID: PMC10573442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the "big data" on cancer from recent breakthroughs in high-throughput technology and the development of new therapeutic modalities, it remains unclear as to how intra-tumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity created by various somatic abnormalities and epigenetic and metabolic adaptations orchestrate therapy resistance, immune evasiveness, and metastatic ability. Tumors are formed by various cells, including immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and their tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignant tumor progression and responses to therapy. ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) and AMAP1 are often overexpressed in cancers, which statistically correlates with poor outcomes. The ARF6-AMAP1 pathway promotes the intracellular dynamics and cell-surface expression of various proteins. This pathway is also a major target for KRAS/TP53 mutations to cooperatively promote malignancy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and is closely associated with immune evasion. Additionally, this pathway is important in angiogenesis, acidosis, and fibrosis associated with tumor malignancy in the TME, and its inhibition in PDAC cells results in therapeutic synergy with an anti-PD-1 antibody in vivo. Thus, the ARF6-based pathway affects the TME and the intrinsic function of tumors, leading to malignancy. Here, we discuss the potential mechanisms of this ARF6-based pathway in tumorigenesis, and novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ari Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hashimoto
- Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nairuz T, Mahmud Z, Manik RK, Kabir Y. Cancer stem cells: an insight into the development of metastatic tumors and therapy resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x. [PMID: 37129728 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The term "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) refers to cancer cells that exhibit traits parallel to normal stem cells, namely the potential to give rise to every type of cell identified in a tumor microenvironment. It has been found that CSCs usually develops from other neoplastic cells or non-cancerous somatic cells by acquiring stemness and malignant characteristics through particular genetic modifications. A trivial number of CSCs, identified in solid and liquid cancer, can give rise to an entire tumor population with aggressive anticancer drug resistance, metastasis, and invasiveness. Besides, cancer stem cells manipulate their intrinsic and extrinsic features, regulate the metabolic pattern of the cell, adjust efflux-influx efficiency, modulate different signaling pathways, block apoptotic signals, and cause genetic and epigenetic alterations to retain their pluripotency and ability of self-renewal. Notably, to keep the cancer stem cells' ability to become malignant cells, mesenchymal stem cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, etc., interact with one another. Furthermore, CSCs are characterized by the expression of particular molecular markers that carry significant diagnostic and prognostic significance. Because of this, scientific research on CSCs is becoming increasingly imperative, intending to understand the traits and behavior of cancer stem cells and create more potent anticancer therapeutics to fight cancer at the CSC level. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the critical role of CSCs in the onset and spread of cancer and the characteristics of CSCs that promote severe resistance to targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin Nairuz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Zimam Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Rasel Khan Manik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Yearul Kabir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Peng M, Ying Y, Zhang Z, Liu L, Wang W. Reshaping the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment at Different Stages with Chemotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092448. [PMID: 37173915 PMCID: PMC10177210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic tumor microenvironment, especially the immune microenvironment, during the natural progression and/or chemotherapy treatment is a critical frontier in understanding the effects of chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer. Non-stratified pancreatic cancer patients always receive chemotherapeutic strategies, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, predominantly according to their physical conditions and different disease stages. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment could be reshaped by chemotherapy, an outcome caused by immunogenic cell death, selection and/or education of preponderant tumor clones, adaptive gene mutations, and induction of cytokines/chemokines. These outcomes could in turn impact the efficacy of chemotherapy, making it range from synergetic to resistant and even tumor-promoting. Under chemotherapeutic impact, the metastatic micro-structures in the primary tumor may be built to leak tumor cells into the lymph or blood vasculature, and micro-metastatic/recurrent niches rich in immunosuppressive cells may be recruited by cytokines and chemokines, which provide housing conditions for these circling tumor cells. An in-depth understanding of how chemotherapy reshapes the tumor microenvironment may lead to new therapeutic strategies to block its adverse tumor-promoting effects and prolong survival. In this review, reshaped pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironments due to chemotherapy were reflected mainly in immune cells, pancreatic cancer cells, and cancer-associated fibroblast cells, quantitatively, functionally, and spatially. Additionally, small molecule kinases and immune checkpoints participating in this remodeling process caused by chemotherapy are suggested to be blocked reasonably to synergize with chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maozhen Peng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Palma AM, Vudatha V, Peixoto ML, Madan E. Tumor heterogeneity: An oncogenic driver of PDAC progression and therapy resistance under stress conditions. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:203-249. [PMID: 37268397 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a clinically challenging disease usually diagnosed at advanced or metastasized stage. By this year end, there are an expected increase in 62,210 new cases and 49,830 deaths in the United States, with 90% corresponding to PDAC subtype alone. Despite advances in cancer therapy, one of the major challenges combating PDAC remains tumor heterogeneity between PDAC patients and within the primary and metastatic lesions of the same patient. This review describes the PDAC subtypes based on the genomic, transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic signatures observed among patients and within individual tumors. Recent studies in tumor biology suggest PDAC heterogeneity as a major driver of disease progression under conditions of stress including hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, leading to metabolic reprogramming. We therefore advance our understanding in identifying the underlying mechanisms that interfere with the crosstalk between the extracellular matrix components and tumor cells that define the mechanics of tumor growth and metastasis. The bilateral interaction between the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment and PDAC cells serves as another important contributor that characterizes the tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing phenotypes providing an opportunity for an effective treatment regime. Furthermore, we highlight the dynamic reciprocating interplay between the stromal and immune cells that impact immune surveillance or immune evasion response and contribute towards a complex process of tumorigenesis. In summary, the review encapsulates the existing knowledge of the currently applied treatments for PDAC with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, manifesting at multiple levels, impacting disease progression and therapy resistance under stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vignesh Vudatha
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | - Esha Madan
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vergara-Gómez L, Bizama C, Zhong J, Buchegger K, Suárez F, Rosa L, Ili C, Weber H, Obreque J, Espinoza K, Repetto G, Roa JC, Leal P, García P. A Novel Gemcitabine-Resistant Gallbladder Cancer Model Provides Insights into Molecular Changes Occurring during Acquired Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087238. [PMID: 37108401 PMCID: PMC10139168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) are scarce and usually rely on cytotoxic chemotherapy, but the effectiveness of any regimen is limited and recurrence rates are high. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of acquired resistance in GBC through the development and characterization of two gemcitabine-resistant GBC cell sublines (NOZ GemR and TGBC1 GemR). Morphological changes, cross-resistance, and migratory/invasive capabilities were evaluated. Then, microarray-based transcriptome profiling and quantitative SILAC-based phosphotyrosine proteomic analyses were performed to identify biological processes and signaling pathways dysregulated in gemcitabine-resistant GBC cells. The transcriptome profiling of parental and gemcitabine-resistant cells revealed the dysregulation of protein-coding genes that promote the enrichment of biological processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and drug metabolism. On the other hand, the phosphoproteomics analysis of NOZ GemR identified aberrantly dysregulated signaling pathways in resistant cells as well as active kinases, such as ABL1, PDGFRA, and LYN, which could be novel therapeutic targets in GBC. Accordingly, NOZ GemR showed increased sensitivity toward the multikinase inhibitor dasatinib compared to parental cells. Our study describes transcriptome changes and altered signaling pathways occurring in gemcitabine-resistant GBC cells, which greatly expands our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of acquired drug resistance in GBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Vergara-Gómez
- Biomedicine and Translational Research Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Carolina Bizama
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jun Zhong
- Delta Omics Biotechnology, Rockville, MD 20855, USA
| | - Kurt Buchegger
- Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Felipe Suárez
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Lorena Rosa
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Carmen Ili
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Helga Weber
- Biomedicine and Translational Research Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Javiera Obreque
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Karena Espinoza
- Center for Genetics and Genomics, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
| | - Gabriela Repetto
- Center for Genetics and Genomics, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
| | - Juan C Roa
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (IMII), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Pamela Leal
- Biomedicine and Translational Research Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Patricia García
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ono H, Murase Y, Yamashita H, Kato T, Asano D, Ishikawa Y, Watanabe S, Ueda H, Akahoshi K, Ogawa K, Kudo A, Akiyama Y, Tanaka S, Tanabe M. RRM1 is mediated by histone acetylation through gemcitabine resistance and contributes to invasiveness and ECM remodeling in pancreatic cancer. Int J Oncol 2023; 62:51. [PMID: 36866763 PMCID: PMC10019754 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasiveness of pancreatic cancer and its resistance to anticancer drugs define its malignant potential, and are considered to affect the peritumoral microenvironment. Cancer cells with resistance to gemcitabine exposed to external signals induced by anticancer drugs may enhance their malignant transformation. Ribonucleotide reductase large subunit M1 (RRM1), an enzyme in the DNA synthesis pathway, is upregulated during gemcitabine resistance, and its expression is associated with worse prognosis for pancreatic cancer. However, the biological function of RRM1 is unclear. In the present study, it was demonstrated that histone acetylation is involved in the regulatory mechanism related to the acquisition of gemcitabine resistance and subsequent RRM1 upregulation. The current in vitro study indicated that RRM1 expression is critical for the migratory and invasive potential of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, a comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis showed that activated RRM1 induced marked changes in the expression levels of extracellular matrix‑related genes, including N‑cadherin, tenascin‑C and COL11A. RRM1 activation also promoted extracellular matrix remodeling and mesenchymal features, which enhanced the migratory invasiveness and malignant potential of pancreatic cancer cells. The present results demonstrated that RRM1 has a critical role in the biological gene program that regulates the extracellular matrix, which promotes the aggressive malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Ono
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Murase
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Hironari Yamashita
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Kato
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Daisuke Asano
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ishikawa
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Shuichi Watanabe
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ueda
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Keiichi Akahoshi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ogawa
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kudo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Akiyama
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ang HL, Mohan CD, Shanmugam MK, Leong HC, Makvandi P, Rangappa KS, Bishayee A, Kumar AP, Sethi G. Mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer and its regulation by natural compounds. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36929669 DOI: 10.1002/med.21948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process with a primordial role in cellular transformation whereby an epithelial cell transforms and acquires a mesenchymal phenotype. This transformation plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and self-renewal, and exacerbates resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. EMT can be initiated and promoted by deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways, hypoxia, and cells in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in a loss-of-epithelial cell polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and enhanced invasive/migratory properties. Numerous transcriptional regulators, such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/ZEB2 induce EMT through the downregulation of epithelial markers and gain-of-expression of the mesenchymal markers. Additionally, signaling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Sonic hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B, receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Hippo, and transforming growth factor-β pathways regulate EMT whereas they are often deregulated in cancers leading to aberrant EMT. Furthermore, noncoding RNAs, tumor-derived exosomes, and epigenetic alterations are also involved in the modulation of EMT. Therefore, the regulation of EMT is a vital strategy to control the aggressive metastatic characteristics of tumor cells. Despite the vast amount of preclinical data on EMT in cancer progression, there is a lack of clinical translation at the therapeutic level. In this review, we have discussed thoroughly the role of the aforementioned transcription factors, noncoding RNAs (microRNAs, long noncoding RNA, circular RNA), signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, and tumor-derived exosomes in the regulation of EMT in cancers. We have also emphasized the contribution of EMT to drug resistance and possible therapeutic interventions using plant-derived natural products, their semi-synthetic derivatives, and nano-formulations that are described as promising EMT blockers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li Ang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hin Chong Leong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Centre for Materials Interface, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rauth S, Ganguly K, Atri P, Parte S, Nimmakayala RK, Varadharaj V, Nallasamy P, Vengoji R, Ogunleye AO, Lakshmanan I, Chirravuri R, Bessho M, Cox JL, Foster JM, Talmon GA, Bessho T, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Elevated PAF1-RAD52 axis confers chemoresistance to human cancers. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112043. [PMID: 36709426 PMCID: PMC10374878 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112043] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin- and gemcitabine-based chemotherapeutics represent a mainstay of cancer therapy for most solid tumors; however, resistance limits their curative potential. Here, we identify RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 (PAF1) as a common driver of cisplatin and gemcitabine resistance in human cancers (ovarian, lung, and pancreas). Mechanistically, cisplatin- and gemcitabine-resistant cells show enhanced DNA repair, which is inhibited by PAF1 silencing. We demonstrate an increased interaction of PAF1 with RAD52 in resistant cells. Targeting the PAF1 and RAD52 axis combined with cisplatin or gemcitabine strongly diminishes the survival potential of resistant cells. Overall, this study shows clinical evidence that the expression of PAF1 contributes to chemotherapy resistance and worse clinical outcome for lethal cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Koelina Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Venkatesh Varadharaj
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Raghupathy Vengoji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ayoola O Ogunleye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ramakanth Chirravuri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mika Bessho
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jesse L Cox
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jason M Foster
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Geoffrey A Talmon
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tadayoshi Bessho
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
microRNAs Associated with Gemcitabine Resistance via EMT, TME, and Drug Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041230. [PMID: 36831572 PMCID: PMC9953943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease with an extremely poor prognosis. The difficulty in early detection and chemoresistance to therapeutic agents are major clinical concerns. To improve prognosis, novel biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies for chemoresistance are urgently needed. microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the development, progression, and metastasis of several cancers. During the last few decades, the association between pancreatic cancer and miRNAs has been extensively elucidated, with several miRNAs found to be correlated with patient prognosis. Moreover, recent evidence has revealed that miRNAs are intimately involved in gemcitabine sensitivity and resistance through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, and drug metabolism. Gemcitabine is the gold standard drug for pancreatic cancer treatment, but gemcitabine resistance develops easily after chemotherapy initiation. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the gemcitabine resistance mechanisms associated with aberrantly expressed miRNAs in pancreatic cancer, especially focusing on the mechanisms associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, and metabolism. This novel evidence of gemcitabine resistance will drive further research to elucidate the mechanisms of chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
23
|
Chung WC, Xu K. Notch signaling pathway in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Adv Cancer Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
|
24
|
Kaur K, Jewett A. Supercharged NK Cell-Based Immuotherapy in Humanized Bone Marrow Liver and Thymus (Hu-BLT) Mice Model of Oral, Pancreatic, Glioblastoma, Hepatic, Melanoma and Ovarian Cancers. Crit Rev Immunol 2023; 43:13-25. [PMID: 37938193 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we review a number of in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the efficacy of supercharged NK (sNK) cell therapy in elimination or treatment of cancer. We have performed studies using six different types of cancer models of oral, pancreatic, glioblastoma, melanoma, hepatic and ovarian cancers using hu-BLT mice. Our in vitro studies demonstrated that primary NK cells preferentially target cancer stem-like cells (CSCs)/poorly differentiated tumors whereas sNK cells target both CSCs/poorly-differentiated and well-differentiated tumors significantly higher than primary activated NK cells. Our in vivo studies in humanized-BLT mice showed that sNK cells alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutics prevented tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, sNK cells were able to increase IFN-γ secretion and cytotoxic function by the immune cells in bone marrow, spleen, gingiva, pancreas and peripheral blood. Furthermore, sNK cells were able to increase the expansion and function of CD8+ T cells both in in vitro and in vivo studies. Overall, our studies demonstrated that sNK cells alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutics were not only effective against eliminating aggressive cancers, but were also able to increase the expansion and function of CD8+ T cells to further target cancer cells, providing a successful approach to eradicate and cure cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
El Shahawy A, Mubarak MF, El Shafie M, Abdulla HM. Adsorption of Mn(ii) ions from wastewater using an AgNPs/GO/chitosan nanocomposite material. RSC Adv 2022; 12:29385-29398. [PMID: 36329762 PMCID: PMC9593265 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra04693h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Water contaminated with heavy metal ions is extremely poisonous and threatens living organisms. Therefore, scientists place a premium on removing heavy metal ions from water that has already been contaminated. Removing metal ions from water typically involves the use of nanomaterials. Chitosan was made by extracting it from shrimp shells and combining it with a 3 : 1 ratio of synthetically produced AgNPs/GO. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction were used to investigate an AgNPs/GO/chitosan nanocomposite (XRD). A number of studies must be run to determine the optimal pH, adsorbent quantity, retention period, stirring speed, temperature, and initial concentration. The studies were conducted in a variety of ways. The isotherms of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich were utilized. The industrial wastewater was used in the column adsorption experiment, and the flow rates and column bed heights were varied. An optimum contact time, pH, and adsorbent dosage for Mn(ii) were determined. At 30 minutes, pH 6, and 0.05 grams of Mn(ii) adsorbent per 100 ml, with agitation at 250 rpm, room temperature of 30 °C, and an initial concentration of 40 ppm, the best conditions were discovered. A positive correlation coefficient finding (R 2 = 0.925) indicates a good fit for Mn, according to equilibrium studies (II). The pseudo-second-order active model was connected to data that suited the pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order models. In the intra-particle diffusion model, the mechanism must proceed through four phases before equilibrium is reached. In an industrial adsorbent column, the adsorbent was put to the test. The periodicity test demonstrates that the nanocomposite's adsorption capability can be recovered by washing it with 0.1 M HCl. Mn(ii) adsorbed on AgNPs/GO/Chitosan after four cycles was only 20%, insufficient for additional adsorption tests. The repeated cycles that led to the partial loss of the adsorbate may have reduced the adsorbent material's efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abeer El Shahawy
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Suez Canal UniversityPO Box 41522IsmailiaEgypt
| | - Mahmoud F. Mubarak
- Petroleum Applications Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI)Nasr City 11727CairoEgypt,Faculty of Science, Mansoura UniversityMansouraEgypt
| | - Merna El Shafie
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Suez Canal UniversityPO Box 41522IsmailiaEgypt
| | - Hesham M. Abdulla
- Botany Dept., Faculty of Science, Suez Canal UniversityBox 41522IsmailiaEgypt
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lin Q, Shen S, Qian Z, Rasam SS, Serratore A, Jusko WJ, Kandel ES, Qu J, Straubinger RM. Comparative Proteomic Analysis Identifies Key Metabolic Regulators of Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100409. [PMID: 36084875 PMCID: PMC9582795 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly refractory to treatment. Standard-of-care gemcitabine (Gem) provides only modest survival benefits, and development of Gem resistance (GemR) compromises its efficacy. Highly GemR clones of Gem-sensitive MIAPaCa-2 cells were developed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of GemR and implemented global quantitative differential proteomics analysis with a comprehensive, reproducible ion-current-based MS1 workflow to quantify ∼6000 proteins in all samples. In GemR clone MIA-GR8, cellular metabolism, proliferation, migration, and 'drug response' mechanisms were the predominant biological processes altered, consistent with cell phenotypic alterations in cell cycle and motility. S100 calcium binding protein A4 was the most downregulated protein, as were proteins associated with glycolytic and oxidative energy production. Both responses would reduce tumor proliferation. Upregulation of mesenchymal markers was prominent, and cellular invasiveness increased. Key enzymes in Gem metabolism pathways were altered such that intracellular utilization of Gem would decrease. Ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase large subunit was the most elevated Gem metabolizing protein, supporting its critical role in GemR. Lower Ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase large subunit expression is associated with better clinical outcomes in PDAC, and its downregulation paralleled reduced MIAPaCa-2 proliferation and migration and increased Gem sensitivity. Temporal protein-level Gem responses of MIAPaCa-2 versus GemR cell lines (intrinsically GemR PANC-1 and acquired GemR MIA-GR8) implicate adaptive changes in cellular response systems for cell proliferation and drug transport and metabolism, which reduce cytotoxic Gem metabolites, in DNA repair, and additional responses, as key contributors to the complexity of GemR in PDAC. These findings additionally suggest targetable therapeutic vulnerabilities for GemR PDAC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiang Lin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Shichen Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Zhicheng Qian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sailee S Rasam
- Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Serratore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - William J Jusko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Eugene S Kandel
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA.
| | - Robert M Straubinger
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Alshememry AK, Alsaleh NB, Alkhudair N, Alzhrani R, Alshamsan A. Recent nanotechnology advancements to treat multidrug-resistance pancreatic cancer: Pre-clinical and clinical overview. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:933457. [PMID: 36091785 PMCID: PMC9449524 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.933457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal and incurable forms of cancer and has a poor prognosis. One of the significant therapeutic challenges in PC is multidrug resistance (MDR), a phenomenon in which cancer cells develop resistance toward administered therapy. Development of novel therapeutic platforms that could overcome MDR in PC is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes. Nanotechnology is emerging as a promising tool to enhance drug efficacy and minimize off-target responses via passive and/or active targeting mechanisms. Over the past decade, tremendous efforts have been made to utilize nanocarriers capable of targeting PC cells while minimizing off-target effects. In this review article, we first give an overview of PC and the major molecular mechanisms of MDR, and then we discuss recent advancements in the development of nanocarriers used to overcome PC drug resistance. In doing so, we explore the developmental stages of this research in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. Lastly, we discuss current challenges and gaps in the literature as well as potential future directions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah K. Alshememry
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Nanobiotechnology Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser B. Alsaleh
- Nanobiotechnology Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora Alkhudair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rami Alzhrani
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aws Alshamsan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Nanobiotechnology Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Aws Alshamsan,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang L, Wang X, Guo E, Mao X, Miao S. Emerging roles of platelets in cancer biology and their potential as therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2022; 12:939089. [PMID: 35936717 PMCID: PMC9355257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.939089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The main role of platelets is to control bleeding and repair vascular damage via thrombosis. They have also been implicated to promote tumor metastasis through platelet-tumor cell interactions. Platelet-tumor cell interactions promote tumor cell survival and dissemination in blood circulation. Tumor cells are known to induce platelet activation and alter platelet RNA profiles. Liquid biopsies based on tumor-educated platelet biomarkers can detect tumors and correlate with prognosis, personalized therapy, treatment monitoring, and recurrence prediction. Platelet-based strategies for cancer prevention and tumor-targeted therapy include developing drugs that target platelet receptors, interfere with the release of platelet particles, inhibit platelet-specific enzymes, and utilize platelet-derived “nano-platelets” as a targeted drug delivery platform for tumor therapy. This review elaborates on platelet-tumor cell interactions and the molecular mechanisms and discusses future research directions for platelet-based liquid biopsy techniques and platelet-targeted anti-tumor strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Erliang Guo
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xionghui Mao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Xionghui Mao, ; Susheng Miao,
| | - Susheng Miao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Xionghui Mao, ; Susheng Miao,
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lei K, Wang X, Liu Y, Sun T, Xie W. Global research hotspots and trends of the Notch signaling pathway in the field of cancer: a bibliometric study. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:4918-4930. [PMID: 35958476 PMCID: PMC9360898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the development status, research hotspots, research frontiers and future development trends of the Notch signaling pathway in cancer through bibliometric analysis. METHODS Publications related to the Notch signaling pathway in cancer were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), and information was extracted from the articles using Microsoft Excel 2020, CiteSpace V and VOSviewer software for visual analysis. RESULTS The country and institution with the most publications are the USA and Harvard University, respectively. PLoS One is the most published journal, and Cancer Research is the most cocited journal. The author with the most published articles was L Miele, and the most cocited author was ZW Wang. The top 3 keywords were activation, differentiation and growth. Metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, target and resistance are the current research hotspots and frontiers in this field. CONCLUSIONS Research related to the Notch signaling pathway in cancer is currently booming, and the USA has made the greatest contribution to this field. At present, the research hotspots and research frontiers in this field mainly focus on the regulatory role of the Notch signaling pathway in tumor invasion and metastasis, the regulation of the Notch signaling pathway in tumor progression through EMT, and the participation of the Notch signaling pathway in the regulation of chemotherapy or immunotherapy resistance to tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunyang Lei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yifu Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenjie Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Danielpour D, Corum S, Leahy P, Bangalore A. Jagged-1 is induced by mTOR inhibitors in renal cancer cells through an Akt/ALK5/Smad4-dependent mechanism. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100117. [PMID: 35992379 PMCID: PMC9389240 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in the aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance of many cancers. Targeting mTOR continues to be under clinical investigation for cancer therapy. Despite the notable clinical success of mTOR inhibitors in extending the overall survival of patients with certain malignancies including metastatic renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), the overall impact of mTOR inhibitors on cancers has been generally disappointing and attributed to various compensatory responses. Here we provide the first report that expression of the Notch ligand Jagged-1 (JAG1), which is associated with aggressiveness of RCCs, is induced by several inhibitors of mTOR (rapamycin (Rap), BEZ235, KU-0063794) in human clear cell RCC (ccRCC) cells. Using both molecular and chemical inhibitors of PI3K, Akt, and TGF-β signaling, we provide evidence that the induction of JAG1 expression by mTOR inhibitors in ccRCC cells depends on the activation of Akt and occurs through an ALK5 kinase/Smad4-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, we show that mTOR inhibitors activate Notch1 and induce the expression of drivers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, notably Hic-5 and Slug. Silencing JAG1 with selective shRNAs blocked the ability of KU-0063794 and Rap to induce Hic-5 in ccRCC cells. Moreover, Rap enhanced TGF-β-induced expression of Hic-5 and Slug, both of which were repressed in JAG1-silenced ccRCC cells. Silencing JAG1 selectively decreased the motility of ccRCC cells treated with Rap or TGF-β1. Moreover, inhibition of Notch signaling with γ-secretase inhibitors enhanced or permitted mTOR inhibitors to suppress the motility of ccRCC cells. We suggest targeting JAG1 may enhance therapeutic responses to mTOR inhibitors in ccRCCs.
Collapse
Key Words
- ALK5, Activin-like kinase 5 (TGF-β type I receptor)
- ANOVA, Analysis of variance
- Akt
- BEZ235
- BSA, Bovine serum albumin
- EDTA, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- EMT
- FBS, Fetal bovine serum
- Hic-5
- Hic-5, Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone 5, also known as transforming growth factor beta induced transcript
- IRS-1, Insulin receptor substrate-1
- JAG1, Jagged-1
- KU-0063794
- MAML-1, Mastermind-like protein-1
- Myr, Myristoylated
- PI3K
- PI3K, Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
- RCC, RCC
- Rap, Rapamycin
- Rapamycin
- Renal cancer
- Rheb, Ras homologue enriched in brain
- SE, Standard error
- Slug
- Slug, Snail family of transcription factors encoded by the SNAI2 gene
- Smad, Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog
- Smad4
- TGF-beta
- TGF-β, Transforming growth factor-beta
- TSC, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
- TβRI, Transforming growth factor β receptor type 1
- TβRII, Transforming growth factor β receptor type 2
- ccRCC, Clear cell renal cell carcinoma
- mRCC, Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
- mTOR
- mTORC1, Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1
- mTORC2, Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Danielpour
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Department of Pharmacology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Department of Urology University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sarah Corum
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Patrick Leahy
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Anusha Bangalore
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Laboratories, The Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Basu B, Ghosh MK. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Shifting gears at the molecular level. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119261. [PMID: 35307468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The process of conversion of non-motile epithelial cells to their motile mesenchymal counterparts is known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a fundamental event during embryonic development, tissue repair, and for the maintenance of stemness. However, this crucial process is hijacked in cancer and becomes the means by which cancer cells acquire further malignant properties such as increased invasiveness, acquisition of stem cell-like properties, increased chemoresistance, and immune evasion ability. The switch from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype is mediated by a wide variety of effector molecules such as transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifiers. Ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination are two post-translational processes that are fundamental to the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) of the cell, and the shift in equilibrium between these two processes during cancer dictates the suppression or activation of different intracellular processes, including EMT. Here, we discuss the complex and dynamic relationship between components of the UPS and EMT in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Basu
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Mrinal K Ghosh
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sirtuins and Hypoxia in EMT Control. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060737. [PMID: 35745656 PMCID: PMC9228842 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a physiological process during embryogenesis, can become pathological in the presence of different driving forces. Reduced oxygen tension or hypoxia is one of these forces, triggering a large number of molecular pathways with aberrant EMT induction, resulting in cancer and fibrosis onset. Both hypoxia-induced factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, act as master transcription factors implicated in EMT. On the other hand, hypoxia-dependent HIF-independent EMT has also been described. Recently, a new class of seven proteins with deacylase activity, called sirtuins, have been implicated in the control of both hypoxia responses, HIF-1α and HIF-2α activation, as well as EMT induction. Intriguingly, different sirtuins have different effects on hypoxia and EMT, acting as either activators or inhibitors, depending on the tissue and cell type. Interestingly, sirtuins and HIF can be activated or inhibited with natural or synthetic molecules. Moreover, recent studies have shown that these natural or synthetic molecules can be better conveyed using nanoparticles, representing a valid strategy for EMT modulation. The following review, by detailing the aspects listed above, summarizes the interplay between hypoxia, sirtuins, and EMT, as well as the possible strategies to modulate them by using a nanoparticle-based approach.
Collapse
|
33
|
Han S, Cao C, Liu R, Yuan Y, Pan L, Xu M, Hu C, Zhang X, Li M, Zhang X. GAS41 mediates proliferation and GEM chemoresistance via H2A.Z.2 and Notch1 in pancreatic cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:429-446. [PMID: 35503594 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00675-8] [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] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE GAS41 is a YEATS domain protein that binds to acetylated histone H3 to promote the chromatin deposition of H2A.Z in non-small cell lung cancer. The role of GAS41 in pancreatic cancer is still unknown. Here, we aimed to reveal this role. METHODS GAS41 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines was examined using qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. MTT, colony formation, spheroid formation and in vivo tumorigenesis assays were performed to assess the proliferation, tumorigenesis, stemness and gemcitabine (GEM) resistance of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to evaluate the roles of GAS41, H2A.Z.2 and Notch1 in pancreatic cancer. RESULTS We found that GAS41 is overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines, and that its expression increases following the acquisition of GEM resistance. We also found that GAS41 up-regulates Notch, as well as pancreatic cancer cell stemness and GEM resistance in vitro and in vivo. We show that GAS41 binds to H2A.Z.2 and activates Notch and its downstream mediators, thereby regulating stemness and drug resistance. Depletion of GAS41 or H2A.Z.2 was found to down-regulate Notch and to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to GEM. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that GAS41 mediates proliferation and GEM resistance in pancreatic cancer cells via H2A.Z.2 and Notch1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilong Han
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Chuanwu Cao
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - YiFeng Yuan
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Long Pan
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Minjie Xu
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Maoquan Li
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China.
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China.
- National Center Clinical Research for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 50 Chifeng Road, Yangpu, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lu S, Sun Z, Liu L, Li P, Li B, Li W, Wu Z, Zhao M, Liu W, Wang Y, Wang B. Tumor-Derived Exosomes Regulate Apoptosis of CD45+EpCAM+ Cells in Lung Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:903882. [PMID: 35711455 PMCID: PMC9192438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.903882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among human cancers, and the majority of deaths result from metastatic spread. The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in suppressing the immune surveillance and elimination of tumor cells. A few studies have reported the presence of CD45+EpCAM+ double-positive cells in cancer, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear with respect to how these cells originate and their function in cancer biology. In this study, we analyzed 25 lung tumor samples. We confirmed the presence of CD45+EpCAM+ cells in lung cancer, and these cells exhibited higher apoptosis than CD45+EpCAM− cells. Using co-culture of lung cancer cell-derived exosomes with healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we recapitulated CD45+EpCAM+ cell formation and increased apoptosis that occurs in patients with primary lung cancer. Further analysis suggested that microRNAs in lung cancer cell-derived exosomes may alter the gene expression profile of CD45+EpCAM+ cells, resulting in elevated TP53 expression and increased apoptosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cancer cell-derived exosomes that can inhibit the immune system by promoting immune cell apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shixiang Lu
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Research and Development, Sino-Cell Biomed Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Lili Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Research and Development, Sino-Cell Biomed Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Research and Development, Sino-Cell Biomed Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Zhaojun Wu
- Department of Research and Development, Sino-Cell Biomed Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Research and Development, Sino-Cell Biomed Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Wenna Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Sino-Cell Biomed Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjie Wang, ; Bin Wang,
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Yongjie Wang, ; Bin Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Giuli MV, Mancusi A, Giuliani E, Screpanti I, Checquolo S. Notch signaling in female cancers: a multifaceted node to overcome drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 4:805-836. [PMID: 35582386 PMCID: PMC8992449 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the main challenges in cancer therapy, including in the treatment of female-specific malignancies, which account for more than 60% of cancer cases among women. Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms is an urgent need in gynecological cancers to foster novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, Notch signaling, including either receptors or ligands, has emerged as a promising candidate given its multifaceted role in almost all of the hallmarks of cancer. Concerning the connection between Notch pathway and drug resistance in the afore-mentioned tumor contexts, several studies focused on the Notch-dependent regulation of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation or the induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), both features implicated in either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Indeed, the present review provides an up-to-date overview of the published results on Notch signaling and EMT- or CSC-driven drug resistance. Moreover, other drug resistance-related mechanisms are examined such as the involvement of the Notch pathway in drug efflux and tumor microenvironment. Collectively, there is a long way to go before every facet will be fully understood; nevertheless, some small pieces are falling neatly into place. Overall, the main aim of this review is to provide strong evidence in support of Notch signaling inhibition as an effective strategy to evade or reverse resistance in female-specific cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Giuli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angelica Mancusi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Eugenia Giuliani
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Qiao L, Chen Y, Liang N, Xie J, Deng G, Chen F, Wang X, Liu F, Li Y, Zhang J. Targeting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Radioresistance: Crosslinked Mechanisms and Strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:775238. [PMID: 35251963 PMCID: PMC8888452 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.775238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy exerts a crucial role in curing cancer, however, its treatment efficiency is mostly limited due to the presence of radioresistance. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that endows the cancer cells with invasive and metastatic properties, as well as radioresistance. Many potential mechanisms of EMT-related radioresistance being reported have broaden our cognition, and hint us the importance of an overall understanding of the relationship between EMT and radioresistance. This review focuses on the recent progresses involved in EMT-related mechanisms in regulating radioresistance, irradiation-mediated EMT program, and the intervention strategies to increase tumor radiosensitivity, in order to improve radiotherapy efficiency and clinical outcomes of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Qiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fangjie Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengjun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li S, Chen S, Dong Z, Song X, Li X, Huang Z, Li H, Huang L, Zhuang G, Lan R, Guo M, Li W, Saw PE, Zhang L. Concurrent silencing of TBCE and drug delivery to overcome platinum-based resistance in liver cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:967-981. [PMID: 36970197 PMCID: PMC10031151 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy resistance is a key factor of poor prognosis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, RNAseq analysis revealed that elevated tubulin folding cofactor E (TBCE) expression is associated with platinum-based chemotherapy resistance. High expression of TBCE contributes to worse prognoses and earlier recurrence among liver cancer patients. Mechanistically, TBCE silencing significantly affects cytoskeleton rearrangement, which in turn increases cisplatin-induced cycle arrest and apoptosis. To develop these findings into potential therapeutic drugs, endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) were developed to simultaneously encapsulate TBCE siRNA and cisplatin (DDP) to reverse this phenomena. NPs (siTBCE + DDP) concurrently silenced TBCE expression, increased cell sensitivity to platinum treatment, and subsequently resulted in superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo in orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Taken together, NP-mediated delivery and the co-treatment of siTBCE + DDP proved to be effective in reversing chemotherapy resistance of DDP in multiple tumor models.
Collapse
|
39
|
Mandal S, Tejaswi T, Janivara R, Srikrishnan S, Thakur P, Sahoo S, Chakraborty P, Sohal SS, Levine H, George JT, Jolly MK. Transcriptomic-Based Quantification of the Epithelial-Hybrid-Mesenchymal Spectrum across Biological Contexts. Biomolecules 2021; 12:29. [PMID: 35053177 PMCID: PMC8773604 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) underlies embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis and fibrosis. Cancer cells exhibiting EMP often have more aggressive behavior, characterized by drug resistance, and tumor-initiating and immuno-evasive traits. Thus, the EMP status of cancer cells can be a critical indicator of patient prognosis. Here, we compare three distinct transcriptomic-based metrics-each derived using a different gene list and algorithm-that quantify the EMP spectrum. Our results for over 80 cancer-related RNA-seq datasets reveal a high degree of concordance among these metrics in quantifying the extent of EMP. Moreover, each metric, despite being trained on cancer expression profiles, recapitulates the expected changes in EMP scores for non-cancer contexts such as lung fibrosis and cellular reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells. Thus, we offer a scoring platform to quantify the extent of EMP in vitro and in vivo for diverse biological applications including cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Mandal
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.M.); (T.T.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Tanishq Tejaswi
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.M.); (T.T.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Rohini Janivara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Syamanthak Srikrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India; (S.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Pradipti Thakur
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India; (S.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.M.); (T.T.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.M.); (T.T.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7248, Australia;
| | - Herbert Levine
- Departments of Physics and Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jason T. George
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.M.); (T.T.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Yehya AHS, Asif M, Abdul Majid AMS, Oon CE. Complementary effects of Orthosiphon stamineus standardized ethanolic extract and rosmarinic acid in combination with gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer. Biomed J 2021; 44:694-708. [PMID: 35166208 PMCID: PMC8847836 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the most notorious cancers and is known for its highly invasive characteristics, drug resistance, and metastatic progression. Unfortunately, many patients with advanced pancreatic cancer become insensitive towards gemcitabine treatment. Orthosiphon stamineus (O.s) is used widely as a traditional medicine for the treatment of multiple ailments, including cancer in South East Asia. The present in vitro study was designed to investigate the complementary effects of an ethanolic extract of O.s (Et. O.s) or rosmarinic acid in combination with gemcitabine on Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. METHOD Cell viability and colony formation assays were used to determine the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Et. O.s, rosmarinic acid, and gemcitabine. Different doses of gemcitabine in combination with Et. O.s or rosmarinic acid were tested against Panc-1 to select the best concentrations which possessed synergistic effects. Elucidation of molecular mechanisms responsible for mediating chemo-sensitivity in Panc-1 was performed using Quantitative Real-time PCR (QPCR), flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Et. O.s was found to significantly sensitise Panc-1 towards gemcitabine by reducing the gene expression of multidrug-resistant protein family (MDR) (MDR-1, MRP-4, and MRP-5) and molecules related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ZEB-1 and Snail-1). An induction of the human equilibrate nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT-1) gene was also found in cells treated with Et. O.s-gemcitabine. The Et. O.s-gemcitabine combination induced cellular senescence, cell death and cell cycle arrest in Panc-1. In addition, the inhibition of Notch signalling was demonstrated through the downregulation of Notch 1 intracellular domain in this treatment group. In contrast, rosmarinic acid-gemcitabine combination showed no additional effects on cellular senescence, apoptosis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, the MRP-4 and MRP-5 multi-drug resistance protein family, hENT-1, and the Notch pathway through Notch 1 intracellular domain. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable insights on the use of Et. O.s to complement gemcitabine in targeting pancreatic cancer in vitro, suggesting its potential use as a novel complementary treatment in pancreatic cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwaq H S Yehya
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Alternative Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
| | - Amin M S Abdul Majid
- EMAN Testing and Research Laboratories, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Australia.
| | - Chern E Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Muhammed AO, Bello IO, Muhibi MA, Oduola T, Oyenike MA. Understanding the Complex Milieu of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Metastasis: New Insight Into the Roles of Transcription Factors. Front Oncol 2021; 11:762817. [PMID: 34868979 PMCID: PMC8636732 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.762817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological program during which polarised, immobile epithelial cells lose connection with their neighbours and are converted to migratory mesenchymal phenotype. Mechanistically, EMT occurs via a series of genetic and cellular events leading to the repression of epithelial-associated markers and upregulation of mesenchymal-associated markers. EMT is very crucial for many biological processes such as embryogenesis and ontogenesis during human development, and again it plays a significant role in wound healing during a programmed replacement of the damaged tissues. However, this process is often hijacked in pathological conditions such as tumour metastasis, which constitutes the most significant drawback in the fight against cancer, accounting for about 90% of cancer-associated mortality globally. Worse still, metastatic tumours are not only challenging to treat with the available conventional radiotherapy and surgical interventions but also resistant to several cytotoxic agents during treatment, owing to their anatomically diffuse localisation in the body system. As the quest to find an effective method of addressing metastasis in cancer intervention heightens, understanding the molecular interplay involving the signalling pathways, downstream effectors, and their interactions with the EMT would be an important requisite while the challenges of metastasis continue to punctuate. Unfortunately, the molecular underpinnings that govern this process remain to be completely illuminated. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that EMT, which initiates every episode of metastasis, significantly requires some master regulators called EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs). Thus, this review critically examines the roles of TFs as drivers of molecular rewiring that lead to tumour initiation, progression, EMT, metastasis, and colonisation. In addition, it discusses the interaction of various signalling molecules and effector proteins with these factors. It also provides insight into promising therapeutic targets that may inhibit the metastatic process to overcome the limitation of "undruggable" cancer targets in therapeutic design and upturn the current spate of drug resistance. More so, it extends the discussion from the basic understanding of the EMT binary switch model, and ultimately unveiling the E/M cellular plasticity along a phenotypic spectrum via multiple trans-differentiations. It wraps up on how this knowledge update shapes the diagnostic and clinical approaches that may demand a potential shift in investigative paradigm using novel technologies such as single-cell analyses to improve overall patient survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O. Imodoye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kamoru A. Adedokun
- Department of Oral Pathology, Dental University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdurrasheed Ola Muhammed
- Department of Histopathology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim O. Bello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, United States
| | - Musa A. Muhibi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Edo State University, Uzairue, Nigeria
| | - Taofeeq Oduola
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Musiliu A. Oyenike
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Palamaris K, Felekouras E, Sakellariou S. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Key Regulator of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression and Chemoresistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215532. [PMID: 34771695 PMCID: PMC8582651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma’s (PDAC) dismal prognosis is associated with its aggressive biological behavior and resistance to chemotherapy. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been recognized as a key driver of PDAC progression and development of drug resistance. EMT is a transient and reversible process leading to transdifferentiation of epithelial cells into a more mesenchymal phenotype. It is regulated by multiple signaling pathways that control the activity of a transcription factors network. Activation of EMT in pre-invasive stages of PDAC has been accused for early dissemination. Furthermore, it contributes to the development of intratumoral heterogeneity and drug resistance. This review summarizes the available data regarding signaling networks regulating EMT and describes the integral role of EMT in different aspects of PDAC pathogenesis. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignancies, characterized by aggressive biological behavior and a lack of response to currently available chemotherapy. Emerging evidence has identified epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a key driver of PDAC progression and a central regulator in the development of drug resistance. EMT is a reversible transdifferentiation process controlled by complex interactions between multiple signaling pathways such as TGFb, Wnt, and Notch, which converge to a network of specific transcription factors. Activation of EMT transcriptional reprogramming converts cancer cells of epithelial differentiation into a more mesenchymal phenotypic state. EMT occurrence in pre-invasive pancreatic lesions has been implicated in early PDAC dissemination. Moreover, cancer cell phenotypic plasticity driven by EMT contributes to intratumoral heterogeneity and drug tolerance and is mechanistically associated with the emergence of cells exhibiting cancer stem cells (CSCs) phenotype. In this review we summarize the available data on the signaling cascades regulating EMT and the molecular isnteractions between pancreatic cancer and stromal cells that activate them. In addition, we provide a link between EMT, tumor progression, and chemoresistance in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Palamaris
- 1ST Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Evangelos Felekouras
- 1ST Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stratigoula Sakellariou
- 1ST Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chisari A, Golán I, Campisano S, Gélabert C, Moustakas A, Sancho P, Caja L. Glucose and Amino Acid Metabolic Dependencies Linked to Stemness and Metastasis in Different Aggressive Cancer Types. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:723798. [PMID: 34588983 PMCID: PMC8473699 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.723798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells are commonly characterised by being capable of invading tissue, growing self-sufficiently and uncontrollably, being insensitive to apoptosis induction and controlling their environment, for example inducing angiogenesis. Amongst them, a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs) shows sustained replicative potential, tumor-initiating properties and chemoresistance. These characteristics make CSCs responsible for therapy resistance, tumor relapse and growth in distant organs, causing metastatic dissemination. For these reasons, eliminating CSCs is necessary in order to achieve long-term survival of cancer patients. New insights in cancer metabolism have revealed that cellular metabolism in tumors is highly heterogeneous and that CSCs show specific metabolic traits supporting their unique functionality. Indeed, CSCs adapt differently to the deprivation of specific nutrients that represent potentially targetable vulnerabilities. This review focuses on three of the most aggressive tumor types: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and glioblastoma (GBM). The aim is to prove whether CSCs from different tumour types share common metabolic requirements and responses to nutrient starvation, by outlining the diverse roles of glucose and amino acids within tumour cells and in the tumour microenvironment, as well as the consequences of their deprivation. Beyond their role in biosynthesis, they serve as energy sources and help maintain redox balance. In addition, glucose and amino acid derivatives contribute to immune responses linked to tumourigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, potential metabolic liabilities are identified and discussed as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chisari
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Irene Golán
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Campisano
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Caroline Gélabert
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Translational Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Royo-García A, Courtois S, Parejo-Alonso B, Espiau-Romera P, Sancho P. Lipid droplets as metabolic determinants for stemness and chemoresistance in cancer. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1307-1317. [PMID: 34630864 PMCID: PMC8474722 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i9.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously regarded as simple fat storage particles, new evidence suggests that lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic and functional organelles involved in key cellular processes such as membrane biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, cell signalling and inflammation. Indeed, an increased LD content is one of the most apparent features resulting from lipid metabolism reprogramming necessary to support the basic functions of cancer cells. LDs have been associated to different cellular processes involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, such as tumorigenicity, invasion and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Interestingly, all of these processes are controlled by a subpopulation of highly aggressive tumoral cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs), suggesting that LDs may be fundamental elements for stemness in cancer. Considering the key role of CSCs on chemoresistance and disease relapse, main factors of therapy failure, the design of novel therapeutic approaches targeting these cells may be the only chance for long-term survival in cancer patients. In this sense, their biology and functional properties render LDs excellent candidates for target discovery and design of combined therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge identifying LDs and CSCs as main contributors to cancer aggressiveness, metastasis and chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Royo-García
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Sarah Courtois
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | | | | | - Patricia Sancho
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
KalantarMotamedi Y, Choi RJ, Koh SB, Bramhall JL, Fan TP, Bender A. Prediction and identification of synergistic compound combinations against pancreatic cancer cells. iScience 2021; 24:103080. [PMID: 34585118 PMCID: PMC8456050 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to current therapies is common for pancreatic cancer and hence novel treatment options are urgently needed. In this work, we developed and validated a computational method to select synergistic compound combinations based on transcriptomic profiles from both the disease and compound side, combined with a pathway scoring system, which was then validated prospectively by testing 30 compounds (and their combinations) on PANC-1 cells. Some compounds selected as single agents showed lower GI50 values than the standard of care, gemcitabine. Compounds suggested as combination agents with standard therapy gemcitabine based on the best performing scoring system showed on average 2.82-5.18 times higher synergies compared to compounds that were predicted to be active as single agents. Examples of highly synergistic in vitro validated compound pairs include gemcitabine combined with Entinostat, thioridazine, loperamide, scriptaid and Saracatinib. Hence, the computational approach presented here was able to identify synergistic compound combinations against pancreatic cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman KalantarMotamedi
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Ran Joo Choi
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Siang-Boon Koh
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Jo L. Bramhall
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Tai-Ping Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Andreas Bender
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mukhopadhyay S, Mahapatra KK, Praharaj PP, Patil S, Bhutia SK. Recent progress of autophagy signaling in tumor microenvironment and its targeting for possible cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:196-208. [PMID: 34500075 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy, a lysosomal catabolic process, involves degradation of cellular materials, protein aggregate, and dysfunctional organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis. Strikingly, autophagy exhibits a dual-sided role in cancer; on the one hand, it promotes clearance of transformed cells and inhibits tumorigenesis, while cytoprotective autophagy has a role in sustaining cancer. The autophagy signaling in the tumor microenvironment (TME) during cancer growth and therapy is not adequately understood. The review highlights the role of autophagy signaling pathways to support cancer growth and progression in adaptation to the oxidative and hypoxic context of TME. Furthermore, autophagy contributes to regulating the metabolic switch for generating sufficient levels of high-energy metabolites, including amino acids, ketones, glutamine, and free fatty acids for cancer cell survival. Interestingly, autophagy has a critical role in modulating the tumor-associated fibroblast resulting in different cytokines and paracrine signaling mediated angiogenesis and invasion of pre-metastatic niches to secondary tumor sites. Moreover, autophagy promotes immune evasion to inhibit antitumor immunity, and autophagy inhibitors enhance response to immunotherapy with infiltration of immune cells to the TME niche. Furthermore, autophagy in TME maintains and supports the survival of cancer stem cells resulting in chemoresistance and therapy recurrence. Presently, drug repurposing has enabled the use of lysosomal inhibitor-based antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as clinically available autophagy inhibitors in cancer therapy. We focus on the recent developments of multiple autophagy modulators from pre-clinical trials and the challenges in developing autophagy-based cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhadip Mukhopadhyay
- Cancer and Cell Death Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Kewal Kumar Mahapatra
- Cancer and Cell Death Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Prakash Priyadarshi Praharaj
- Cancer and Cell Death Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sujit Kumar Bhutia
- Cancer and Cell Death Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gutiérrez ML, Muñoz-Bellvís L, Orfao A. Genomic Heterogeneity of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Its Clinical Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4451. [PMID: 34503261 PMCID: PMC8430663 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death due to limited advances in recent years in early diagnosis and personalized therapy capable of overcoming tumor resistance to chemotherapy. In the last decades, significant advances have been achieved in the identification of recurrent genetic and molecular alterations of PDAC including those involving the KRAS, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and TP53 driver genes. Despite these common genetic traits, PDAC are highly heterogeneous tumors at both the inter- and intra-tumoral genomic level, which might contribute to distinct tumor behavior and response to therapy, with variable patient outcomes. Despite this, genetic and genomic data on PDAC has had a limited impact on the clinical management of patients. Integration of genomic data for classification of PDAC into clinically defined entities-i.e., classical vs. squamous subtypes of PDAC-leading to different treatment approaches has the potential for significantly improving patient outcomes. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the most relevant genomic subtypes of PDAC including the impact of distinct patterns of intra-tumoral genomic heterogeneity on the classification and clinical and therapeutic management of PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Gutiérrez
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry Service (NUCLEUS), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Cancer Research Center (IBMCC-CSIC/USAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium-CIBER-CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Muñoz-Bellvís
- Cancer Research Center (IBMCC-CSIC/USAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium-CIBER-CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Service of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alberto Orfao
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry Service (NUCLEUS), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Cancer Research Center (IBMCC-CSIC/USAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium-CIBER-CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sun T, Zhang D, Wang Z, Zhao B, Li Y, Sun X, Liu J, Wang X, Sheng J. Inhibition of the notch signaling pathway overcomes resistance of cervical cancer cells to paclitaxel through retardation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:1758-1764. [PMID: 34048126 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Use of paclitaxel as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic agents is a widely employed front-line chemotherapeutic strategy for cervical cancer. However, previous reports have shown that approximately 70% of the patients with cervical cancer develop resistance to paclitaxel. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to the occurrence of chemoresistance in several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Identification of the critical signaling pathway that regulates the EMT process may provide a novel strategy for avoiding or delaying the emergence of paclitaxel resistance during the treatment of cervical cancer. Herein, we established a paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cell line (HeLa-229PTR cells) by culturing parental HeLa-229 cells with increasing concentrations of paclitaxel. We observed elevated expression of Notch1 in HeLa-229PTR cells compared with their parental HeLa-229 cells, indicating its potential involvement in the EMT phenotype of the paclitaxel-resistant cells. Furthermore, silencing of the NOTCH1 gene, as well as treatment with a γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) partially reversed the EMT phenotype and significantly enhanced the sensitivity of HeLa-229PTR cells to paclitaxel. Moreover, we found that DAPT could significantly inhibit invasiveness, reduce colony formation activity, and promote apoptosis of HeLa-229PTR cells. Taken together, these results indicated that HeLa-229PTR cells develop the EMT phenotype partly through activation of Notch1 signaling. Thus, inhibition of Notch1 signaling can be a strategy for the reversal of the EMT phenotype and may increase the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to treatment with paclitaxel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Dengyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Zehao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Bingyu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yaping Li
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiuli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xuanjun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Patil K, Khan FB, Akhtar S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. The plasticity of pancreatic cancer stem cells: implications in therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:691-720. [PMID: 34453639 PMCID: PMC8556195 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing perception of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a plastic state rather than a hardwired defined entity has evolved our understanding of the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Pancreatic cancer (PC), based on its biological features and clinical evolution, is a prototypical example of a CSC-driven disease. Since the discovery of pancreatic CSCs (PCSCs) in 2007, evidence has unraveled their control over many facets of the natural history of PC, including primary tumor growth, metastatic progression, disease recurrence, and acquired drug resistance. Consequently, the current near-ubiquitous treatment regimens for PC using aggressive cytotoxic agents, aimed at ‘‘tumor debulking’’ rather than eradication of CSCs, have proven ineffective in providing clinically convincing improvements in patients with this dreadful disease. Herein, we review the key hallmarks as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms of CSCs that mediate treatment failure in PC and enlist the potential CSC-targeting ‘natural agents’ that are gaining popularity in recent years. A better understanding of the molecular and functional landscape of PCSC-intrinsic evasion of chemotherapeutic drugs offers a facile opportunity for treating PC, an intractable cancer with a grim prognosis and in dire need of effective therapeutic advances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farheen B Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, The United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|