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Pagani A, Duscher D, Kempa S, Ghods M, Prantl L. Preliminary Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Analysis Uncovers Adipocyte Heterogeneity in Lipedema. Cells 2024; 13:1028. [PMID: 38920656 PMCID: PMC11201579 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121028] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite its increasing incidence and prevalence throughout Western countries, lipedema continues to be a very enigmatic disease, often misunderstood or misdiagnosed by the medical community and with an intrinsic pathology that is difficult to trace. The nature of lipedemic tissue is one of hypertrophic adipocytes and poor tissue turnover. So far, there are no identified pathways responsible, and little is known about the cell populations of lipedemic fat. Methods: Adipose tissue samples were collected from affected areas of both lipedema and healthy participants. For single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, the samples were dissociated into single-cell suspensions using enzymatic digestion and then encapsulated into nanoliter-sized droplets containing barcoded beads. Within each droplet, cellular mRNA was converted into complementary DNA. Complementary DNA molecules were then amplified for downstream analysis. Results: The single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed three distinct adipocyte populations at play in lipedema. These populations have unique gene signatures which can be characterized as a lipid generating adipocyte, a disease catalyst adipocyte, and a lipedemic adipocyte. Conclusions: The single-cell RNA sequencing of lipedemic tissue samples highlights a triad of distinct adipocyte subpopulations, each characterized by unique gene signatures and functional roles. The interplay between these adipocyte subtypes offers promising insights into the complex pathophysiology of lipedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pagani
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz–Josef–Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Duscher
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz–Josef–Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sally Kempa
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz–Josef–Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mojtaba Ghods
- Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Clinic Ernst von Bergmann, Charlottenstraße 71, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz–Josef–Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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2
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Chen T, Li S, Wang L. Semaphorins in tumor microenvironment: Biological mechanisms and therapeutic progress. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112035. [PMID: 38603857 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112035] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Hallmark features of the tumor microenvironment include immune cells, stromal cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a conducive environment for the growth and survival of tumors. Recent advances in the understanding of cancer biology have highlighted the functional role of semaphorins (SEMAs). SEMAs are a large and diverse family of widely expressed secreted and membrane-binding proteins, which were initially implicated in axon guidance and neural development. However, it is now clear that they are widely expressed beyond the nervous system and participate in regulating immune responses and cancer progression. In fact, accumulating evidence disclosed that different SEMAs can either stimulate or restrict tumor progression, some of which act as important regulators of tumor angiogenesis. Conversely, limited information is known about the functional relevance of SEMA signals in TME. In this setting, we systematically elaborate the role SEMAs and their major receptors played in characterized components of TME. Furthermore, we provide a convergent view of current SEMAs pharmacological progress in clinical treatment and also put forward their potential application value and clinical prospects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, PR China
| | - Shazhou Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, PR China
| | - Lufang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, PR China.
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3
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Zhang X, Ma L, Xue M, Sun Y, Wang Z. Advances in lymphatic metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:201. [PMID: 38566083 PMCID: PMC10986052 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a deeply malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality. Despite the rapid development of diagnosis and treatment technology, abundant patients with lung cancer are still inevitably faced with recurrence and metastasis, contributing to death. Lymphatic metastasis is the first step of distant metastasis and an important prognostic indicator of non-small cell lung cancer. Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis is involved in the construction of the tumor microenvironment, except promoting malignant proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells, it also plays a crucial role in individual response to treatment, especially immunotherapy. Thus, this article reviews the current research status of lymphatic metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer, in order to provide some insights for the basic research and clinical and translational application in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhang
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Li Ma
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Man Xue
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Yanning Sun
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China.
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De Angelis Rigotti F, Wiedmann L, Hubert MO, Vacca M, Hasan SS, Moll I, Carvajal S, Jiménez W, Starostecka M, Billeter AT, Müller-Stich B, Wolff G, Ekim-Üstünel B, Herzig S, Fandos-Ramo C, Krätzner R, Reich M, Keitel-Anselmino V, Heikenwälder M, Mogler C, Fischer A, Rodriguez-Vita J. Semaphorin 3C exacerbates liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2023; 78:1092-1105. [PMID: 37055018 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic liver disease is a growing epidemic, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. TGF-β is the pivotal profibrogenic cytokine that activates HSC, yet other molecules can modulate TGF-β signaling during liver fibrosis. Expression of the axon guidance molecules semaphorins (SEMAs), which signal through plexins and neuropilins (NRPs), have been associated with liver fibrosis in HBV-induced chronic hepatitis. This study aims at determining their function in the regulation of HSCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS We analyzed publicly available patient databases and liver biopsies. We used transgenic mice, in which genes are deleted only in activated HSCs to perform ex vivo analysis and animal models. SEMA3C is the most enriched member of the semaphorin family in liver samples from patients with cirrhosis. Higher expression of SEMA3C in patients with NASH, alcoholic hepatitis, or HBV-induced hepatitis discriminates those with a more profibrotic transcriptomic profile. SEMA3C expression is also elevated in different mouse models of liver fibrosis and in isolated HSCs on activation. In keeping with this, deletion of SEMA3C in activated HSCs reduces myofibroblast marker expression. Conversely, SEMA3C overexpression exacerbates TGF-β-mediated myofibroblast activation, as shown by increased SMAD2 phosphorylation and target gene expression. Among SEMA3C receptors, only NRP2 expression is maintained on activation of isolated HSCs. Interestingly, lack of NRP2 in those cells reduces myofibroblast marker expression. Finally, deletion of either SEMA3C or NRP2, specifically in activated HSCs, reduces liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSION SEMA3C is a novel marker for activated HSCs that plays a fundamental role in the acquisition of the myofibroblastic phenotype and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Angelis Rigotti
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Tumor-Stroma Communication Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lena Wiedmann
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Max Ole Hubert
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Margherita Vacca
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sana S Hasan
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iris Moll
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Carvajal
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clinic Universitari, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clinic Universitari, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine, Medical and Health Sciences School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maja Starostecka
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian T Billeter
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beat Müller-Stich
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gretchen Wolff
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Centre Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Department of Internal Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany, and Chair Molecular Metabolic Control, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bilgen Ekim-Üstünel
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Centre Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Department of Internal Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany, and Chair Molecular Metabolic Control, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Herzig
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Centre Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Department of Internal Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany, and Chair Molecular Metabolic Control, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cristina Fandos-Ramo
- Tumor-Stroma Communication Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ralph Krätzner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria Reich
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Chronic Inflammation and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Keitel-Anselmino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Chronic Inflammation and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Juan Rodriguez-Vita
- Vascular Signaling and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Tumor-Stroma Communication Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Li D, Li X, Wang J, Li H, Shen H, Xu X, Chen G. Cleavage of semaphorin 4 C interferes with the neuroprotective effect of the semaphorin 4 C/Plexin B2 pathway on experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 132:102318. [PMID: 37482144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102318] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorin 4 C (SEMA4C) and its cognate receptor Plexin B2 are important regulators of axon guidance and are involved in many neurological diseases, in which SEMA4C acts not only as a ligand ("forward" mode) but also as a signaling receptor ("reverse" mode). However, the role of SEMA4C/Plexin B2 in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. In this study, ICH in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by autologous blood injection in the right basal ganglia. In vitro, cultured primary neurons were subjected to OxyHb to imitate ICH injury. Recombinant SEMA4C (rSEMA4C) and overexpressing lentiviruses encoding full-length SEMA4C or secretory SEMA4C (sSEMA4C) were administered to rats by intraventricular injection. First, we found that elevated levels of sSEMA4C in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of clinical patients were associated with poor prognosis. Both SEMA4C and sSEMA4C were increased in brain tissue around the hematoma after ICH in rats. Overexpression of SEMA4C attenuated neuronal apoptosis, neurosis, and neurologic impairment after ICH. However, treatment with rSEMA4C or sSEMA4C overexpression exacerbated neuronal injury. In addition, when treated with SEMA4C overexpression, the forward mode downstream protein RhoA and the reverse mode downstream ID1/3 transcriptional factors of SEMA4C/Plexin B2 signaling were all activated. Nevertheless, when exposed to rSEMA4C or sSEMA4C overexpression, only the forward mode was activated. Thus, sSEMA4C may be a novel molecular biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with ICH, and the prevention of SEMA4C cleavage is expected to be a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jiahe Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China.
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6
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Toledano S, Neufeld G. Plexins as Regulators of Cancer Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasivity. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4046. [PMID: 37627074 PMCID: PMC10452846 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164046] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plexins are a family of nine single-pass transmembrane receptors with a conserved GTPase activating protein (GAP) domain. The plexin family is divided into four subfamilies: Type-A, type-B, type-C, and type-D plexins. Plexins function as receptors for axon guidance factors of the semaphorin family. The semaphorin gene family contains 22 genes that are divided into eight subclasses of which subclasses three to seven represent vertebrate semaphorins. The plexins and their semaphorin ligands have important roles as regulators of angiogenesis, cancer proliferation, and metastasis. Class 3 semaphorins, with the exception of sema3E, are the only semaphorins that do not bind directly to plexins. In order to transduce their signals, they bind instead to complexes consisting of receptors of the neuropilin family and various plexins. Some plexins also form complexes with tyrosine-kinase receptors such as the epidermal growth factor receptor ErbB2, the mesenchymal epithelial transition factor receptor (MET), and the Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and, as a result, can modulate cell proliferation and tumor progression. This review focuses on the roles of the different plexins in the control of cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Plexins also affect tumor progression and tumor metastasis by indirect mechanisms, such as modulation of angiogenesis and immune responses. However, these topics are not covered in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gera Neufeld
- The Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109602, Israel;
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7
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Bica C, Tirpe A, Nutu A, Ciocan C, Chira S, Gurzau ES, Braicu C, Berindan-Neagoe I. Emerging roles and mechanisms of semaphorins activity in cancer. Life Sci 2023; 318:121499. [PMID: 36775114 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are regulatory molecules that are linked to the modulation of several cancer processes, such as angiogenesis, cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, tumor growth, as well as cancer cell survival. Semaphorin (SEMA) activity depends on the cancer histotypes and their particularities. In broad terms, the effects of SEMAs result from their interaction with specific receptors/co-receptors - Plexins, Neuropilins and Integrins - and the subsequent effects upon the downstream effectors (e.g. PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK). The present article serves as an integrative review work, discussing the broad implications of semaphorins in cancer, focusing on cell proliferation/survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and chemo-resistance/response whilst highlighting their heterogeneity as a family. Herein, we emphasized that semaphorins are largely implicated in cancer progression, interacting with the tumor microenvironment components. Whilst some SEMAs (e.g. SEMA3A, SEMA3B) function widely as tumor suppressors, others (e.g. SEMA3C) act as pro-tumor semaphorins. The differences observed in terms of the biological structure of SEMAs and the particularities of each cancer histotypes require that each semaphorin be viewed as a unique entity, and its roles must be researched accordingly. A more in-depth and comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms that promote and sustain the malignant behavior of cancer cells is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bica
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Alexandru Tirpe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andreea Nutu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Cristina Ciocan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Eugen S Gurzau
- Cluj School of Public Health, College of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 7 Pandurilor Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Environmental Health Center, 58 Busuiocului Street, 400240 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
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8
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Toledano S, Sabag AD, Ilan N, Liburkin-Dan T, Kessler O, Neufeld G. Plexin-A2 enables the proliferation and the development of tumors from glioblastoma derived cells. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:41. [PMID: 36658114 PMCID: PMC9852426 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The semaphorin guidance factors receptor plexin-A2 transduces sema6A and sema6B signals and may mediate, along with plexin-A4, the anti-angiogenic effects of sema6A. When associated with neuropilins plexin-A2 also transduces the anti-angiogenic signals of sema3B. Here we show that inhibition of plexin-A2 expression in glioblastoma derived cells that express wild type p53 such as U87MG and A172 cells, or in primary human endothelial cells, strongly inhibits cell proliferation. Inhibition of plexin-A2 expression in U87MG cells also results in strong inhibition of their tumor forming ability. Knock-out of the plexin-A2 gene in U87MG cells using CRISPR/Cas9 inhibits cell proliferation which is rescued following plexin-A2 re-expression, or expression of a truncated plexin-A2 lacking its extracellular domain. Inhibition of plexin-A2 expression results in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M stage, and is accompanied by changes in cytoskeletal organization, cell flattening, and enhanced expression of senescence associated β-galactosidase. It is also associated with reduced AKT phosphorylation and enhanced phosphorylation of p38MAPK. We find that the pro-proliferative effects of plexin-A2 are mediated by FARP2 and FYN and by the GTPase activating (GAP) domain located in the intracellular domain of plexin-A2. Point mutations in these locations inhibit the rescue of cell proliferation upon re-expression of the mutated intracellular domain in the knock-out cells. In contrast re-expression of a plexin-A2 cDNA containing a point mutation in the semaphorin binding domain failed to inhibit the rescue. Our results suggest that plexin-A2 may represent a novel target for the development of anti-tumorigenic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Toledano
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3109602, Israel
| | - Adi D Sabag
- Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Bnai-Zion medical Center, Haifa, 33394, Israel
| | - Neta Ilan
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3109602, Israel
| | - Tanya Liburkin-Dan
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3109602, Israel
| | - Ofra Kessler
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3109602, Israel
| | - Gera Neufeld
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3109602, Israel.
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9
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Martins LF, Brambilla I, Motta A, de Pretis S, Bhat GP, Badaloni A, Malpighi C, Amin ND, Imai F, Almeida RD, Yoshida Y, Pfaff SL, Bonanomi D. Motor neurons use push-pull signals to direct vascular remodeling critical for their connectivity. Neuron 2022; 110:4090-4107.e11. [PMID: 36240771 PMCID: PMC10316999 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system requires metabolites and oxygen supplied by the neurovascular network, but this necessitates close apposition of neurons and endothelial cells. We find motor neurons attract vessels with long-range VEGF signaling, but endothelial cells in the axonal pathway are an obstacle for establishing connections with muscles. It is unclear how this paradoxical interference from heterotypic neurovascular contacts is averted. Through a mouse mutagenesis screen, we show that Plexin-D1 receptor is required in endothelial cells for development of neuromuscular connectivity. Motor neurons release Sema3C to elicit short-range repulsion via Plexin-D1, thus displacing endothelial cells that obstruct axon growth. When this signaling pathway is disrupted, epaxial motor neurons are blocked from reaching their muscle targets and concomitantly vascular patterning in the spinal cord is altered. Thus, an integrative system of opposing push-pull cues ensures detrimental axon-endothelial encounters are avoided while enabling vascularization within the nervous system and along peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Martins
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal
| | - Ilaria Brambilla
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Motta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano de Pretis
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; Center for Omics Sciences, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ganesh Parameshwar Bhat
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Aurora Badaloni
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Malpighi
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Neal D Amin
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Fumiyasu Imai
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA; Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ramiro D Almeida
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-504, Portugal; iBiMED - Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Yutaka Yoshida
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA; Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Neural Circuit Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Samuel L Pfaff
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Dario Bonanomi
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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10
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Crosstalk between the peripheral nervous system and breast cancer influences tumor progression. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188828. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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11
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He Z, Khatib AM, Creemers JWM. The proprotein convertase furin in cancer: more than an oncogene. Oncogene 2022; 41:1252-1262. [PMID: 34997216 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Furin is the first discovered proprotein convertase member and is present in almost all mammalian cells. Therefore, by regulating the maturation of a wide range of proproteins, Furin expression and/or activity is involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes ranging from embryonic development to carcinogenesis. Since many of these protein precursors are involved in initiating and maintaining the hallmarks of cancer, Furin has been proposed as a potential target for treating several human cancers. In contrast, other studies have revealed that some types of cancer do not benefit from Furin inhibition. Therefore, understanding the heterogeneous functions of Furin in cancer will provide important insights into the design of effective strategies targeting Furin in cancer treatment. Here, we present recent advances in understanding how Furin expression and activity are regulated in cancer cells and their influences on the activity of Furin substrates in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss how Furin represses tumorigenic properties of several cancer cells and why Furin inhibition leads to aggressive phenotypes in other tumors. Finally, we summarize the clinical applications of Furin inhibition in treating human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abdel-Majid Khatib
- INSERM, LAMC, UMR 1029, Allée Geoffroy St Hilaire, Pessac, France.
- Institut Bergoinié, Bordeaux, France.
| | - John W M Creemers
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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12
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Genetic inactivation of Semaphorin 3C protects mice from Acute Kidney Injury. Kidney Int 2022; 101:720-732. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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13
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Peng J, Liu X, Li C, Gao M, Wang H. Sema4C modulates the migration of primary tumor-associated lymphatic endothelial cells via an ERK-mediated pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1102. [PMID: 34504556 PMCID: PMC8383750 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) serve a positive role in tumor lymphatic metastasis, the regulation of LECs undergoing migration similar to that of tumor cells remains poorly understood. A previous study revealed that semaphorin 4C (Sema4C) could be a marker of LECs in cervical cancer. Thus, the present study aimed to understand the mechanism via which Sema4C could promote the development of tumor-associated characteristics in LECs in cervical cancer. Primary tumor-associated LECs (TLECs) were distinguished from cervical cancer by flow cytometry. The promigratory ability was assessed using the Transwell assay. Lentivirus infection was used to alter the expression of Sema4C in TLECs. Confocal laser scanning was used to determine the infection efficiency of lentivirus infection. Sema4C/ERK/E-cadherin pathway was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. The co-localization of Sema4C and the lymphatic marker lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 was verified. Primary tumor-associated LECs (TLECs) were isolated from a mouse xenograft cervical tumor model. It was revealed that overexpressing Sema4C stimulated the migratory ability of TLECs, downregulated E-cadherin expression and stimulated ERK phosphorylation, whereas knocking down Sema4C had the opposite effects. The treatment of PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) blocked the pro-migratory ability of TLECs, which indicated a dependence on the ERK signaling pathway. It was identified that the Sema4C/ERK/E-cadherin pathway may be critical for the migration of TLECs, which may promote lymph node metastasis. Therefore, Sema4C could be a promising target for the treatment of cervical cancer with lymphatic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250001, P.R. China
| | - Xijiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250001, P.R. China
| | - Min Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250001, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250001, P.R. China
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14
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Jiao B, Liu S, Tan X, Lu P, Wang D, Xu H. Class-3 semaphorins: Potent multifunctional modulators for angiogenesis-associated diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111329. [PMID: 33545660 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins, the neuronal guidance cues, were shown to have broad influences on pathophysiological processes such as bone remodeling, immune responses, and angiogenesis. In particular, Class-3 Semaphorins (SEMA3) is considered a vital regulator involved in angiogenesis. Scientific evidence has pointed to the role of angiogenesis in many diseases, and numerous efforts have been made to explore the possibilities of curing those diseases by targeting angiogenesis. Nevertheless, the efficacies are limited owing to the complex mechanisms of angiogenesis. Hence, investigating the mechanisms of SEMA3 in angiogenesis may contribute to novel therapeutics for diseases. Previous reviews mainly focused on the various functions of semaphorins in one particular disease, and the specific angiogenesis mechanism of SEMA3 in diverse diseases has not been well elucidated. Additionally, the role of SEMA3 in angiogenesis remains elusive, as contradicting results have been found in different disease types. Some evidence from recent studies implies that, while most SEMA3 molecules inhibit pathological angiogenesis in different diseases, occasionally SEMA3 may also promote angiogenesis. This review summarizes the specific role of SEMA3 in a variety of angiogenesis-associated diseases, and documents SEMA3 may be a promising therapeutic target for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shiyang Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xi Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Pei Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Danning Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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15
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Li J, Hu K, He D, Zhou L, Wang Z, Tao Y. Prognostic Value of PLXND1 and TGF-β1 Coexpression and Its Correlation With Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:604131. [PMID: 33489909 PMCID: PMC7820679 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.604131] [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: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy with no curative treatments. Plexin D1 (PLXND1) is a cellular receptor whose functions have been explored in several human cancers; however, the critical roles of PLXND1 in HCC have rarely been probed. Therefore, the present study attempted to elucidate the expression pattern, prognostic significance, and potential roles of PLXND1 in HCC. We found that PLXND1 expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher compared with normal liver tissue from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Integrative Molecular Database of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCCDB) databases. This result was further validated by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) using tissue microarrays, which contained 216 HCC cases collected from our hospital. Additionally, PLXND1 expression showed a significant correlation with several clinical characteristics, including tumor grade and tumor hemorrhage (TH). Moreover, TISIDB and GEPIA databases were used to investigate the roles of PLXND1 in tumor-immune system interactions in HCC. As an immunoinhibitor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) displayed the greatest correlations with PLXND1 in HCC. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analysis were conducted to further examine the potential clinical value of PLXND1 in HCC. We described a subclassification of HCC based on PLXND1 and TGF-β1 expression, which could be used to predict clinical outcomes and patient prognosis. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that PLXND1 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanni Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongren He
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiming Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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16
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Fard D, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins in health and disease. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 57:55-63. [PMID: 32900601 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is pivotal to guide embryo development, as well as to maintain adult tissues homeostasis and control immune response. Among extracellular factors responsible for this function, are the Semaphorins, a broad family of around 20 different molecular cues conserved in evolution and widely expressed in all tissues. The signaling cascades initiated by semaphorins depend on a family of conserved receptors, called Plexins, and on several additional molecules found in the receptor complexes. Moreover, multiple intracellular pathways have been described to act downstream of semaphorins, highlighting significant diversity in the signaling cascades controlled by this family. Notably, semaphorin expression is altered in many human diseases, such as immunopathologies, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This underscores the importance of semaphorins as regulatory factors in the tissue microenvironment and has prompted growing interest for assessing their potential relevance in medicine. This review article surveys the main contexts in which semaphorins have been found to regulate developing and healthy adult tissues, and the signaling cascades implicated in these functions. Vis a vis, we will highlight the main pathological processes in which semaphorins are thought to have a role thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Fard
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Harman JL, Sayers J, Chapman C, Pellet-Many C. Emerging Roles for Neuropilin-2 in Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5154. [PMID: 32708258 PMCID: PMC7404143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, is predominantly associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by the narrowing of large to medium-sized arteries due to a build-up of plaque. Atherosclerotic plaque is comprised of lipids, extracellular matrix, and several cell types, including endothelial, immune, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Such narrowing of the blood vessels can itself restrict blood flow to vital organs but most severe clinical complications, including heart attacks and strokes, occur when lesions rupture, triggering the blood to clot and obstructing blood flow further down the vascular tree. To circumvent such obstructions, percutaneous coronary intervention or bypass grafts are often required; however, re-occlusion of the treated artery frequently occurs. Neuropilins (NRPs), a multifunctional family of cell surface co-receptors, are expressed by endothelial, immune, and vascular smooth muscle cells and are regulators of numerous signalling pathways within the vasculature. Here, we review recent studies implicating NRP2 in the development of occlusive vascular diseases and discuss how NRP2 could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Harman
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Jacob Sayers
- University College London, Division of Medicine, Rayne Building, University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Chey Chapman
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Caroline Pellet-Many
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
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18
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Dumond A, Pagès G. Neuropilins, as Relevant Oncology Target: Their Role in the Tumoral Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:662. [PMID: 32766254 PMCID: PMC7380111 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the key mechanisms involved in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR) represent one of the major signaling pathways which mediates angiogenesis. The VEGF/VEGFR axis was intensively targeted by monoclonal antibodies or by tyrosine kinase inhibitors to destroy the tumor vascular network. By inhibiting oxygen and nutrient supply, this strategy was supposed to cure cancers. However, despite a lengthening of the progression free survival in several types of tumors including colon, lung, breast, kidney, and ovarian cancers, modest improvements in overall survival were reported. Anti-angiogenic therapies targeting VEGF/VEGFR are still used in colon and ovarian cancer and remain reference treatments for renal cell carcinoma. Although the concept of inhibiting angiogenesis remains relevant, new targets need to be discovered to improve the therapeutic index of anti-VEGF/VEGFR. Neuropilin 1 and 2 (NRP1/2), initially described as neuronal receptors, stimulate angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and immune tolerance. Moreover, overexpression of NRPs in several tumors is synonymous of patients' shorter survival. This article aims to overview the different roles of NRPs in cells constituting the tumor microenvironment to highlight the therapeutic relevance of their targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dumond
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.,Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR 7284, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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19
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Zhang X, Shao S, Li L. Characterization of Class-3 Semaphorin Receptors, Neuropilins and Plexins, as Therapeutic Targets in a Pan-Cancer Study. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071816. [PMID: 32640719 PMCID: PMC7409005 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Class-3 semaphorins (SEMA3s), initially characterized as axon guidance cues, have been recognized as key regulators for immune responses, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis and drug responses. The functions of SEMA3s are attributed to the activation of downstream signaling cascades mainly mediated by cell surface receptors neuropilins (NRPs) and plexins (PLXNs), yet their roles in human cancers are not completely understood. Here, we provided a detailed pan-cancer analysis of NRPs and PLXNs in their expression, and association with key signal transducers, patient survival, tumor microenvironment (TME), and drug responses. The expression of NRPs and PLXNs were dysregulated in many cancer types, and the majority of them were further dysregulated in metastatic tumors, indicating a role in metastatic progression. Importantly, the expression of these genes was frequently associated with key transducers, patient survival, TME, and drug responses; however, the direction of the association varied for the particular gene queried and the specific cancer type/subtype tested. Specifically, NRP1, NRP2, PLXNA1, PLXNA3, PLXNB3, PLXNC1, and PLXND1 were primarily associated with aggressive phenotypes, whereas the rest were more associated with favorable prognosis. These data highlighted the need to study each as a separate entity in a cancer type- and subtype-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Shuai Shao
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43201, USA;
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
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20
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Kim BH, Kim DY, Ahn Y, Lee EJ, Park H, Park M, Park JH. Semaphorin-3C Is Upregulated in Polycystic Kidney Epithelial Cells and Inhibits Angiogenesis of Glomerular Endothelial Cells. Am J Nephrol 2020; 51:556-564. [PMID: 32610315 DOI: 10.1159/000508263] [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: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary disease characterized by cyst formation in the kidneys bilaterally. It has been observed that semaphorin-3C (SEMA3C) is overexpressed in polycystic kidney epithelial cells. It is hypothesized that upregulated SEMA3C would contribute to survival of polycystic kidney epithelial cells. Furthermore, as the kidney is a highly vascularized organ, the secreted SEMA3C from PKD epithelial cells will affect glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) in a paracrine manner. METHODS To evaluate the effect of SEMA3C on renal cells, siSEMA3C-treated PKD epithelial cells were used for further analysis, and GECs were exposed to recombinant SEMA3C (rSEMA3C). Also, co-culture and treatment of conditioned media were employed to confirm whether PKD epithelial cells could influence on GECs via SEMA3C secretion. RESULTS SEMA3C knockdown reduced proliferation of PKD epithelial cells. In case of GECs, exposure to rSEMA3C decreased angiogenesis, which resulted from suppressed migratory ability not cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that SEMA3C is the aggravating factor in PKD. Thus, it is proposed that targeting SEMA3C can be effective to mitigate PKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hye Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Yeon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Ahn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meeyoung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,
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21
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Zhang X, Klamer B, Li J, Fernandez S, Li L. A pan-cancer study of class-3 semaphorins as therapeutic targets in cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2020; 13:45. [PMID: 32241267 PMCID: PMC7118829 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-020-0682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Initially characterized as axon guidance factors, semaphorins also have been implicated to have critical roles in multiple physiological and developmental functions, including the regulation of immune responses, angiogenesis, organ formation, and the etiology of multiple forms of cancer. Moreover, their contribution in immunity and the regulation of tumour microenvironment is becoming increasingly recognized. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of class-3 semaphorins, the only secreted family of genes among veterbrate semaphorins, in terms of their expression profiles and their association with patient survival. We also relate their role with immune subtypes, tumour microenvironment, and drug sensitivity using a pan-cancer study. RESULTS Expression profiles of class-3 semaphorins (SEMA3s) and their association with patient survival and tumour microenvironment were studied in 31 cancer types using the TCGA pan-cancer data. The expression of SEMA3 family varies in different cancer types with striking inter- and intra- cancer heterogeneity. In general, our results show that SEMA3A, SEMA3C, and SEMA3F are primarily upregulated in cancer cells, while the rest of SEMA3s are mainly down-regulated in the tested tumours. The expression of SEMA3 family members was frequently associated with patient overall survival. However, the direction of the association varied with regards to the particular SEMA3 isoform queried and the specific cancer type tested. More specifically, SEMA3A and SEMA3E primarily associate with a poor prognosis of survival, while SEMA3G typically associates with survival advantage. The rest of SEMA3s show either survival advantage or disadvantage dependent on cancer type. In addition, all SEMA3 genes show significant association with immune infiltrate subtypes, and they also correlate with level of stromal cell infiltration and tumour cell stemness with various degrees. Finally, our study revealed that SEMA3 genes, especially SEMA3C and SEMA3F may contribute to drug induced cancer cell resistance. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic analysis of class-3 semaphorin gene expression and their association with immune infiltrates, tumour microenvironment and cancer patient outcomes highlights the need to study each SEMA3 member as a separate entity within each specific cancer type. Also our study validated the identification of class-3 semaphorin signals as promising therapeutic targets in cancer although further laboratory validation still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Brett Klamer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Soledad Fernandez
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 320B Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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22
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Iragavarapu-Charyulu V, Wojcikiewicz E, Urdaneta A. Semaphorins in Angiogenesis and Autoimmune Diseases: Therapeutic Targets? Front Immunol 2020; 11:346. [PMID: 32210960 PMCID: PMC7066498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The axonal guidance molecules, semaphorins, have been described to function both physiologically and pathologically outside of the nervous system. In this review, we focus on the vertebrate semaphorins found in classes 3 through 7 and their roles in vascular development and autoimmune diseases. Recent studies indicate that while some of these vertebrate semaphorins promote angiogenesis, others have an angiostatic function. Since some semaphorins are also expressed by different immune cells and are known to modulate immune responses, they have been implicated in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. We conclude this review by addressing strategies targeting semaphorins as potential therapeutic agents for angiogenesis and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Wojcikiewicz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Alexandra Urdaneta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
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23
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Neuropilin: Handyman and Power Broker in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1223:31-67. [PMID: 32030684 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35582-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 form a small family of transmembrane receptors, which, due to the lack of a cytosolic protein kinase domain, act primarily as co-receptors for various ligands. Performing at the molecular level both the executive and organizing functions of a handyman as well as of a power broker, they are instrumental in controlling the signaling of various receptor tyrosine kinases, integrins, and other molecules involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenic processes. In this setting, the various neuropilin ligands and interaction partners on various cells of the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells, are surveyed. The suitability of various neuropilin-targeting substances and the intervention in neuropilin-mediated interactions is considered as a possible building block of tumor therapy.
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Huang SW, Yang HY, Huang WJ, Chen WC, Yu MC, Wang SW, Hsu YF, Hsu MJ. WMJ-S-001, a Novel Aliphatic Hydroxamate-Based Compound, Suppresses Lymphangiogenesis Through p38mapk-p53-survivin Signaling Cascade. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1188. [PMID: 31781495 PMCID: PMC6851263 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are major routes for metastatic spread of tumor cells. It thus represent the rational targets for therapeutic intervention of cancer. Recently, we showed that a novel aliphatic hydroxamate-based compound, WMJ-S-001, exhibits anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. However, whether WMJ-S-001 is capable of suppressing lymphangiogenesis remains unclear. We are thus interested in exploring WMJ-S-001's anti-lymphangiogenic mechanisms in lymphatic endothelial cell (LECs). Experimental approach: WMJ-S-001's effects on LEC proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as signaling molecules activation were analyzed by immunoblotting, flow-cytometry, MTT, BrdU, migration and invasion assays. We performed tube formation assay to examine WMJ-S-001's ex vivo anti-lymphangiogenic effects. Key results: WMJ-S-001 inhibited serum-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion in murine LECs (SV-LECs). WMJ-S-001 reduced the mRNA and protein levels of survivin. Survivin siRNA significantly suppressed serum-induced SV-LEC invasion. WMJ-S-001 induced p53 phosphorylation and increased its reporter activities. In addition, WMJ-S-001 increased p53 binding to the promoter region of survivin, while Sp1 binding to the region was decreased. WMJ-S-001 induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation. p38MPAK signaling blockade significantly inhibited p53 phosphorylation and restored survivin reduction in WMJ-S-001-stimulated SV-LCEs. Furthermore, WMJ-S-001 induced survivin reduction and inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and tube formation of primary human LECs. Conclusions and Implications: These observations indicate that WMJ-S-001 may suppress lymphatic endothelial remodeling and reduce lymphangiogenesis through p38MAPK-p53-survivin signaling. It also suggests that WMJ-S-001 is a potential lead compound in developing novel agents for the treatment of lymphangiogenesis-associated diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiu-Wen Huang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Yang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chuan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chieh Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fen Hsu
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Landseed Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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25
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The Anti-Tumorigenic Activity of Sema3C in the Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane Model. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225672. [PMID: 31726800 PMCID: PMC6888630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sema3C protein, a member of the class 3 family of secreted semaphorins, play an important role in tumor development by regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis processes. Depending on the type and malignancy grade of the tumor, Sema3C function remains controversial. In this study, we constructed a stably overexpressing Sema3C glioblastoma cell line U87 MG and tested it on the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model with the aim to reveal Sema3C protein function on angiogenesis process in ovo. Our experiments showed that Sema3C not only affects angiogenesis of CAM by inhibiting neovascularization but also acts as an anti-tumorigenic molecule by hampering U87 MG cell invasion into mesenchyme. The effects of Sema3C on CAM were similar to the effects of anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate (NaVP). Both, anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic activities of Sema3C were enhanced by the treatment of NaVP and, importantly, were not attributed to the cytotoxic effects. Our studies suggest that Sema3C could be a promising target for glioblastoma treatment.
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26
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Liu R, Shuai Y, Luo J, Zhang Z. SEMA3C Promotes Cervical Cancer Growth and Is Associated With Poor Prognosis. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1035. [PMID: 31649890 PMCID: PMC6794562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Aberrant activation of Semaphorin3C(SEMA3C) is widespread in human cancers. We aimed to analyze SEMA3C expression in cervical cancer and investigate the role of SEMA3C in cervical cancer and its underlying mechanism, which is important for exploring new therapeutic targets and prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: The expression of SEMA3C was examined in paraffin-embedded cervical cancer specimens. In vivo and in vitro assays were performed to validate the effect of SEMA3C on cervical cancer cell proliferation and p-ERK pathway activation. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set. Results: SEMA3C expression was associated with poor survival in both the TCGA cohort and our cohort. Silencing of SEMA3C suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, colony formation ability, and the activation of the p-ERK signaling pathway in vitro. SEMA3C depletion inhibited tumor growth in vitro. GSEA also showed that the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), TGFβ signaling pathway, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interactions are associated with a high SEMA3C expression phenotype. Conclusion: SEMA3C is correlated with poor prognosis of cervical cancer patients and promotes tumor growth via the activation of the p-ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyan Liu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanjie Shuai
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngology Oncology and Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingtao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngology Oncology and Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngology Oncology and Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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27
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Lavi N, Kessler O, Ziv K, Nir-Zvi I, Mumblat Y, Eiza N, Paran Y, Brenner B, Vadasz Z, Neufeld G. Semaphorin-3A inhibits multiple myeloma progression in a mouse model. Carcinogenesis 2019; 39:1283-1291. [PMID: 30102336 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies revealed that progression of multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with downregulation of semaphorin-3A (sema3A) expression in bone marrow endothelial cells. We therefore determined if serum sema3A concentrations are correlated with MM progression and if sema3A can affect MM progression. We find that the concentration of sema3A in sera of MM patients is strongly reduced and that the decrease is correlated with disease progression. A similar depletion is found in patients having acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia but not in cancer forms that do not involve the bone marrow such as in colon cancer. Expression of a modified sema3A [furin-resistant sema3A (FR-sema3A)] stabilized against cleavage by furin-like proprotein convertases in CAG MM cells did not affect their behavior in-vitro. CAG cells injected into the tail vein of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice home to the bone marrow and proliferate, mimicking MM disease progression. Disease progression in mice injected with CAG cells expressing FR-sema3A was inhibited, resulting in prolonged survival and a lower incidence of bone lesions. Histological examination and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed that FR-sema3A expression reduced the infiltration of the CAG cells into the bone marrow, reduced bone marrow necrosis and reduced angiogenesis induced by the MM cells in the bone marrow. Our results suggest that measurement of sema3A serum concentrations may be of use for the diagnosis and for the monitoring of malignancies of the bone marrow such as MM. Furthermore, our results suggest that FR-sema3A may perhaps find use as an inhibitor of MM disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Lavi
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofra Kessler
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Keren Ziv
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Inbal Nir-Zvi
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yelena Mumblat
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nasrene Eiza
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Paran
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Benjamin Brenner
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zahava Vadasz
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gera Neufeld
- Cancer Research Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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28
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Csányi G, Singla B. Arterial Lymphatics in Atherosclerosis: Old Questions, New Insights, and Remaining Challenges. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040495. [PMID: 30979062 PMCID: PMC6518204 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic network is well known for its role in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of dietary lipids, trafficking of immune cells, and adaptive immunity. Aberrant lymphatic function has been linked to lymphedema and immune disorders for a long time. Discovery of lymphatic cell markers, novel insights into developmental and postnatal lymphangiogenesis, development of genetic mouse models, and the introduction of new imaging techniques have improved our understanding of lymphatic function in both health and disease, especially in the last decade. Previous studies linked the lymphatic vasculature to atherosclerosis through regulation of immune responses, reverse cholesterol transport, and inflammation. Despite extensive research, many aspects of the lymphatic circulation in atherosclerosis are still unknown and future studies are required to confirm that arterial lymphangiogenesis truly represents a therapeutic target in patients with cardiovascular disease. In this review article, we provide an overview of factors and mechanisms that regulate lymphangiogenesis, summarize recent findings on the role of lymphatics in macrophage reverse cholesterol transport, immune cell trafficking and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and present an overview of pharmacological and genetic strategies to modulate lymphatic vessel density in cardiovascular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Csányi
- Vascular Biology Center, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Bhupesh Singla
- Vascular Biology Center, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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29
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He M, Lin Y, Xu Y. Identification of prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer using a long non-coding RNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA network. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:2687-2694. [PMID: 30854042 PMCID: PMC6365949 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.9936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor accompanied by poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in the progression and physiology of tumors as it competes with endogenous RNAs, including miRNA and mRNA. In the present study, a multi-step computational method was used to build a CRC-related functional lncRNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network (LMCN). lncRNAs with more degrees and betweenness centrality (BC) were screened out as hub lncRNAs. Then functional enrichment analyses of lncRNAs were carried out from the Gene Ontology (GO) and Reactome pathway databases based on the 'guilt by association' principle. As a result, lncRNAs in the LMCN displayed specific topological characteristics in accordance with the regulatory correlation of coding mRNAs in CRC pathology. HCP5, EPB41L4A-AS1, SNHG12, and LINC00649 were screened out as hub lncRNAs which were more significantly related to the development and prognosis of CRC. The hub lncRNAs in CRC were obviously involved in functions of cell cycle arrest, vacuolar transport, histone modification, and in pathways of GPCR, signaling by Rho GTPases, axon guidance pathways, meaning that they might be potential biomarkers for diagnosis, evaluation and gene-targeted therapy of CRC. Thus, the LMCN construction method could accelerate lncRNA discovery and therapeutic development in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, P.R. China
| | - Yuzhen Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Southeast University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
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30
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Hui DHF, Tam KJ, Jiao IZF, Ong CJ. Semaphorin 3C as a Therapeutic Target in Prostate and Other Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E774. [PMID: 30759745 PMCID: PMC6386986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The semaphorins represent a large family of signaling molecules with crucial roles in neuronal and cardiac development. While normal semaphorin function pertains largely to development, their involvement in malignancy is becoming increasingly evident. One member, Semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), has been shown to drive a number of oncogenic programs, correlate inversely with cancer prognosis, and promote the progression of multiple different cancer types. This report surveys the body of knowledge surrounding SEMA3C as a therapeutic target in cancer. In particular, we summarize SEMA3C's role as an autocrine andromedin in prostate cancer growth and survival and provide an overview of other cancer types that SEMA3C has been implicated in including pancreas, brain, breast, and stomach. We also propose molecular strategies that could potentially be deployed against SEMA3C as anticancer agents such as biologics, small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides. Finally, we discuss important considerations for the inhibition of SEMA3C as a cancer therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H F Hui
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Kevin J Tam
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Ivy Z F Jiao
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Christopher J Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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31
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Küçükköse C, Yalçin Özuysal Ö. Effects of Notch signalling on the expression of SEMA3C, HMGA2, CXCL14, CXCR7, and CCL20 in breast cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 43:70-76. [PMID: 30930637 PMCID: PMC6426645 DOI: 10.3906/biy-1808-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the main reason for death in breast cancer. Understanding the molecular players in metastasis is crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Notch signalling plays an oncogenic role in breast tumorigenesis and is involved in metastasis. Downstream mediators of Notch signalling in prometastatic processes are not yet fully discovered. Here we aimed to investigate whether Notch signalling regulates the expression of SEMA3C, HMGA2, CXCL14, CXCR7, and CCL20, which are involved in prometastatic processes, in breast cell lines. To this end, expression of the selected genes was analysed following Notch activation by overexpression of the Notch1 intracellular domain in the normal breast epithelial cell line MCF10A, and inhibition by silencing of the Notch transcriptional mediator RBPjκ in the breast cancer cell line MDA MB 231. SEMA3C and HMGA2 mRNA were decreased, while CXCL14 and CXCR7 mRNA were increased significantly in response to Notch activation in MCF10A cells. Notch inhibition in MDA MB 231 cells significantly decreased HMGA2 and CCL20 mRNA. Protein levels were not significantly altered by Notch modulation. In conclusion, we showed that Notch signalling regulates expression of SEMA3C, CXCL14, CCL20, CXCR7, and HMGA2, which are prominent candidate genes that might function downstream of Notch to induce prometastatic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Küçükköse
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, İzmir Institute of Technology , İzmir , Turkey
| | - Özden Yalçin Özuysal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, İzmir Institute of Technology , İzmir , Turkey
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32
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Niland S, Eble JA. Neuropilins in the Context of Tumor Vasculature. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030639. [PMID: 30717262 PMCID: PMC6387129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2 form a small family of plasma membrane spanning receptors originally identified by the binding of semaphorin and vascular endothelial growth factor. Having no cytosolic protein kinase domain, they function predominantly as co-receptors of other receptors for various ligands. As such, they critically modulate the signaling of various receptor tyrosine kinases, integrins, and other molecules involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenic processes. This review highlights the diverse neuropilin ligands and interacting partners on endothelial cells, which are relevant in the context of the tumor vasculature and the tumor microenvironment. In addition to tumor cells, the latter contains cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. Based on the prevalent neuropilin-mediated interactions, the suitability of various neuropilin-targeted substances for influencing tumor angiogenesis as a possible building block of a tumor therapy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Niland
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Johannes A Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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33
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Class-3 Semaphorins and Their Receptors: Potent Multifunctional Modulators of Tumor Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030556. [PMID: 30696103 PMCID: PMC6387194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins are the products of a large gene family containing 28 genes of which 21 are found in vertebrates. Class-3 semaphorins constitute a subfamily of seven vertebrate semaphorins which differ from the other vertebrate semaphorins in that they are the only secreted semaphorins and are distinguished from other semaphorins by the presence of a basic domain at their C termini. Class-3 semaphorins were initially characterized as axon guidance factors, but have subsequently been found to regulate immune responses, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and a variety of additional physiological and developmental functions. Most class-3 semaphorins transduce their signals by binding to receptors belonging to the neuropilin family which subsequently associate with receptors of the plexin family to form functional class-3 semaphorin receptors. Recent evidence suggests that class-3 semaphorins also fulfill important regulatory roles in multiple forms of cancer. Several class-3 semaphorins function as endogenous inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis. Others were found to inhibit tumor metastasis by inhibition of tumor lymphangiogenesis, by direct effects on the behavior of tumor cells, or by modulation of immune responses. Notably, some semaphorins such as sema3C and sema3E have also been found to potentiate tumor progression using various mechanisms. This review focuses on the roles of the different class-3 semaphorins in tumor progression.
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34
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Valiulyte I, Preitakaite V, Tamasauskas A, Kazlauskas A. Importance of the putative furin recognition site 742RNRR745 for antiangiogenic Sema3C activity in vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 51:e7786. [PMID: 30304095 PMCID: PMC6180350 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20187786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the key processes in the growth and development of tumors. Class-3 semaphorins (Sema3) are characterized as axon guidance factors involved in tumor angiogenesis by interacting with the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway. Sema3 proteins convey their regulatory signals by binding to neuropilins and plexins receptors, which are located on the effector cell. These processes are regulated by furin endoproteinases that cleave RXRR motifs within the Sema, plexin-semaphorins-integrin, and C-terminal basic domains of Sema3 protein. Several studies have shown that the furin-mediated processing of the basic domain of Sema3F and Sema3A is critical for association with receptors. It is unclear, however, if this mechanism can also be applied to other Sema3 proteins, including the main subject of this study, Sema3C. To address this question, we generated a variant of the full-length human Sema3C carrying point mutation R745A at the basic domain at the hypothetical furin recognition site 742RNRR745, which would disable the processing of Sema3C at this specific location. The effects produced by this mutation were tested in an in vitro angiogenesis assay together with the wild-type Sema3C, Sema3A, and Sema3F proteins. Our results showed that the inhibitory effect of Sema3C on microcapillary formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells could be abrogated upon mutation at the Sema3C basic domain within putative furin cleavage site 742RNRR745, indicating that this site was essential for the Sema3 biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Valiulyte
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - V Preitakaite
- Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - A Tamasauskas
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - A Kazlauskas
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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35
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Butti R, Kumar TV, Nimma R, Kundu GC. Impact of semaphorin expression on prognostic characteristics in breast cancer. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2018; 10:79-88. [PMID: 29910635 PMCID: PMC5987790 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s135753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Aberrant regulation of various growth factors, cytokines, and other proteins and their receptors in cancer cells drives the activation of various oncogenic signaling pathways that lead to cancer progression. Semaphorins are a class of proteins which are differentially expressed in various types of cancer including breast cancer. Earlier, these proteins were known to have a major function in the nerve cell adhesion, migration, and development of the central nervous system. However, their role in the regulation of several aspects of tumor progression has eventually emerged. There are over 30 genes encoding the semaphorins, which are divided into eight subclasses. It has been reported that some members of semaphorin classes are antiangiogenic and antimetastatic in nature, whereas others act as proangiogenic and prometastatic genes. Because of their differential expression and role in angiogenesis and metastasis, semaphorins emerged as one of the important prognostic factors for appraising breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Butti
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Totakura Vs Kumar
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Ramakrishna Nimma
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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36
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Stromal cells in breast cancer as a potential therapeutic target. Oncotarget 2018; 9:23761-23779. [PMID: 29805773 PMCID: PMC5955086 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer in the United States is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime and breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death. In pursuit of novel therapeutic strategies, researchers have examined the tumor microenvironment as a potential anti-cancer target. In addition to neoplastic cells, the tumor microenvironment is composed of several critical normal cell types, including fibroblasts, vascular and lymph endothelial cells, osteoclasts, adipocytes, and immune cells. These cells have important roles in healthy tissue stasis, which frequently are altered in tumors. Indeed, tumor-associated stromal cells often contribute to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. Consequently, these host cells may serve as a possible target in anti-tumor and anti-metastatic therapeutic strategies. Targeting the tumor associated host cells offers the benefit that such cells do not mutate and develop resistance in response to treatment, a major cause of failure in cancer therapeutics targeting neoplastic cells. This review discusses the role of host cells in the tumor microenvironment during tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis, and provides an overview of recent developments in targeting these cell populations to enhance cancer therapy efficacy.
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Semaphorin 3C and Its Receptors in Cancer and Cancer Stem-Like Cells. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6020042. [PMID: 29642487 PMCID: PMC6027460 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental programs are frequently dysregulated in cancer. Semaphorins are a large family of guidance cues that direct neuronal network formation and are also implicated in cancer. Semaphorins have two kinds of receptors, neuropilins and plexins. Besides their role in development, semaphorin signaling may promote or suppress tumors depending on their context. Sema3C is a secreted semaphorin that plays an important role in the maintenance of cancer stem-like cells, promotes migration and invasion, and may facilitate angiogenesis. Therapeutic strategies that inhibit Sema3C signaling may improve cancer control. This review will summarize the current research on the Sema3C pathway and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Tam KJ, Dalal K, Hsing M, Cheng CW, Khosravi S, Yenki P, Tse C, Peacock JW, Sharma A, Chiang YT, Wang Y, Cherkasov A, Rennie PS, Gleave ME, Ong CJ. Androgen receptor transcriptionally regulates semaphorin 3C in a GATA2-dependent manner. Oncotarget 2018; 8:9617-9633. [PMID: 28038451 PMCID: PMC5354758 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors and is central to prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Ligand-activated AR engages androgen response elements (AREs) at androgen-responsive genes to drive the expression of gene batteries involved in cell proliferation and cell fate. Understanding the transcriptional targets of the AR has become critical in apprehending the mechanisms driving treatment-resistant stages of PCa. Although AR transcription regulation has been extensively studied, the signaling networks downstream of AR are incompletely described. Semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C) is a secreted signaling protein with roles in nervous system and cardiac development but can also drive cellular growth and invasive characteristics in multiple cancers including PCa. Despite numerous findings that implicate SEMA3C in cancer progression, regulatory mechanisms governing its expression remain largely unknown. Here we identify and characterize an androgen response element within the SEMA3C locus. Using the AR-positive LNCaP PCa cell line, we show that SEMA3C expression is driven by AR through this element and that AR-mediated expression of SEMA3C is dependent on the transcription factor GATA2. SEMA3C has been shown to promote cellular growth in certain cell types so implicit to our findings is the discovery of direct regulation of a growth factor by AR. We also show that FOXA1 is a negative regulator of SEMA3C. These findings identify SEMA3C as a novel target of AR, GATA2, and FOXA1 and expand our understanding of semaphorin signaling and cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Tam
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kush Dalal
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Hsing
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chi Wing Cheng
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shahram Khosravi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Parvin Yenki
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Charan Tse
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James W Peacock
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aishwariya Sharma
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yan Ting Chiang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin E Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher J Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Peacock JW, Takeuchi A, Hayashi N, Liu L, Tam KJ, Al Nakouzi N, Khazamipour N, Tombe T, Dejima T, Lee KC, Shiota M, Thaper D, Lee WC, Hui DH, Kuruma H, Ivanova L, Yenki P, Jiao IZ, Khosravi S, Mui ALF, Fazli L, Zoubeidi A, Daugaard M, Gleave ME, Ong CJ. SEMA3C drives cancer growth by transactivating multiple receptor tyrosine kinases via Plexin B1. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 10:219-238. [PMID: 29348142 PMCID: PMC5801490 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201707689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathway activation is a key mechanism for mediating cancer growth, survival, and treatment resistance. Cognate ligands play crucial roles in autocrine or paracrine stimulation of these RTK pathways. Here, we show SEMA3C drives activation of multiple RTKs including EGFR, ErbB2, and MET in a cognate ligand-independent manner via Plexin B1. SEMA3C expression levels increase in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), where it functions to promote cancer cell growth and resistance to androgen receptor pathway inhibition. SEMA3C inhibition delays CRPC and enzalutamide-resistant progression. Plexin B1 sema domain-containing:Fc fusion proteins suppress RTK signaling and cell growth and inhibit CRPC progression of LNCaP xenografts post-castration in vivo SEMA3C inhibition represents a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Peacock
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ario Takeuchi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushi University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Norihiro Hayashi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kevin J Tam
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Takashi Dejima
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushi University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kevin Ck Lee
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Masaki Shiota
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushi University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daksh Thaper
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Parvin Yenki
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ivy Zf Jiao
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Alice L-F Mui
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ladan Fazli
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin E Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher J Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Smolkin T, Nir-Zvi I, Duvshani N, Mumblat Y, Kessler O, Neufeld G. plexin-A4/plexin-D1 complexes convey semaphorin-3C signals to induce cytoskeletal collapse in the absence of neuropilins. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.208298. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.208298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Class-3 semaphorin guidance factors bind to receptor complexes containing neuropilin and plexin receptors. A semaphorin may bind to several receptor complexes containing somewhat different constituents, resulting in diverse effects on cell migration. U87MG glioblastoma cells express both neuropilins and the four class-A plexins. They respond by cytoskeletal collapse and cell contraction to sema3A or sema3B but fail to contract in response to Sema3C, Sema3D, Sema3G or sema3E even when class-A plexins are over-expressed in the cells. In-contrast, expression of recombinant plexin-D1 enabled contraction in response to these semaphorins. Surprisingly, unlike sema3D and sema3G, sema3C also induced the contraction and repulsion of plexin-D1 expressing U87MG cells in which both neuropilins were knocked-out using CRISPR/cas9. In the absence of neuropilins the EC-50 of sema3C was 5.5 fold higher, indicating that the neuropilins function as enhancers of plexin-D1 mediated sema3C signaling but are not absolutely required for sema3C signal transduction. Interestingly, in the absence of neuropilins, plexin-A4 formed complexes with plexin-D1, and was required in addition to plexin-D1 to enable sema3C induced signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Smolkin
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Inbal Nir-Zvi
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nerri Duvshani
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yelena Mumblat
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofra Kessler
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gera Neufeld
- Cancer research center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Vaahtomeri K, Karaman S, Mäkinen T, Alitalo K. Lymphangiogenesis guidance by paracrine and pericellular factors. Genes Dev 2017; 31:1615-1634. [PMID: 28947496 PMCID: PMC5647933 DOI: 10.1101/gad.303776.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review by Vaahtomeri et al. discusses the mechanisms by which the lymphatic vasculature network is formed, remodeled, and adapted to physiological and pathological challenges. It describes how the lymphatic vasculature network is controlled by an intricate balance of growth factors and biomechanical cues. Lymphatic vessels are important for tissue fluid homeostasis, lipid absorption, and immune cell trafficking and are involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. The mechanisms by which the lymphatic vasculature network is formed, remodeled, and adapted to physiological and pathological challenges are controlled by an intricate balance of growth factor and biomechanical cues. These transduce signals for the readjustment of gene expression and lymphatic endothelial migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In this review, we describe several of these cues and how they are integrated for the generation of functional lymphatic vessel networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Vaahtomeri
- Wihuri Research Institute, Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sinem Karaman
- Wihuri Research Institute, Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute, Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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42
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Delloye-Bourgeois C, Bertin L, Thoinet K, Jarrosson L, Kindbeiter K, Buffet T, Tauszig-Delamasure S, Bozon M, Marabelle A, Combaret V, Bergeron C, Derrington E, Castellani V. Microenvironment-Driven Shift of Cohesion/Detachment Balance within Tumors Induces a Switch toward Metastasis in Neuroblastoma. Cancer Cell 2017; 32:427-443.e8. [PMID: 29017055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer arising from sympatho-adrenal neural crest cells. Disseminated forms have high frequency of multiple tumoral foci whose etiology remains unknown; NB embryonic origin limits investigations in patients and current models. We developed an avian embryonic model driving human NB tumorigenesis in tissues homologous to patients. We found that aggressive NBs display a metastatic mode, secondary dissemination via peripheral nerves and aorta. Through tumor transcriptional profiling, we found that NB dissemination is induced by the shutdown of a pro-cohesion autocrine signal, SEMA3C, which constrains the tumoral mass. Lowering SEMA3C levels shifts the balance toward detachment, triggering NB cells to collectively evade the tumor. Together with patient cohort analysis, this identifies a microenvironment-driven pro-metastatic switch for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Delloye-Bourgeois
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Lorette Bertin
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Karine Thoinet
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Loraine Jarrosson
- OncoFactory SAS, L'Atrium, 43 boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Karine Kindbeiter
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Buffet
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Servane Tauszig-Delamasure
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Bozon
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Aurélien Marabelle
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), INSERM U1015, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Valérie Combaret
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Léon Bérard Centre, 28 rue Laennec, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Bergeron
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Centre Léon Berard and Institut d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, 1 Place Professeur Joseph Renaut, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Edmund Derrington
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Valérie Castellani
- University of Lyon, University of Lyon 1 Claude Bernard Lyon1, NeuroMyoGene Institute, CNRS UMR5310, INSERM U1217, 16 rue Raphael Dubois, F-69000 Lyon, France.
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43
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Tam KJ, Hui DHF, Lee WW, Dong M, Tombe T, Jiao IZF, Khosravi S, Takeuchi A, Peacock JW, Ivanova L, Moskalev I, Gleave ME, Buttyan R, Cox ME, Ong CJ. Semaphorin 3 C drives epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasiveness, and stem-like characteristics in prostate cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11501. [PMID: 28904399 PMCID: PMC5597577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most commonly-occurring cancers worldwide and a leader in cancer-related deaths. Local non-invasive PCa is highly treatable but limited treatment options exist for those with locally-advanced and metastatic forms of the disease underscoring the need to identify mechanisms mediating PCa progression. The semaphorins are a large grouping of membrane-associated or secreted signalling proteins whose normal roles reside in embryogenesis and neuronal development. In this context, semaphorins help establish chemotactic gradients and direct cell movement. Various semaphorin family members have been found to be up- and down-regulated in a number of cancers. One family member, Semaphorin 3 C (SEMA3C), has been implicated in prostate, breast, ovarian, gastric, lung, and pancreatic cancer as well as glioblastoma. Given SEMA3C's roles in development and its augmented expression in PCa, we hypothesized that SEMA3C promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem-like phenotypes in prostate cells. In the present study we show that ectopic expression of SEMA3C in RWPE-1 promotes the upregulation of EMT and stem markers, heightened sphere-formation, and cell plasticity. In addition, we show that SEMA3C promotes migration and invasion in vitro and cell dissemination in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Tam
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Daniel H F Hui
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Wilson W Lee
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Mingshu Dong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Tabitha Tombe
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Ivy Z F Jiao
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Shahram Khosravi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Ario Takeuchi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - James W Peacock
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Larissa Ivanova
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Igor Moskalev
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Martin E Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Michael E Cox
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Christopher J Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada.
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
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Increased semaphorin 3c expression promotes tumor growth and metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2017; 397:12-22. [PMID: 28315433 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by neural alterations and aberrant expression of neural-specific factors. Semaphorins have been recognized as key contributors in axon guidance, the immune response and tumor progression. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of Semaphorin 3c (sema3c) in tumorigenesis and metastasis in numerous types of cancer, however, the clinical significance of sema3c and its role in the growth and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unclear. In this study, we found that aberrant sema3c expression was positively associated with a particular tumor stage and correlated with poor survival of PDAC patients. Knockdown of sema3c attenuated proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a pancreatic cancer cell line and reduced PDAC cell tumorigenesis upon xenotransplantation into NOD/SCID mice. Overexpression of sema3c produced the opposite effects and promoted the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway. Overall, our findings demonstrate that aberrant expression of sema3c is correlated with poor prognosis of PDAC patients and promotes tumor growth and metastasis by activating ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Fernández-Nogueira P, Bragado P, Almendro V, Ametller E, Rios J, Choudhury S, Mancino M, Gascón P. Differential expression of neurogenes among breast cancer subtypes identifies high risk patients. Oncotarget 2017; 7:5313-26. [PMID: 26673618 PMCID: PMC4868688 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nervous system is now recognized to be a relevant component of the tumor microenvironment. Receptors for neuropeptides and neurotransmitters have been identified in breast cancer. However, very little is known about the role of neurogenes in regulating breast cancer progression. Our purpose was to identify neurogenes associated with breast cancer tumorigenesis with a potential to be used as biomarker and/or targets for treatment. We used three databases of human genes: GeneGo, GeneCards and Eugenes to generate a list of 1266 relevant neurogenes. Then we used bioinformatics tools to interrogate two published breast cancer databases SAGE and MicMa (n=96) and generated a list of 7 neurogenes that are differentially express among breast cancer subtypes. The clinical potential was further investigated using the GOBO database (n=1881). We identified 6 neurogenes that are differentially expressed among breast cancer subtypes and whose expression correlates with prognosis. Histamine receptor1 (HRH1), neuropilin2 (NRP2), ephrin-B1 (EFNB1), neural growth factor receptor (NGFR) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) were differentially overexpressed in basal and HER2-enriched tumor samples and syntaxin 1A (STX1A) was overexpressed in HER2-enriched and luminal B tumors. Analysis of HRH1, NRP2, and STX1A expression using the GOBO database showed that their expression significantly correlated with a shorter overall survival (p < 0.0001) and distant metastasis-free survival (p < 0.0001). In contrast, elevated co-expression of NGFR, EFNB1 and APP was associated with longer overall (p < 0.0001) and metastasis-free survival (p < 0.0001). We propose that HRH1, NRP2, and STX1A can be used as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for basal and HER2-enriched breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Fernández-Nogueira
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vanessa Almendro
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elisabet Ametller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Rios
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, IDIBAPS, (Hospital Clinic) Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sibgat Choudhury
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mario Mancino
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Gascón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Toledano S, Lu H, Palacio A, Ziv K, Kessler O, Schaal S, Neufeld G, Barak Y. A Sema3C Mutant Resistant to Cleavage by Furin (FR-Sema3C) Inhibits Choroidal Neovascularization. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168122. [PMID: 28036336 PMCID: PMC5201251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), abnormal sub retinal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of blindness. FR-sema3C is a point mutated form of semaphorin-3C that is resistant to cleavage by furin like pro-protein convertases (FPPC). We have found in previous work that FR-sema3C functions as an anti-angiogenic factor. In this study we investigated the possible use of FR-sema3C as an inhibitor of CNV. FR-sema3C inhibits VEGF as well as PDGF-BB signal transduction in endothelial cells and to less extent bFGF induced signal transduction using a mechanism that does not depend upon the binding of VEGF like the drugs that are currently the mainstay treatment for AMD. CNV was induced in eyes of C57 black mice by laser photocoagulation. Intravitreal injection of FR-Sema3C or aflibercept (VEGF-trap) was then used to inhibit CNV formation. Invading choroidal vessels were visualized a week later by injection of FITC-dextran into the circulation, followed by the measurement of the area of the invading blood vessels. Injection of 0.1 μg FR-Sema3C inhibited CNV by 55% (P<0.01) and was as effective as 5 μg aflibercept. FR-sema3C did not display any adverse effects on retinal function following its injection into eyes of healthy mice as assessed by optokinetic reflex (OKR) and Electro-retinogram (ERG) criteria. Furthermore, FR-sema3C did not induce apoptosis in the retina as determined by TUNEL nor was there any discernable structural damage to the retina as assessed by several immuno-histochemical criteria. Our results suggest that FR-sema3C could perhaps be used for the treatment of AMD, and that it may perhaps be of benefit to patients that do not respond well to current treatments relying on VEGF sequestering agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Toledano
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Huayi Lu
- Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Agustina Palacio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Keren Ziv
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofra Kessler
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shlomit Schaal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SS); (GN); (YB)
| | - Gera Neufeld
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- * E-mail: (SS); (GN); (YB)
| | - Yoreh Barak
- Department of Ophthalmology, RAMBAM Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- * E-mail: (SS); (GN); (YB)
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Ji RC. Lymph Nodes and Cancer Metastasis: New Perspectives on the Role of Intranodal Lymphatic Sinuses. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 18:ijms18010051. [PMID: 28036019 PMCID: PMC5297686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is essential for transporting interstitial fluid, soluble antigen, and immune cells from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes (LNs). Functional integrity of LNs is dependent on intact lymphatics and effective lymph drainage. Molecular mechanisms that facilitate interactions between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) during tumor progression still remain to be identified. The cellular and molecular structures of LNs are optimized to trigger a rapid and efficient immune response, and to participate in the process of tumor metastasis by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and establishing a premetastatic niche in LNs. Several molecules, e.g., S1P, CCR7-CCL19/CCL21, CXCL12/CXCR4, IL-7, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and integrin α4β1 play an important role in controlling the activity of LN stromal cells including LECs, fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) and follicular dendritic cells (DCs). The functional stromal cells are critical for reconstruction and remodeling of the LN that creates a unique microenvironment of tumor cells and LECs for cancer metastasis. LN metastasis is a major determinant for the prognosis of most human cancers and clinical management. Ongoing work to elucidate the function and molecular regulation of LN lymphatic sinuses will provide insight into cancer development mechanisms and improve therapeutic approaches for human malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Cheng Ji
- Faculty of Welfare and Health Science, Oita University, Oita 870-1192, Japan.
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Tang Q, Lu M, Zhou H, Chen D, Liu L. Gambogic acid inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer tumors by regulating p65 activity. Oncol Lett 2016; 13:384-388. [PMID: 28123571 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer patients often have poor prognosis, therefore, it is important to search for more effective therapeutic strategies to treat them. Gambogic acid (GA) exhibits an anti-tumor effect through various mechanisms, and has multiple targets in tumor cells. The present study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of GA in the treatment of ovarian cancer both in vivo and in vitro by analyzing its impact on cell survival and tumor growth through cell cycle and apoptosis analysis. GA inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells in a dose and time dependent manner, and arrested the cell cycle in ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, GA increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity and inhibited RELA/NF-κB p65 (p65) DNA binding activity. Finally, GA suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Therefore, the current study suggests that GA inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer by regulating p65 activity, and may be developed as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiusha Tang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P.R. China
| | - Mudan Lu
- Genetic Laboratory, Wuxi Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214002, P.R. China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P.R. China
| | - Daozhen Chen
- Genetic Laboratory, Wuxi Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214002, P.R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P.R. China
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49
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Novel insight into triple-negative breast cancers, the emerging role of angiogenesis, and antiangiogenic therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2016; 18:e18. [DOI: 10.1017/erm.2016.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous group of tumours characterised by lack of expression of oestrogen-, progesterone- and human epidermal growth factor receptors. TNBC, which represents approximately 15% of all mammary tumours, has a poor prognosis because of an aggressive behaviour and the lack of specific treatment. Accordingly, TNBC has become a major focus of research into breast cancer and is now classified into several molecular subtypes, each with a different prognosis. Pathological angiogenesis occurs at a late stage in the proliferation of TNBC and is associated with invasion and metastasis; there is an association with metabolic syndrome. Semaphorins are a versatile family of proteins with multiple roles in angiogenesis, tumour growth and metastasis and may represent a clinically useful focus for therapeutic targeting in this type of breast cancer. Another important field of investigation into the control of pathological angiogenesis is related to the expression of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) – these molecules can be considered as a therapeutic target or as a biomarker. Several molecular agents for intervening in the activity of different signalling pathways are being explored in TNBC, but none has so far proved effective in clinical trials and the disease continues to pose a defining challenge for clinical management as well as innovative cancer research.
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Neufeld G, Mumblat Y, Smolkin T, Toledano S, Nir-Zvi I, Ziv K, Kessler O. The role of the semaphorins in cancer. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:652-674. [PMID: 27533782 PMCID: PMC5160032 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1197478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The semaphorins were initially characterized as axon guidance factors, but have subsequently been implicated also in the regulation of immune responses, angiogenesis, organ formation, and a variety of additional physiological and developmental functions. The semaphorin family contains more then 20 genes divided into 7 subfamilies, all of which contain the signature sema domain. The semaphorins transduce signals by binding to receptors belonging to the neuropilin or plexin families. Additional receptors which form complexes with these primary semaphorin receptors are also frequently involved in semaphorin signaling. Recent evidence suggests that semaphorins also fulfill important roles in the etiology of multiple forms of cancer. Some semaphorins have been found to function as bona-fide tumor suppressors and to inhibit tumor progression by various mechanisms while other semaphorins function as inducers and promoters of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gera Neufeld
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yelena Mumblat
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tatyana Smolkin
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shira Toledano
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Inbal Nir-Zvi
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Keren Ziv
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofra Kessler
- Cancer Research and Vascular Biology Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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