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Liu J, Wang X, Jiang W, Azoitei A, Eiseler T, Eckstein M, Hartmann A, Stilgenbauer S, Elati M, Hohwieler M, Kleger A, John A, Wezel F, Zengerling F, Bolenz C, Günes C. Impairment of α-tubulin and F-actin interactions of GJB3 induces aneuploidy in urothelial cells and promotes bladder cancer cell invasion. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:94. [PMID: 38956497 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously identified an unsuspected role for GJB3 showing that the deficiency of this connexin protein induces aneuploidy in human and murine cells and accelerates cell transformation as well as tumor formation in xenograft models. The molecular mechanisms by which loss of GJB3 leads to aneuploidy and cancer initiation and progression remain unsolved. METHODS GJB3 expression levels were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The consequences of GJB3 knockdown on genome instability were assessed by metaphase chromosome counting, multinucleation of cells, by micronuclei formation and by the determination of spindle orientation. Interactions of GJB3 with α-tubulin and F-actin was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry. Consequences of GJB3 deficiency on microtubule and actin dynamics were measured by live cell imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine GJB3 levels on human and murine bladder cancer tissue sections. Bladder cancer in mice was chemically induced by BBN-treatment. RESULTS We find that GJB3 is highly expressed in the ureter and bladder epithelium, but it is downregulated in invasive bladder cancer cell lines and during tumor progression in both human and mouse bladder cancer. Downregulation of GJB3 expression leads to aneuploidy and genomic instability in karyotypically stable urothelial cells and experimental modulation of GJB3 levels alters the migration and invasive capacity of bladder cancer cell lines. Importantly, GJB3 interacts both with α-tubulin and F-actin. The impairment of these interactions alters the dynamics of these cytoskeletal components and leads to defective spindle orientation. CONCLUSION We conclude that deregulated microtubule and actin dynamics have an impact on proper chromosome separation and tumor cell invasion and migration. Consequently, these observations indicate a possible role for GJB3 in the onset and spreading of bladder cancer and demonstrate a molecular link between enhanced aneuploidy and invasive capacity cancer cells during tumor cell dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnan Liu
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Wencheng Jiang
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anca Azoitei
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tim Eiseler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Mohamed Elati
- CANTHER, ONCOLille Institute, University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 1277, Inserm U9020, 59045, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Meike Hohwieler
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Axel John
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Felix Wezel
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Friedemann Zengerling
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian Bolenz
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Helmholtzstr. 10, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Pridham KJ, Hutchings KR, Beck P, Liu M, Xu E, Saechin E, Bui V, Patel C, Solis J, Huang L, Tegge A, Kelly DF, Sheng Z. Selective regulation of chemosensitivity in glioblastoma by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase beta. iScience 2024; 27:109921. [PMID: 38812542 PMCID: PMC11133927 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapies such as temozolomide is a major hurdle to effectively treat therapy-resistant glioblastoma. This challenge arises from the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which makes it an appealing therapeutic target. However, non-selectively blocking PI3K kinases PI3Kα/β/δ/γ has yielded undesired clinical outcomes. It is, therefore, imperative to investigate individual kinases in glioblastoma's chemosensitivity. Here, we report that PI3K kinases were unequally expressed in glioblastoma, with levels of PI3Kβ being the highest. Patients deficient of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) and expressing elevated levels of PI3Kβ, defined as MGMT-deficient/PI3Kβ-high, were less responsive to temozolomide and experienced poor prognosis. Consistently, MGMT-deficient/PI3Kβ-high glioblastoma cells were resistant to temozolomide. Perturbation of PI3Kβ, but not other kinases, sensitized MGMT-deficient/PI3Kβ-high glioblastoma cells or tumors to temozolomide. Moreover, PI3Kβ-selective inhibitors and temozolomide synergistically mitigated the growth of glioblastoma stem cells. Our results have demonstrated an essential role of PI3Kβ in chemoresistance, making PI3Kβ-selective blockade an effective chemosensitizer for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Pridham
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Kasen R. Hutchings
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Patrick Beck
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Min Liu
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Eileen Xu
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Erin Saechin
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Vincent Bui
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Chinkal Patel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Jamie Solis
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Leah Huang
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Allison Tegge
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Deborah F. Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Zhi Sheng
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Wang M, Jin F, Tong X. From bench to bedside: The promising value of exosomes in precision medicine for CNS tumors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32376. [PMID: 38961907 PMCID: PMC11219334 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are naturally present extracellular vesicles (EVs) released into the surrounding body fluids upon the fusion of polycystic and plasma membranes. They facilitate intercellular communication by transporting DNA, mRNA, microRNA, long non-coding RNA, circular RNA, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They contribute to the onset and progression of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors. In addition, they can be used as biomarkers of tumor proliferation, migration, and blood vessel formation, thereby affecting the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). This paper reviews the recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of exosomes in various CNS tumors, the promise and challenges of exosomes as natural carriers of CNS tumors, and the therapeutic prospects of exosomes in CNS tumors. Furthermore, we hope this research can contribute to the development of more targeted and effective treatments for central nervous system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Wang
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital).266042, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoguang Tong
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
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Picart T, Hervey-Jumper S. Central nervous system regulation of diffuse glioma growth and invasion: from single unit physiology to circuit remodeling. J Neurooncol 2024:10.1007/s11060-024-04719-x. [PMID: 38834748 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding the complex bidirectional interactions between neurons and glioma cells could help to identify new therapeutic targets. Herein, the techniques and application of novel neuroscience tools implemented to study the complex interactions between brain and malignant gliomas, their results, and the potential therapeutic opportunities were reviewed. METHODS Literature search was performed on PubMed between 2001 and 2023 using the keywords "glioma", "glioblastoma", "circuit remodeling", "plasticity", "neuron networks" and "cortical networks". Studies including grade 2 to 4 gliomas, diffuse midline gliomas, and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas were considered. RESULTS Glioma cells are connected through tumour microtubes and form a highly connected network within which pacemaker cells drive tumorigenesis. Unconnected cells have increased invasion capabilities. Glioma cells are also synaptically integrated within neural circuitry. Neurons promote tumour growth via paracrine and direct electrochemical mechanisms, including glutamatergic AMPA-receptors. Increased glutamate release in the tumor microenvironment and loss of peritumoral GABAergic inhibitory interneurons result in network hyperexcitability and secondary epilepsy. Functional imaging, local field potentials and subcortical mapping, performed in awake patients, have defined patterns of malignant circuit remodeling. Glioma-induced remodeling is frequent in language and even motor cortical networks, depending on tumour biological parameters, and influences functional outcomes. CONCLUSION These data offer new insights into glioma tumorigenesis. Future work will be needed to understand how tumor intrinsic molecular drivers influence neuron-glioma interactions but also to integrate these results to design new therapeutic options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiebaud Picart
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Shawn Hervey-Jumper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Douglas C, Lomeli N, Vu T, Pham J, Bota DA. WITHDRAWN: LonP1 Drives Proneural Mesenchymal Transition in IDH1-R132H Diffuse Glioma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.13.536817. [PMID: 37131765 PMCID: PMC10153221 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to massive revision and data validation. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
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Douglas C, Jain S, Lomeli N, Di K, Nandwana NK, Mohammed AS, Vu T, Pham J, Lepe J, Kenney MC, Das B, Bota DA. WITHDRAWN: Dual targeting of mitochondrial Lon peptidase 1 and chymotrypsin-like protease by small molecule BT317, as potential therapeutics in malignant astrocytomas. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.13.536816. [PMID: 37131786 PMCID: PMC10153114 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to massive revision and data validation. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
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Xu H, Wang X, Zhu F, Guo S, Chao Z, Cao C, Lu Z, Zhu H, Wang M, Zhu F, Yang J, Zeng R, Yao Y. Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of Connexin 43 as a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Human Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC). MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:780. [PMID: 38792963 PMCID: PMC11123162 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Connexin 43 (Cx43) is involved in the transfer of small signaling molecules between neighboring cells, thereby exerting a major influence on the initiation and progression of tumorigenesis. However, there is a lack of systematic research on Cx43 expression and its predictive role in clinical diagnosis and prognosis in pan-cancer. Materials and Methods: Several biological databases were used to evaluate the expression levels of GJA1 (encoding Cx43) and its diagnostic and prognostic significance in pan-cancer. We targeted kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and investigated the relationship between GJA1 expression and different clinical features of KIRC patients. Then, we performed cell-based experiments to partially confirm our results and predicted several proteins that were functionally related to Cx43. Results: The expression of GJA1 has a high level of accuracy in predicting KIRC. High GJA1 expression was remarkably correlated with a favorable prognosis, and this expression was reduced in groups with poor clinical features in KIRC. Cell experiments confirmed the inhibitory effects of increased GJA1 expression on the migratory capacity of human renal cancer (RCC) cell lines, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis predicted that CDH1 and CTNNB1 were closely related to Cx43. Conclusions: GJA1 could be a promising independent favorable prognostic factor for KIRC, and upregulation of GJA1 expression could inhibit the migratory capacity of renal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huzi Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xiuru Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Fan Zhu
- Wuhan Central Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Shuiming Guo
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zheng Chao
- Division of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Chujin Cao
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zhihui Lu
- Division of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Han Zhu
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Meng Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Fengming Zhu
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Juan Yang
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Rui Zeng
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Ying Yao
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Division of Nutrition, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
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Wang T, He M, Zhang X, Guo Z, Wang P, Long F. Deciphering the impact of circRNA-mediated autophagy on tumor therapeutic resistance: a novel perspective. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:60. [PMID: 38671354 PMCID: PMC11046940 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00571-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapeutic resistance remains a significant challenge in the pursuit of effective treatment strategies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have recently emerged as key regulators of various biological processes, including cancer progression and drug resistance. This review highlights the emerging role of circRNAs-mediated autophagy in cancer therapeutic resistance, a cellular process that plays a dual role in cancer by promoting both cell survival and death. Increasing evidence suggests that circRNAs can modulate autophagy pathways, thereby influencing the response of cancer cells to therapeutic agents. In this context, the intricate interplay between circRNAs, autophagy, and therapeutic resistance is explored. Various mechanisms are discussed through which circRNAs can impact autophagy, including direct interactions with autophagy-related genes, modulation of signaling pathways, and cross-talk with other non-coding RNAs. Furthermore, the review delves into specific examples of how circRNA-mediated autophagy regulation can contribute to resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Understanding these intricate molecular interactions provides valuable insights into potential strategies for overcoming therapeutic resistance in cancer. Exploiting circRNAs as therapeutic targets or utilizing them as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers opens new avenues for developing personalized treatment approaches. In summary, this review underscores the importance of circRNA-mediated autophagy in cancer therapeutic resistance and proposes future directions for research in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mengjie He
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhixun Guo
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Pinghan Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Fangyi Long
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Kan W, Gao L, Chen J, Chen L, Zhang G, Hao B, He M, Chen X, Wang C. Downregulating DNA methyltransferase 3B by suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway enhances the chemosensitivity of glioblastoma to temozolomide. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04041-7. [PMID: 38368287 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor and has the poorest prognosis attributed to its chemoresistance to temozolomide (TMZ), the first-line drug for treating GBM. TMZ resistance represents a significant obstacle to successful GBM treatment, necessitating the development of new strategies to overcome this resistance and augment the chemosensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ. This study established a TMZ-resistant U251 (U251-TMZ) cell line by exposing it to increasing doses of TMZ in vitro. We focused on the DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) gene, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), total Akt (t-Akt), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), and total PI3K (t-PI3K) protein expression. Results showed that the DNMT3B gene was significantly upregulated in the U251-TMZ cell line. The p-Akt and p-PI3K protein expression in U251-TMZ cells was also significantly elevated. Moreover, we found that DNMT3B downregulation was correlated with the increased chemosensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ. LY294002 suppressed the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, leading to a notable inhibition of PI3K phosphorylation and a significant decrease in DNMT3B expression in U251-TMZ cells. Given that DNMT3B expression is mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, its downregulation further increased the chemosensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ and therefore is a promising therapeutic for GBM treatment. Our results suggested that DNMT3B downregulation can inhibit the proliferation of GBM cells and induce GBM cell apoptosis in vitro. In addition, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in the chemosensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ by regulating DNMT3B expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Kan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linhui Gao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang, Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingnan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guojun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bilie Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min He
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xudong Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310011, Zhejiang, China.
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Kandouz M. Cell Death, by Any Other Name…. Cells 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38391938 PMCID: PMC10886887 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies trying to understand cell death, this ultimate biological process, can be traced back to a century ago. Yet, unlike many other fashionable research interests, research on cell death is more alive than ever. New modes of cell death are discovered in specific contexts, as are new molecular pathways. But what is "cell death", really? This question has not found a definitive answer yet. Nevertheless, part of the answer is irreversibility, whereby cells can no longer recover from stress or injury. Here, we identify the most distinctive features of different modes of cell death, focusing on the executive final stages. In addition to the final stages, these modes can differ in their triggering stimulus, thus referring to the initial stages. Within this framework, we use a few illustrative examples to examine how intercellular communication factors in the demise of cells. First, we discuss the interplay between cell-cell communication and cell death during a few steps in the early development of multicellular organisms. Next, we will discuss this interplay in a fully developed and functional tissue, the gut, which is among the most rapidly renewing tissues in the body and, therefore, makes extensive use of cell death. Furthermore, we will discuss how the balance between cell death and communication is modified during a pathological condition, i.e., colon tumorigenesis, and how it could shed light on resistance to cancer therapy. Finally, we briefly review data on the role of cell-cell communication modes in the propagation of cell death signals and how this has been considered as a potential therapeutic approach. Far from vainly trying to provide a comprehensive review, we launch an invitation to ponder over the significance of cell death diversity and how it provides multiple opportunities for the contribution of various modes of intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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11
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Smyth JW, Guo S, O'Rourke L, Deaver S, Dahlka J, Nurmemmedov E, Sheng Z, Gourdie RG, Lamouille S. Increased interaction between connexin43 and microtubules is critical for glioblastoma stem-like cell maintenance and tumorigenicity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.576347. [PMID: 38328202 PMCID: PMC10849643 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.576347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. One major challenge in GBM treatment is the resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy observed in subpopulations of cancer cells, including GBM stem-like cells (GSCs). These cells hold the ability to self-renew or differentiate following treatment, participating in tumor recurrence. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) has complex roles in oncogenesis and we have previously demonstrated an association between Cx43 and GBM chemotherapy resistance. Here, we report, for the first time, increased direct interaction between non-junctional Cx43 with microtubules in the cytoplasm of GSCs. We hypothesize that non-junctional Cx43/microtubule complexing is critical for GSC maintenance and survival and sought to specifically disrupt this interaction while maintaining other Cx43 functions, such as gap junction formation. Using a Cx43 mimetic peptide of the carboxyl terminal tubulin-binding domain of Cx43 (JM2), we successfully ablated Cx43 interaction with microtubules in GSCs. Importantly, administration of JM2 significantly decreased GSC survival in vitro , and limited GSC-derived tumor growth in vivo . Together, these results identify JM2 as a novel peptide drug to ablate GSCs in GBM treatment.
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12
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Abu Bakar NFAB, Yeo ZL, Hussin F, Madhavan P, Lim V, Jemon K, Prabhakaran P. Synergistic effects of combined cisplatin and Clinacanthus nutans extract on triple negative breast cancer cells. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:1220-1236. [PMID: 37250812 PMCID: PMC10209459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most invasive breast cancer subtype enriched with cancer stem cells. TNBCs do not express estrogen, progesterone, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors, making them difficult to be targeted by existing chemotherapy treatments. In this study, we attempted to identify the effects of combined cisplatin and Clinacanthus nutans treatment on MDA-MD-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells, which represent TNBC subtypes. Methods The phytochemical fingerprint of C. nutans ethanolic leaf extract was evaluated by LC-MS/MS analysis. We investigated the effects of cisplatin (0-15.23 μg/mL), C. nutans (0-50 μg/mL), and a combination of cisplatin (3.05 μg/mL) and C. nutans (0-50 μg/mL), on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, mRNA expression in cancer stem cells (CD49f, KLF4), and differentiation markers (TUBA1A, KRT18) in TNBC cells. In addition, we also studied the interaction between cisplatin and C. nutans. Results Derivatives of fatty acids, carboxylic acid ester, and glycosides, were identified as the major bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties in C. nutans leaf extract. Reductions in cell viability (0-78%) and proliferation (2-77%), as well as a synergistic anticancer effect, were identified in TNBC cells when treated with a combination of cisplatin and C. nutans. Furthermore, apoptotic induction via increased caspase-3/7 activity (MDA-MB-231: 2.73-fold; MDA-MB-468: 3.53-fold), and a reduction in cell invasion capacity to 36%, were detected in TNBC cells when compared to single cisplatin and C. nutans treatments. At the mRNA level, cisplatin and C. nutans differentially regulated specific genes that are responsible for proliferation and differentiation. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that the combination of cisplatin and C. nutans represents a potential treatment for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhin Leng Yeo
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
| | - Faisal Hussin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
| | - Priya Madhavan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Vuanghao Lim
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Khairunadwa Jemon
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
| | - Praseetha Prabhakaran
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
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13
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Che J, DePalma TJ, Sivakumar H, Mezache LS, Tallman MM, Venere M, Swindle-Reilly K, Veeraraghavan R, Skardal A. αCT1 peptide sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide in a glioblastoma organoid platform. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1108-1119. [PMID: 36544242 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer. Even with aggressive treatment, tumor recurrence is almost universal and patient prognosis is poor because many GBM cell subpopulations, especially the mesenchymal and glioma stem cell populations, are resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), the most commonly used chemotherapeutic in GBM. For this reason, there is an urgent need for the development of new therapies that can more effectively treat GBM. Several recent studies have indicated that high expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in GBM is associated with poor patient outcomes. It has been hypothesized that inhibition of the Cx43 hemichannels could prevent TMZ efflux and sensitize otherwise resistance cells to the treatment. In this study, we use a three-dimensional organoid model of GBM to demonstrate that combinatorial treatment with TMZ and αCT1, a Cx43 mimetic peptide, significantly improves treatment efficacy in certain populations of GBM. Confocal imaging was used to visualize changes in Cx43 expression in response to combinatorial treatment. These results indicate that Cx43 inhibition should be pursued further as an improved treatment for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Che
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Louisa S Mezache
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Miranda M Tallman
- Dorothy M. Davis Hearth and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Monica Venere
- The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Katelyn Swindle-Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rengasayee Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center for Cancer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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14
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Li H, Ge N, Guan X, Han C, Li Y, Shen L, Chen M, Zhang B, Qu C, Zou W. The location of estrogen receptor variant ER-α36 is associated with the invasion of glioblastoma. Steroids 2023; 194:109224. [PMID: 36924815 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common central nervous system tumor and is associated with poor outcomes. There have been no significant improvements in GBM mortality in recent decades. ER-α36 is a variant of ER-α66 that may be involved in carcinoma growth and proliferation via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. This variant might play an essential role in tamoxifen resistance of several tumors. Previously, our laboratory found that ER-α36 is expressed in GBM and participates in proliferation; nevertheless, the role of ER-α36 in GBM invasion remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of the ER-α36 modulator SNG162 on GBM growth and invasion. U251 cells, U87cells, and U87-36KD cells with knockdown of ER-α36 expression were cultured under the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional (3D) environments. GBM cells growth was examined by cell counting, flow cytometry, western blot, and MTT assays. Invasiveness was measured using confocal microscopy in the 3D environment. Growth of U87 cells with downregulated EGFR and ER-α36 expression was significantly reduced after treatment with 1 µM, 3 µM, and 5 µM of SNG162; growth inhibition in U251 cells was more potent than in U87 cells, although the expression level of ER-α36 in U251 cells was lower than in U87 cells. We found that 1 μM SNG162 suppressed E2-induced MAPK/ERK pathway activation in U87 cells. We also showed that SNG162 inhibited U87 cells invasion; however, it did not significantly affect U251 and U87-36KD cells invasion using the 3D culture method. Finally, we determined that ER-α36 was expressed in the nucleus of invading GBM cells, and SNG162 significantly inhibited the expression of ER-α36 in these cells. SNG162 inhibited the expression of EGFR on cell membranes of non-invasive GBM cells. These results suggest that SNG162 could be a therapeutic agent for GBM by targeting ER-α36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Nan Ge
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chao Han
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Li
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Liming Shen
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Mengmeng Chen
- Qingdao Re-store Life Science Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Bingqiang Zhang
- Qingdao Re-store Life Science Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Qu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Wei Zou
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Qingdao Re-store Life Science Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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15
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Zhou M, Zheng M, Zhou X, Tian S, Yang X, Ning Y, Li Y, Zhang S. The roles of connexins and gap junctions in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 36639804 PMCID: PMC9837928 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), which are composed of connexins (Cxs), provide channels for direct information exchange between cells. Cx expression has a strong spatial specificity; however, its influence on cell behavior and information exchange between cells cannot be ignored. A variety of factors in organisms can modulate Cxs and subsequently trigger a series of responses that have important effects on cellular behavior. The expression and function of Cxs and the number and function of GJs are in dynamic change. Cxs have been characterized as tumor suppressors in the past, but recent studies have highlighted the critical roles of Cxs and GJs in cancer pathogenesis. The complex mechanism underlying Cx and GJ involvement in cancer development is a major obstacle to the evolution of therapy targeting Cxs. In this paper, we review the post-translational modifications of Cxs, the interactions of Cxs with several chaperone proteins, and the effects of Cxs and GJs on cancer. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yidi Ning
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Li
- grid.417031.00000 0004 1799 2675Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
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16
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Martin S, Mu D. CRISPR-Induced Loss of Connexin 43 Expression Sensitizes KRAS Mutant Cells to Cisplatin. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000681. [PMID: 36447529 PMCID: PMC9701319 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Gap Junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is often dysregulated in cancers, and this dysregulation has been shown to have pro-tumorigenic effects. Connexins (Cxs) are transmembrane proteins that make up gap junctions. Previous studies have indicated that RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of Cx43 increases cellular resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Interestingly, we found that the loss of Cx43 expression induced by the CRISPR-Cas9 technology sensitizes cells to cisplatin in a KRAS mutant-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Mu
- Eastern Virginia Medical School
,
Correspondence to: David Mu (
)
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17
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Oliveira MC, Verswyvel H, Smits E, Cordeiro RM, Bogaerts A, Lin A. The pro- and anti-tumoral properties of gap junctions in cancer and their role in therapeutic strategies. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102503. [PMID: 36228438 PMCID: PMC9557036 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), essential structures for cell-cell communication, are made of two hemichannels (commonly called connexons), one on each adjacent cell. Found in almost all cells, GJs play a pivotal role in many physiological and cellular processes, and have even been linked to the progression of diseases, such as cancer. Modulation of GJs is under investigation as a therapeutic strategy to kill tumor cells. Furthermore, GJs have also been studied for their key role in activating anti-cancer immunity and propagating radiation- and oxidative stress-induced cell death to neighboring cells, a process known as the bystander effect. While, gap junction (GJ)-based therapeutic strategies are being developed, one major challenge has been the paradoxical role of GJs in both tumor progression and suppression, based on GJ composition, cancer factors, and tumoral context. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of action, regulation, and the dual characteristics of GJs in cancer is critical for developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of GJs structure, function, and paradoxical pro- and anti-tumoral role in cancer. We also discuss the treatment strategies to target these GJs properties for anti-cancer responses, via modulation of GJ function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Oliveira
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
| | - Hanne Verswyvel
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rodrigo M Cordeiro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abraham Lin
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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18
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Aili Y, Maimaitiming N, Qin H, Ji W, Fan G, Wang Z, Wang Y. Tumor microenvironment and exosomes in brain metastasis: Molecular mechanisms and clinical application. Front Oncol 2022; 12:983878. [PMID: 36338717 PMCID: PMC9631487 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.983878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is one of the important biological features of malignant tumors and one of the main factors responsible for poor prognosis. Although the widespread application of newer clinical technologies and their continuous development have significantly improved survival in patients with brain metastases, there is no uniform standard of care. More effective therapeutic measures are therefore needed to improve prognosis. Understanding the mechanisms of tumor cell colonization, growth, and invasion in the central nervous system is of particular importance for the prevention and treatment of brain metastases. This process can be plausibly explained by the “seed and soil” hypothesis, which essentially states that tumor cells can interact with various components of the central nervous system microenvironment to produce adaptive changes; it is this interaction that determines the development of brain metastases. As a novel form of intercellular communication, exosomes play a key role in the brain metastasis microenvironment and carry various bioactive molecules that regulate receptor cell activity. In this paper, we review the roles and prospects of brain metastatic tumor cells, the brain metastatic tumor microenvironment, and exosomes in the development and clinical management of brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirizhati Aili
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Nuersimanguli Maimaitiming
- Department of Four Comprehensive Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hu Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenyu Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guofeng Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zengliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- School of Health Management, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinjiang Bazhou People’s Hospital, Xinjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Zengliang Wang, ; Yongxin Wang,
| | - Yongxin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Zengliang Wang, ; Yongxin Wang,
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19
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Yang Y, Schubert MC, Kuner T, Wick W, Winkler F, Venkataramani V. Brain Tumor Networks in Diffuse Glioma. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1832-1843. [PMID: 36357661 PMCID: PMC9723066 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse gliomas are primary brain tumors associated with a poor prognosis. Cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the invasive growth patterns and therapeutic resistance are incompletely understood. The emerging field of cancer neuroscience offers a novel approach to study these brain tumors in the context of their intricate interactions with the nervous system employing and combining methodological toolsets from neuroscience and oncology. Increasing evidence has shown how neurodevelopmental and neuronal-like mechanisms are hijacked leading to the discovery of multicellular brain tumor networks. Here, we review how gap junction-coupled tumor-tumor-astrocyte networks, as well as synaptic and paracrine neuron-tumor networks drive glioma progression. Molecular mechanisms of these malignant, homo- and heterotypic networks, and their complex interplay are reviewed. Lastly, potential clinical-translational implications and resulting therapeutic strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Yang
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), INF 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc C Schubert
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), INF 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, INF 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, INF 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), INF 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), INF 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Varun Venkataramani
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), INF 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, INF 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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20
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Connexins Signatures of the Neurovascular Unit and Their Physio-Pathological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179510. [PMID: 36076908 PMCID: PMC9455936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is closely linked to the delicate balance of the microenvironment in which different cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) coexist. Intercellular communication plays a pivotal role in exchanges of signaling molecules and mediators essential for survival functions, as well as in the removal of disturbing elements that can lead to related pathologies. The specific signatures of connexins (Cxs), proteins which form either gap junctions (GJs) or hemichannels (HCs), represent the biological substrate of the pathophysiological balance. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in glia–neuro–vascular crosstalk. Herein, Cxs signatures of every NVU component are highlighted and their critical influence on functional processes in healthy and pathological conditions of nervous microenvironment is reviewed.
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21
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Venkataramani V, Schneider M, Giordano FA, Kuner T, Wick W, Herrlinger U, Winkler F. Disconnecting multicellular networks in brain tumours. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:481-491. [PMID: 35488036 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can organize and communicate in functional networks. Similarly to other networks in biology and sociology, these can be highly relevant for growth and resilience. In this Perspective, we demonstrate by the example of glioblastomas and other incurable brain tumours how versatile multicellular tumour networks are formed by two classes of long intercellular membrane protrusions: tumour microtubes and tunnelling nanotubes. The resulting networks drive tumour growth and resistance to standard therapies. This raises the question of how to disconnect brain tumour networks to halt tumour growth and whether this can make established therapies more effective. Emerging principles of tumour networks, their potential relevance for tumour types outside the brain and translational implications, including clinical trials that are already based on these discoveries, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Venkataramani
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | - Frank Anton Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Herrlinger
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Wang X, Liang J, Sun H. The Network of Tumor Microtubes: An Improperly Reactivated Neural Cell Network With Stemness Feature for Resistance and Recurrence in Gliomas. Front Oncol 2022; 12:921975. [PMID: 35847909 PMCID: PMC9277150 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.921975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are known as an incurable brain tumor for the poor prognosis and robust recurrence. In recent years, a cellular subpopulation with tumor microtubes (TMs) was identified in brain tumors, which may provide a new angle to explain the invasion, resistance, recurrence, and heterogeneity of gliomas. Recently, it was demonstrated that the cell subpopulation also expresses neural stem cell markers and shares a lot of features with both immature neurons and cancer stem cells and may be seen as an improperly reactivated neural cell network with a stemness feature at later time points of life. TMs may also provide a new angle to understand the resistance and recurrence mechanisms of glioma stem cells. In this review, we innovatively focus on the common features between TMs and sprouting axons in morphology, formation, and function. Additionally, we summarized the recent progress in the resistance and recurrence mechanisms of gliomas with TMs and explained the incurability and heterogeneity in gliomas with TMs. Moreover, we discussed the recently discovered overlap between cancer stem cells and TM-positive glioma cells, which may contribute to the understanding of resistant glioma cell subpopulation and the exploration of the new potential therapeutic target for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Liang
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Sun
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Lin R, Xu Y, Xie S, Zhang Y, Wang H, Yi GZ, Huang G, Ni B, Song H, Wang Z, Qi ST, Liu Y. Recycling of SLC38A1 to the plasma membrane by DSCR3 promotes acquired temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:15-26. [PMID: 35187626 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03964-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a primary brain tumor with devastating prognosis. Although the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) leads to inherent temozolomide (TMZ) resistance, approximately half of GBMs were sufficient to confer acquired TMZ resistance, which express low levels of MGMT. The purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the acquired TMZ resistance in MGMT-deficient GBM. METHODS The function of Down syndrome critical region protein 3 (DSCR3) on MGMT-deficient GBM was investigated in vitro and in an orthotopic brain tumor model in mice. Purification of plasma membrane proteins by membrane-cytoplasmic separation and subsequent label free-based quantitative proteomics were used to identified potential protein partners for DSCR3. Immunofluorescence was performed to show the reverse transport of solute carrier family 38 member 1 (SLC38A1) mediated by DSCR3. RESULTS DSCR3 is upregulated in MGMT-deficient GBM cells during TMZ treatment. Both DSCR3 and SLC38A1 were highly expressed in recurrent GBM patients. Silencing DSCR3 or SLC38A1 expression can increase TMZ sensitivity in MGMT-deficient GBM cells. Combination of proteomics and in vitro experiments show that DSCR3 directly binds internalized SLC38A1 to mediate its sorting into recycling pathway, which maintains the abundance on plasma membrane and enhances uptake of glutamine in MGMT-deficient GBM cells. CONCLUSIONS DSCR3 is a crucial regulator of acquired TMZ resistance in MGMT-deficient GBM. The DSCR3-dependent recycling of SLC38A1 maintains its abundance on plasma membrane, leading to tumor progression and acquired TMZ resistance in MGMT-deficient GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Dadao Bei Street, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Sidi Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Dadao Bei Street, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Dadao Bei Street, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Zhong Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Dadao Bei Street, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanglong Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Dadao Bei Street, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Ni
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haimin Song
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Song-Tao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Dadao Bei Street, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Dadao Bei Street, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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24
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Glioma invasion along white matter tracts: A dilemma for neurosurgeons. Cancer Lett 2022; 526:103-111. [PMID: 34808285 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Invasive growth along white matter (WM) tracts is one of the most prominent clinicopathological features of glioma and is also an important reason for surgical treatment failure in glioma patients. A full understanding of relevant clinical features and mechanisms is of great significance for finding new therapeutic targets and developing new treatment regimens and strategies. Herein, we review the imaging and histological characteristics of glioma patients with WM tracts invasion and summarize the possible molecular mechanism. On this basis, we further discuss the correlation between glioma molecular typing, radiotherapy and tumor treating fields (TTFields) and the invasion of glioma along WM tracts.
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25
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Zeyen T, Potthoff AL, Nemeth R, Heiland DH, Burger MC, Steinbach JP, Hau P, Tabatabai G, Glas M, Schlegel U, Grauer O, Krex D, Schnell O, Goldbrunner R, Sabel M, Thon N, Delev D, Clusmann H, Seidel C, Güresir E, Schmid M, Schuss P, Giordano FA, Radbruch A, Becker A, Weller J, Schaub C, Vatter H, Schilling J, Winkler F, Herrlinger U, Schneider M. Phase I/II trial of meclofenamate in progressive MGMT-methylated glioblastoma under temozolomide second-line therapy-the MecMeth/NOA-24 trial. Trials 2022; 23:57. [PMID: 35045869 PMCID: PMC8767701 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant primary brain tumor. Even in the subgroup with O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and favorable response to first-line therapy, survival after relapse is short (12 months). Standard therapy for recurrent MGMT-methylated glioblastoma is not standardized and may consist of re-resection, re-irradiation, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), lomustine (CCNU), or a combination thereof. Preclinical results show that meclofenamate (MFA), originally developed as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and registered in the USA, sensitizes glioblastoma cells to temozolomide-induced toxicity via inhibition of gap junction-mediated intercellular cytosolic traffic and demolishment of tumor microtube (TM)-based network morphology. Methods In this study, combined MFA/TMZ therapy will be administered (orally) in patients with first relapse of MGMT-methylated glioblastoma. A phase I component (6–12 patients, 2 dose levels of MFA + standard dose TMZ) evaluates safety and feasibility and determines the dose for the randomized phase II component (2 × 30 patients) with progression-free survival as the primary endpoint. Discussion This study is set up to assess toxicity and first indications of efficacy of MFA repurposed in the setting of a very difficult-to-treat recurrent tumor. The trial is a logical next step after the identification of the role of resistance-providing TMs in glioblastoma, and results will be crucial for further trials targeting TMs. In case of favorable results, MFA may constitute the first clinically feasible TM-targeted drug and therefore might bridge the idea of a TM-targeted therapeutic approach from basic insights into clinical reality. Trial registration EudraCT 2021-000708-39. Registered on 08 February 2021
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zeyen
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna-Laura Potthoff
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert Nemeth
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter H Heiland
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael C Burger
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joachim P Steinbach
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neurooncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Glas
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Uwe Schlegel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver Grauer
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dietmar Krex
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Schnell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Sabel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Niklas Thon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich and German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Delev
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans Clusmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Clemens Seidel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Erdem Güresir
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmid
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Patrick Schuss
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank A Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Albert Becker
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Weller
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Schaub
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hartmut Vatter
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Judith Schilling
- Clinical Study Core Unit Bonn, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Neurooncology Program at the National Center for Tumor Disease, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Herrlinger
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center of Integrated Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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26
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Connexin 43 confers chemoresistance through activating PI3K. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:2. [PMID: 35022385 PMCID: PMC8755794 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circumventing chemoresistance is crucial for effectively treating cancer including glioblastoma, a lethal brain cancer. The gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) renders glioblastoma resistant to chemotherapy; however, targeting Cx43 is difficult because mechanisms underlying Cx43-mediated chemoresistance remain elusive. Here we report that Cx43, but not other connexins, is highly expressed in a subpopulation of glioblastoma and Cx43 mRNA levels strongly correlate with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in this population, making Cx43 the prime therapeutic target among all connexins. Depleting Cx43 or treating cells with αCT1–a Cx43 peptide inhibitor that sensitizes glioblastoma to the chemotherapy temozolomide–inactivates phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), whereas overexpression of Cx43 activates this signaling. Moreover, αCT1-induced chemo-sensitization is counteracted by a PI3K active mutant. Further research reveals that αCT1 inactivates PI3K without blocking the release of PI3K-activating molecules from membrane channels and that Cx43 selectively binds to the PI3K catalytic subunit β (PIK3CB, also called PI3Kβ or p110β), suggesting that Cx43 activates PIK3CB/p110β independent of its channel functions. To explore the therapeutic potential of simultaneously targeting Cx43 and PIK3CB/p110β, αCT1 is combined with TGX-221 or GSK2636771, two PIK3CB/p110β-selective inhibitors. These two different treatments synergistically inactivate PI3K and sensitize glioblastoma cells to temozolomide in vitro and in vivo. Our study has revealed novel mechanistic insights into Cx43/PI3K-mediated temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma and demonstrated that targeting Cx43 and PIK3CB/p110β together is an effective therapeutic approach for overcoming chemoresistance.
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27
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Yang ZJ, Bi QC, Gan LJ, Zhang LL, Wei MJ, Hong T, Liu R, Qiu CL, Han XJ, Jiang LP. Exosomes Derived from Glioma Cells under Hypoxia Promote Angiogenesis through Up-regulated Exosomal Connexin 43. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:1205-1215. [PMID: 35919821 PMCID: PMC9339413 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.71912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor. Exosomes derived from glioma cells under a hypoxic microenvironment play an important role in tumor biology including metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of connexin 43 on exosomal uptake and angiogenesis in glioma under hypoxia. U251 cells were exposed to 3% oxygen to achieve hypoxia, and the expression levels of HIF-1α and Cx43, involved in the colony formation and proliferation of cells were assessed. Exosomes were isolated by differential velocity centrifugation from U251 cells under normoxia and hypoxia (Nor-Exos and Hypo-Exos), respectively. Immunofluorescence staining, along with assays for CCK-8, tube formation and wound healing along with a transwell assay were conducted to profile exosomal uptake, proliferation, tube formation, migration and invasion of HUVECs, respectively. Our results revealed that Hypoxia significantly up-regulated the expression of HIF-1α in U251 cells as well as promoting proliferation and colony number. Hypoxia also increased the level of Cx43 in U251 cells and in the exosomes secreted. The uptake of Dio-stained Hypo-Exos by HUVECs was greater than that of Nor-Exos, and inhibition of Cx43 by 37,43gap27 or lenti-Cx43-shRNA efficiently prevented the uptake of Hypo-Exos by recipient endothelial cells. In addition, the proliferation and total loops of HUVECs were remarkably increased at 24 h, 48 h, and 10 h after Hypo-Exos, respectively. Notably, 37,43gap27, a specific Cx-mimetic peptide blocker of Cx37 and Cx43, efficiently alleviated Hypo-Exos-induced proliferation and tube formation by HUVECs. Finally, 37,43gap27 also significantly attenuated Hypo-Exos-induced migration and invasion of HUVECs. These findings demonstrate that exosomal Cx43 contributes to glioma angiogenesis mediated by Hypo-Exos, and suggests that exosomal Cx43 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Jian Yang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qiu-Chen Bi
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Li-Jun Gan
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Le-Ling Zhang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Min-Jun Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Qiu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Han
- Institute of Geriatrics, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330006, China.,Department of Neurology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Li-Ping Jiang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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28
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Tittarelli A. Connexin channels modulation in pathophysiology and treatment of immune and inflammatory disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166258. [PMID: 34450245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms include bidirectional cell-to-cell coupling by gap junctions and release/influx of molecules by hemichannels. These intercellular communications have relevant roles in numerous immune system activities. Here, we review the current knowledge about the function of connexin channels, mainly those formed by connexin-43, on immunity and inflammation. Focusing on those evidence that support the design and development of therapeutic tools to modulate connexin expression and/or channel activities with treatment potential for infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago 8940577, Chile.
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29
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Jindal S, Chockalingam S, Ghosh SS, Packirisamy G. Connexin and gap junctions: perspectives from biology to nanotechnology based therapeutics. Transl Res 2021; 235:144-167. [PMID: 33582245 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concept of gap junctions and their role in intercellular communication has been known for around 50 years. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the fundamental biology of connexins in mediating gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and their role in various cellular processes including pathological conditions. However, this understanding has not led to development of advanced therapeutics utilizing GJIC. Inadequacies in strategies that target specific connexin protein in the affected tissue, with minimal or no collateral damage, are the primary reason for the lack of development of efficient therapeutic models. Herein, nanotechnology has a role to play, giving plenty of scope to circumvent these problems and develop more efficient connexin based therapeutics. AsODN, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides; BMPs, bone morphogenetic proteins; BMSCs, bone marrow stem cells; BG, bioglass; Cx, Connexin; CxRE, connexin-responsive elements; CoCr NPs, cobalt-chromium nanoparticles; cGAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate; cAMP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate; ERK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acids; FGFR1, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1; FRAP, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching; 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil; GJ, gap junction; GJIC, gap junctional intercellular communication; HGPRTase, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase; HSV-TK, herpes virus thymidine kinase; HSA, human serum albumin; HA, hyaluronic acid; HDAC, histone deacetylase; IRI, ischemia reperfusion injury; IL-6, interleukin-6; IL-8, interleukin-8; IONPs, iron-oxide nanoparticles; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; LAMP, local activation of molecular fluorescent probe; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; MI, myocardial infarction; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa B; NO, nitric oxide; PKC, protein kinase C; QDs, quantum dots; ROI, region of interest; RGO, reduced graphene oxide; siRNA, small interfering RNA; TGF-β1, transforming growth factor-β1; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; UCN, upconversion nanoparticles; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor. In this review, we discuss briefly the role of connexins and gap junctions in various physiological and pathological processes, with special emphasis on cancer. We further discuss the application of nanotechnology and tissue engineering in developing treatments for various connexin based disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlok Jindal
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - S Chockalingam
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, India
| | - Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Gopinath Packirisamy
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
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30
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Unal YC, Yavuz B, Ozcivici E, Mese G. The role of connexins in breast cancer: from misregulated cell communication to aberrant intracellular signaling. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1962698. [PMID: 34355641 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1962698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of clinical advancements and improved diagnostic techniques, breast cancers are the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in women worldwide. Although 70% of early breast cancers can be cured, there are no efficient therapies against metastatic breast cancers. Several factors including connexins and gap junctions play roles in breast tumorigenesis. Connexins are critical for cellular processes as a linkage between connexin mutations and hereditary disorders demonstrated their importance for tissue homeostasis. Further, alterations in their expression, localization and channel activities were observed in many cancers including breast cancer. Both channel-dependent and independent functions of connexins were reported in initiation and progression of cancers. Unlike initial reports suggesting tumor suppressor functions, connexins and gap junctions have stage, context and isoform dependent effects in breast cancers similar to other cancers. In this review, we tried to describe the current understanding of connexins in tumorigenesis specifically in breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Ceren Unal
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Busra Yavuz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
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31
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Winkler F. Silencing glioblastoma networks to make temozolomide more effective. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:1807-1809. [PMID: 34347098 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg , Neurooncology Program at the National Center for Tumor Disease, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg
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32
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Sato A, da Fonseca IIM, Nagamine MK, de Toledo GF, Olio R, Hernandez-Blazquez FJ, Yano T, Yeh ES, Dagli MLZ. Effects of Alpha-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal Peptide (aCT1) and Bowman-Birk Protease Inhibitor (BBI) on Canine Oral Mucosal Melanoma (OMM) Cells. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:670451. [PMID: 34179163 PMCID: PMC8222509 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.670451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral mucosal melanomas (OMM) are aggressive cancers in dogs, and are good models for human OMM. Gap junctions are composed of connexin units, which may have altered expression patterns and/or subcellular localization in cancer cells. Cell-to-cell communication by gap junctions is often impaired in cancer cells, including in melanomas. Meanwhile, the upregulated expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) inhibits melanoma progression. The α-connexin carboxyl-terminal (aCT1) peptide reportedly maintains Cx43 expression and cell-cell communication in human mammary cells and increases the communication activity through gap junctions in functional assays, therefore causing decreased cell proliferation. The Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (BBI), a component of soybeans, induces Cx43 expression in several tumor cells as a trypsin–chymotrypsin inhibition function, with antineoplastic effects. This study investigated the effect of aCT1 peptide and BBI treatment, alone or in combination, on TLM1 canine melanoma cell viability. Cell viability after treatment with aCT1, the reverse sequence peptide (R-pep), and/or BBI for 5 days was analyzed by PrestoBlue assay. Immunofluorescence was used to observe Cx43 localization and expression. aCT1 (200 μM) alone did not significantly decrease cell viability in TLM1 cells, whereas BBI (400 μg/ml) alone significantly decreased the TLM1 viability. Combined treatment with both aCT1 (200 μM) and BBI (400 μg/ml) significantly decreased cell viability in TLM1 cells. Cx43 expression, as identified by immunostainings in TLM1 cells, was increased in the cell membrane after the combination treatment with BBI and aCT1. This dual treatment can be combined to achieve the anticancer activity, possibly by increasing Cx 43 expression and affecting Cx43 migration to the cell membrane. In conclusion, a treatment strategy targeting Cx43 with BBI and aCT1 may possibly lead to new effective therapies for canine OMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayami Sato
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Márcia Kazumi Nagamine
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rennan Olio
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tomohiro Yano
- Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elizabeth Shinmay Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Mitchell K, Troike K, Silver DJ, Lathia JD. The evolution of the cancer stem cell state in glioblastoma: emerging insights into the next generation of functional interactions. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:199-213. [PMID: 33173943 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity is a hallmark of advanced cancers and has been ascribed in part to a population of self-renewing, therapeutically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor, has served as a platform for the study of CSCs. In addition to illustrating the complexities of CSC biology, these investigations have led to a deeper understanding of GBM pathogenesis, revealed novel therapeutic targets, and driven innovation towards the development of next-generation therapies. While there continues to be an expansion in our knowledge of how CSCs contribute to GBM progression, opportunities have emerged to revisit this conceptual framework. In this review, we will summarize the current state of CSCs in GBM using key concepts of evolution as a paradigm (variation, inheritance, selection, and time) to describe how the CSC state is subject to alterations of cell intrinsic and extrinsic interactions that shape their evolutionarily trajectory. We identify emerging areas for future consideration, including appreciating CSCs as a cell state that is subject to plasticity, as opposed to a discrete population. These future considerations will not only have an impact on our understanding of this ever-expanding field but will also provide an opportunity to inform future therapies to effectively treat this complex and devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Mitchell
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Katie Troike
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Daniel J Silver
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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34
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Yang ZJ, Zhang LL, Bi QC, Gan LJ, Wei MJ, Hong T, Tan RJ, Lan XM, Liu LH, Han XJ, Jiang LP. Exosomal connexin 43 regulates the resistance of glioma cells to temozolomide. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:44. [PMID: 33649836 PMCID: PMC7934218 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor and it is characterized by a high mortality rate. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an effective chemotherapy drug for glioblastoma, but the resistance to TMZ has come to represent a major clinical problem, and its underlying mechanism has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, the role of exosomal connexin 43 (Cx43) in the resistance of glioma cells to TMZ and cell migration was investigated. First, higher expression levels of Cx43 were detected in TMZ‑resistant U251 (U251r) cells compared with those in TMZ‑sensitive (U251s) cells. Exosomes from U251s or U251r cells (sExo and rExo, respectively) were isolated. It was found that the expression of Cx43 in rExo was notably higher compared with that in sExo, whereas treatment with rExo increased the expression of Cx43 in U251s cells. Additionally, exosomes stained with dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine (Dio) were used to visualized exosome uptake by glioma cells. It was observed that the uptake of Dio‑stained rExo in U251s cells was more prominent compared with that of Dio‑stained sExo, while 37,43Gap27, a gap junction mimetic peptide directed against Cx43, alleviated the rExo uptake by cells. Moreover, rExo increased the IC50 of U251s to TMZ, colony formation and Bcl‑2 expression, but decreased Bax and cleaved caspase‑3 expression in U251s cells. 37,43Gap27 efficiently inhibited these effects of rExo on U251s cells. Finally, the results of the wound healing and Transwell assays revealed that rExo significantly enhanced the migration of U251s cells, whereas 37,43Gap27 significantly attenuated rExo‑induced cell migration. Taken together, these results indicate the crucial role of exosomal Cx43 in chemotherapy resistance and migration of glioma cells, and suggest that Cx43 may hold promise as a therapeutic target for glioblastoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Le-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Chen Bi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jun Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Min-Jun Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Ren-Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Mei Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hua Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Jian Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Inhibition of Intercellular Cytosolic Traffic via Gap Junctions Reinforces Lomustine-Induced Toxicity in Glioblastoma Independent of MGMT Promoter Methylation Status. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030195. [PMID: 33673490 PMCID: PMC7997332 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor and one of the most lethal cancers in human. Temozolomide constitutes the standard chemotherapeutic agent, but only shows limited efficacy in glioblastoma patients with unmethylated O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter status. Recently, it has been shown that glioblastoma cells communicate via particular ion-channels-so-called gap junctions. Interestingly, inhibition of these ion channels has been reported to render MGMT promoter-methylated glioblastoma cells more susceptible for a therapy with temozolomide. However, given the percentage of about 65% of glioblastoma patients with an unmethylated MGMT promoter methylation status, this treatment strategy is limited to only a minority of glioblastoma patients. In the present study we show that-in contrast to temozolomide-pharmacological inhibition of intercellular cytosolic traffic via gap junctions reinforces the antitumoral effects of chemotherapeutic agent lomustine, independent of MGMT promoter methylation status. In view of the growing interest of lomustine in glioblastoma first and second line therapy, these findings might provide a clinically-feasible way to profoundly augment chemotherapeutic effects for all glioblastoma patients.
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Sheng Z. Connexin 43 peptidic medicine for glioblastoma stem cells. EBioMedicine 2021; 64:103205. [PMID: 33493796 PMCID: PMC7823208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Sheng
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States; Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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Strauss RE, Gourdie RG. Cx43 and the Actin Cytoskeleton: Novel Roles and Implications for Cell-Cell Junction-Based Barrier Function Regulation. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1656. [PMID: 33321985 PMCID: PMC7764618 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrier function is a vital homeostatic mechanism employed by epithelial and endothelial tissue. Diseases across a wide range of tissue types involve dynamic changes in transcellular junctional complexes and the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of substance exchange across tissue compartments. In this review, we focus on the contribution of the gap junction protein, Cx43, to the biophysical and biochemical regulation of barrier function. First, we introduce the structure and canonical channel-dependent functions of Cx43. Second, we define barrier function and examine the key molecular structures fundamental to its regulation. Third, we survey the literature on the channel-dependent roles of connexins in barrier function, with an emphasis on the role of Cx43 and the actin cytoskeleton. Lastly, we discuss findings on the channel-independent roles of Cx43 in its associations with the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion structures highlighted by PI3K signaling, in the potential modulation of cellular barriers. Mounting evidence of crosstalk between connexins, the cytoskeleton, focal adhesion complexes, and junctional structures has led to a growing appreciation of how barrier-modulating mechanisms may work together to effect solute and cellular flux across tissue boundaries. This new understanding could translate into improved therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of barrier-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy E. Strauss
- Virginia Tech, Translational Biology Medicine and Health (TBMH) Program, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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38
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Sheng KL, Kang L, Pridham KJ, Dunkenberger LE, Sheng Z, Varghese RT. An integrated approach to biomarker discovery reveals gene signatures highly predictive of cancer progression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21246. [PMID: 33277589 PMCID: PMC7718261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Current cancer biomarkers present variability in their predictive power and demonstrate limited clinical efficacy, possibly due to the lack of functional relevance of biomarker genes to cancer progression. To address this challenge, a biomarker discovery pipeline was developed to integrate gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas and essential survival gene datasets from The Cancer Dependency Map, the latter of which catalogs genes driving cancer progression. By applying this pipeline to lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and glioblastoma, genes highly associated with cancer progression were identified and designated as progression gene signatures (PGSs). Analysis of area under the receiver operating characteristics curve revealed that PGSs predicted patient survival more accurately than previously identified cancer biomarkers. Moreover, PGSs stratified patients with high risk for progressive disease indicated by worse prognostic outcomes, increased frequency of cancer progression, and poor responses to chemotherapy. The robust performance of these PGSs were recapitulated in four independent microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus and were further verified in six freshly dissected tumors from glioblastoma patients. Our results demonstrate the power of an integrated approach to cancer biomarker discovery and the possibility of implementing PGSs into clinical biomarker tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Sheng
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Lin Kang
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Kevin J Pridham
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Logan E Dunkenberger
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Zhi Sheng
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Robin T Varghese
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
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Connexins-Therapeutic Targets in Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239119. [PMID: 33266154 PMCID: PMC7730856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family that forms intercellular channels localised in gap junction (GJ) plaques and single transmembrane channels called hemichannels. They participate in intercellular communication or communication between the intracellular and extracellular environments. Connexins affect cell homeostasis, growth and differentiation by enabling the exchange of metabolites or by interfering with various signalling pathways. Alterations in the functionality and the expression of connexins have been linked to the occurrence of many diseases. Connexins have been already linked to cancers, cardiac and brain disorders, chronic lung and kidney conditions and wound healing processes. Connexins have been shown either to suppress cancer tumour growth or to increase tumorigenicity by promoting cancer cell growth, migration and invasiveness. A better understanding of the complexity of cancer biology related to connexins and intercellular communication could result in the design of novel therapeutic strategies. The modulation of connexin expression may be an effective therapeutic approach in some types of cancers. Therefore, one important challenge is the search for mechanisms and new drugs, selectively modulating the expression of various connexin isoforms. We performed a systematic literature search up to February 2020 in the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE. Our search terms were as follows: connexins, hemichannels, cancer and cancer treatment. This review aims to provide information about the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, as well as to discuss possible therapeutic options that are currently being studied.
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40
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Pelaz SG, Jaraíz-Rodríguez M, Álvarez-Vázquez A, Talaverón R, García-Vicente L, Flores-Hernández R, Gómez de Cedrón M, Tabernero M, Ramírez de Molina A, Lillo C, Medina JM, Tabernero A. Targeting metabolic plasticity in glioma stem cells in vitro and in vivo through specific inhibition of c-Src by TAT-Cx43 266-283. EBioMedicine 2020; 62:103134. [PMID: 33254027 PMCID: PMC7708820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumour and has a very poor prognosis. Inhibition of c-Src activity in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs, responsible for glioblastoma lethality) and primary glioblastoma cells by the peptide TAT-Cx43266–283 reduces tumorigenicity, and boosts survival in preclinical models. Because c-Src can modulate cell metabolism and several reports revealed poor clinical efficacy of various antitumoral drugs due to metabolic rewiring in cancer cells, here we explored the inhibition of advantageous GSC metabolic plasticity by the c-Src inhibitor TAT-Cx43266-283. Methods Metabolic impairment induced by the c-Src inhibitor TAT-Cx43266-283 in vitro was assessed by fluorometry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, qPCR, enzyme activity assays, electron microscopy, Seahorse analysis, time-lapse imaging, siRNA, and MTT assays. Protein expression in tumours from a xenograft orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Findings TAT-Cx43266–283 decreased glucose uptake in human GSCs and reduced oxidative phosphorylation without a compensatory increase in glycolysis, with no effect on brain cell metabolism, including rat neurons, human and rat astrocytes, and human neural stem cells. TAT-Cx43266-283 impaired metabolic plasticity, reducing GSC growth and survival under different nutrient environments. Finally, GSCs intracranially implanted with TAT-Cx43266–283 showed decreased levels of important metabolic targets for cancer therapy, such as hexokinase-2 and GLUT-3. Interpretation The reduced ability of TAT-Cx43266-283–treated GSCs to survive in metabolically challenging settings, such as those with restricted nutrient availability or the ever-changing in vivo environment, allows us to conclude that the advantageous metabolic plasticity of GSCs can be therapeutically exploited through the specific and cell-selective inhibition of c-Src by TAT-Cx43266-283. Funding Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (FEDER BFU2015-70040-R and FEDER RTI2018-099873-B-I00), Fundación Ramón Areces. Fellowships from the Junta de Castilla y León, European Social Fund, Ministerio de Ciencia and Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G Pelaz
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Myriam Jaraíz-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Andrea Álvarez-Vázquez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Rocío Talaverón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Laura García-Vicente
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Raquel Flores-Hernández
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez de Cedrón
- Precision Nutrition and Cancer Program, Molecular Oncology and Nutritional Genomics of Cancer Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Canto Blanco 8 E, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - María Tabernero
- Precision Nutrition and Cancer Program, Molecular Oncology and Nutritional Genomics of Cancer Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Canto Blanco 8 E, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Ana Ramírez de Molina
- Precision Nutrition and Cancer Program, Molecular Oncology and Nutritional Genomics of Cancer Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Canto Blanco 8 E, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Concepción Lillo
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - José M Medina
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Calle Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Celular, Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca 37007, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Virgen de la Vega, 10ª planta, Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, Salamanca 37007, Spain.
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Kim HJ, Kim DY. Present and Future of Anti-Glioblastoma Therapies: A Deep Look into Molecular Dependencies/Features. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204641. [PMID: 33053763 PMCID: PMC7587213 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is aggressive malignant tumor residing within the central nervous system. Although the standard treatment options, consisting of surgical resection followed by combined radiochemotherapy, have long been established for patients with GBM, the prognosis is still poor. Despite recent advances in diagnosis, surgical techniques, and therapeutic approaches, the increased patient survival after such interventions is still sub-optimal. The unique characteristics of GBM, including highly infiltrative nature, hard-to-access location (mainly due to the existence of the blood brain barrier), frequent and rapid recurrence, and multiple drug resistance mechanisms, pose challenges to the development of an effective treatment. To overcome current limitations on GBM therapy and devise ideal therapeutic strategies, efforts should focus on an improved molecular understanding of GBM pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the molecular basis for the development and progression of GBM as well as some emerging therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Ji Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea;
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-660-6880
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42
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Takayasu T, Kurisu K, Esquenazi Y, Ballester LY. Ion Channels and Their Role in the Pathophysiology of Gliomas. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1959-1969. [PMID: 33008831 PMCID: PMC7577395 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are the most common primary central nervous system tumors and their prognosis is very poor. In recent years, ion channels have been demonstrated to play important roles in tumor pathophysiology such as regulation of gene expression, cell migration, and cell proliferation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of ion channels on the development and progression of gliomas. Cell volume changes through the regulation of ion flux, accompanied by water flux, are essential for migration and invasion. Signaling pathways affected by ion channel activity play roles in cell survival and cell proliferation. Moreover, ion channels are involved in glioma-related seizures, sensitivity to chemotherapy, and tumor metabolism. Ion channels are potential targets for the treatment of these lethal tumors. Despite our increased understanding of the contributions of ion channels to glioma biology, this field remains poorly studied. This review summarizes the current literature on this important topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Takayasu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kurisu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshua Esquenazi
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, Texas.
- Memorial Hermann Hospital-TMC, Houston, Texas
| | - Leomar Y Ballester
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, Texas
- Memorial Hermann Hospital-TMC, Houston, Texas
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43
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Fu Y, Sun X, Gu Z, Zhuang Z. Connexin 43 Modulates the Cellular Resistance to Paclitaxel via Targeting β-Tubulin in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5323-5335. [PMID: 32606750 PMCID: PMC7294565 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s229076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer has become an intricate part and hotspot in the clinical and experimental research. Connexins, serving as functional proteins in gap junctions, play an important role in tumorigenesis, cell proliferation and metastasis. Methods We constructed and employed the Connexin 43 (Cx43) overexpression lentiviral vectors and Cx43 siRNA in paclitaxel-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. We performed the experiments of clonal formation and flow cytometry to gauge the effect of paclitaxel on cellular behaviors and immunofluorescence and subsequent quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot to examine the expression of genes and corresponding proteins. Experiments of scrape loading/dye transfer were utilized to explore the gap junctions. The targets of Cx43 were identified via the experiments of co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), GST pull-down assays and proximal ligation assay (PLA). Results The results showed that Cx43 hindered cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in the paclitaxel-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Overexpressed Cx43 suppressed the expression of resistance genes such as BRCP, Txr-1, α-tubulin and β-tubulin and promoted the expression of apoptosis gene as TSP-1 and Bcl-2. Cx43 was also positively related to ITGα9 and negatively related to ITGαV and ITGα11. The gap junctions altered magnificently under different expressions of Cx43, which indicated that Cx43 could promote the number of intercellular gap junctions. The immunofluorescent experiment revealed that both of Cx43 and β-tubulin were mainly localized in the cytoplasm. The assays of Co-IP and GST pull-down demonstrated that there existed a direct interaction between Cx43 and β-tubulin. Furthermore, the result of PLA also showed that Cx43 interacts with β-tubulin in MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion Overexpression of Cx43 could modulate the cellular resistance to paclitaxel via targeting β-tubulin in triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyin Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyuan Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Zhuang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Jung E, Alfonso J, Monyer H, Wick W, Winkler F. Neuronal signatures in cancer. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:3281-3291. [PMID: 32510582 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of solid tumors, the prognosis of patients with many cancers remains poor, particularly of those with primary and metastatic brain tumors. In the last years, "Cancer Neuroscience" emerged as novel field of research at the crossroads of oncology and classical neuroscience. In primary brain tumors, including glioblastoma (GB), communicating networks that render tumor cells resistant against cytotoxic therapies were identified. To build these networks, GB cells extend neurite-like protrusions called tumor microtubes (TMs). Synapses on TMs allow tumor cells to retrieve neuronal input that fosters growth. Single cell sequencing further revealed that primary brain tumors recapitulate many steps of neurodevelopment. Interestingly, neuronal characteristics, including the ability to extend neurite-like protrusions, neuronal gene expression signatures and interactions with neurons, have now been found not only in brain and neuroendocrine tumors but also in some cancers of epithelial origin. In this review, we will provide an overview about neurite-like protrusions as well as neurodevelopmental origins, hierarchies and gene expression signatures in cancer. We will also discuss how "Cancer Neuroscience" might provide a framework for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Jung
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julieta Alfonso
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannah Monyer
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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45
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Giaume C, Naus CC, Sáez JC, Leybaert L. Glial Connexins and Pannexins in the Healthy and Diseased Brain. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:93-145. [PMID: 32326824 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00043.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades a large amount of data have established that glial cells, the main cell population in the brain, dynamically interact with neurons and thus impact their activity and survival. One typical feature of glia is their marked expression of several connexins, the membrane proteins forming intercellular gap junction channels and hemichannels. Pannexins, which have a tetraspan membrane topology as connexins, are also detected in glial cells. Here, we review the evidence that connexin and pannexin channels are actively involved in dynamic and metabolic neuroglial interactions in physiological as well as in pathological situations. These features of neuroglial interactions open the way to identify novel non-neuronal aspects that allow for a better understanding of behavior and information processing performed by neurons. This will also complement the "neurocentric" view by facilitating the development of glia-targeted therapeutic strategies in brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Giaume
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian C Naus
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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46
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Phoa AF, Recasens A, Gurgis FMS, Betts TA, Menezes SV, Chau D, Nordfors K, Haapasalo J, Haapasalo H, Johns TG, Stringer BW, Day BW, Buckland ME, Lalaoui N, Munoz L. MK2 Inhibition Induces p53-Dependent Senescence in Glioblastoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030654. [PMID: 32168910 PMCID: PMC7139970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) has diverse roles in cancer. In response to chemotherapy, MK2 inhibition is synthetically lethal to p53-deficiency. While TP53 deletion is rare in glioblastomas, these tumors often carry TP53 mutations. Here, we show that MK2 inhibition strongly attenuated glioblastoma cell proliferation through p53wt stabilization and senescence. The senescence-inducing efficacy of MK2 inhibition was particularly strong when cells were co-treated with the standard-of-care temozolomide. However, MK2 inhibition also increased the stability of p53 mutants and enhanced the proliferation of p53-mutant stem cells. These observations reveal that in response to DNA damaging chemotherapy, targeting MK2 in p53-mutated cells produces a phenotype that is distinct from the p53-deficient phenotype. Thus, MK2 represents a novel drug target in 70% glioblastomas harboring intact TP53 gene. However, targeting MK2 in tumors with TP53 mutations may accelerate disease progression. These findings are highly relevant since TP53 mutations occur in over 50% of all cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena F. Phoa
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; (A.F.P.); (A.R.); (F.M.S.G.); (T.A.B.); (S.V.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Ariadna Recasens
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; (A.F.P.); (A.R.); (F.M.S.G.); (T.A.B.); (S.V.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Fadi M. S. Gurgis
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; (A.F.P.); (A.R.); (F.M.S.G.); (T.A.B.); (S.V.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Tara A. Betts
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; (A.F.P.); (A.R.); (F.M.S.G.); (T.A.B.); (S.V.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Sharleen V. Menezes
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; (A.F.P.); (A.R.); (F.M.S.G.); (T.A.B.); (S.V.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Diep Chau
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; (D.C.); (N.L.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Kristiina Nordfors
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland;
- Tampere Center for Child Health Research, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada;
| | - Joonas Haapasalo
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada;
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, FI-33521 Tampere, Finland;
| | - Hannu Haapasalo
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, FI-33521 Tampere, Finland;
| | - Terrance G. Johns
- Oncogenic Signalling Laboratory, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Brett W. Stringer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (B.W.S.); (B.W.D.)
| | - Bryan W. Day
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (B.W.S.); (B.W.D.)
| | - Michael E. Buckland
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; (A.F.P.); (A.R.); (F.M.S.G.); (T.A.B.); (S.V.M.); (M.E.B.)
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Najoua Lalaoui
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; (D.C.); (N.L.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Lenka Munoz
- School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; (A.F.P.); (A.R.); (F.M.S.G.); (T.A.B.); (S.V.M.); (M.E.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-293-512-315
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47
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Liu Y, Zou Y, Feng C, Lee A, Yin J, Chung R, Park JB, Rizos H, Tao W, Zheng M, Farokhzad OC, Shi B. Charge Conversional Biomimetic Nanocomplexes as a Multifunctional Platform for Boosting Orthotopic Glioblastoma RNAi Therapy. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:1637-1646. [PMID: 32013452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b04683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based RNA interference (RNAi) has shown great promise in overcoming the limitations of traditional clinical treatments for glioblastoma (GBM). However, because of the complexity of brain physiology, simple blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration or tumor-targeting strategies cannot entirely meet the demanding requirements of different therapeutic delivery stages. Herein, we developed a charge conversional biomimetic nanoplatform with a three-layer core-shell structure to programmatically overcome persistent obstacles in siRNA delivery to GBM. The resulting nanocomplex presents good biocompatibility, prolonged blood circulation, high BBB transcytosis, effective tumor accumulation, and specific uptake by tumor cells in the brain. Moreover, red blood cell membrane (RBCm) disruption and effective siRNA release can be further triggered elegantly by charge conversion from negative to positive in the endo/lysosome (pH 5.0-6.5) of tumor cells, leading to highly potent target-gene silencing with a strong anti-GBM effect. Our study provides an intelligent biomimetic nanoplatform tailored for systemically siRNA delivery to GBM, leveraging Angiopep-2 peptide-modified, immune-free RBCm and charge conversional components. Improved therapeutic efficacy, higher survival rates, and minimized systemic side effects were achieved in orthotopic U87MG-luc human glioblastoma tumor-bearing nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Liu
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Yan Zou
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Chan Feng
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Albert Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Jinlong Yin
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, South Korea
| | - Roger Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Jong Bea Park
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, South Korea
| | - Helen Rizos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Meng Zheng
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Omid C Farokhzad
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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48
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Yang J, Shi Z, Liu R, Wu Y, Zhang X. Combined-therapeutic strategies synergistically potentiate glioblastoma multiforme treatment via nanotechnology. Theranostics 2020; 10:3223-3239. [PMID: 32194864 PMCID: PMC7053190 DOI: 10.7150/thno.40298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and devastating brain tumor characterized by poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence. Numerous therapeutic strategies and delivery systems are developed to prolong the survival time. They exhibit enhanced therapeutic effects in animal models, whereas few of them is applied in clinical trials. Taking into account the drug-resistance and high recurrence of GBM, combined-therapeutic strategies are exploited to maximize therapeutic efficacy. The combined therapies demonstrate superior results than those of single therapies against GBM. The co-therapeutic agents, the timing of therapeutic strategies and the delivery systems greatly affect the overall outcomes. Herein, the current advances in combined therapies for glioblastoma via systemic administration are exhibited in this review. And we will discuss the pros and cons of these combined-therapeutic strategies via nanotechnology, and provide the guidance for developing rational delivery systems to optimize treatments against GBM and other malignancies in central nervous system.
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49
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Jung E, Alfonso J, Osswald M, Monyer H, Wick W, Winkler F. Emerging intersections between neuroscience and glioma biology. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:1951-1960. [PMID: 31719671 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of neuronal and glial networks in the brain depends on the activities of neural progenitors, which are influenced by cell-intrinsic mechanisms, interactions with the local microenvironment and long-range signaling. Progress in neuroscience has helped identify key factors in CNS development. In parallel, studies in recent years have increased our understanding of molecular and cellular factors in the development and growth of primary brain tumors. To thrive, glioma cells exploit pathways that are active in normal CNS progenitor cells, as well as in normal neurotransmitter signaling. Furthermore, tumor cells of incurable gliomas integrate into communicating multicellular networks, where they are interconnected through neurite-like cellular protrusions. In this Review, we discuss evidence that CNS development, organization and function share a number of common features with glioma progression and malignancy. These include mechanisms used by cells to proliferate and migrate, interact with their microenvironment and integrate into multicellular networks. The emerging intersections between the fields of neuroscience and neuro-oncology considered in this review point to new research directions and novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Jung
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julieta Alfonso
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Osswald
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannah Monyer
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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50
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Zhang C, Liu CF, Chen AB, Yao Z, Li WG, Xu SJ, Ma XY. Prognostic and Clinic Pathological Value of Cx43 Expression in Glioma: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1209. [PMID: 31781504 PMCID: PMC6861382 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) composed of connexin proteins is considered vital to cancer onset and progression since 50 years ago based on Lowenstein and Kano's works, however altered expression of connexins is still a lesser known “hallmark” of cancer. Although many studies support the hypothesis that connexins are tumor suppressors, recent evidence indicates that, in some tumor types including glioma, they may play contradictory role in some specific stages of tumor progression. We thus conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of Cx43 in glioma for the unanswered questions that whether Cx43 is a beneficial or insalubrity factor for glioma. Eight studies with 1,706 patients were included for meta-analysis. The results showed that Cx43 expression was a clearly negative factor with tumor grades (I2 = 34%, P < 0.001) and beneficial for OS (n = 3, HR 2.62, 95%CI 1.47–4.68; P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis also found that Cx43 had different expression in Asian young patients vs. other groups. In conclusion, this article summarize the prognostic value of Cx43 and offer a clinical evidence for the notion that Cx43 is generally a tumor suppressor and beneficial for the patients' survival time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng-Fen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - An-Bin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei-Guo Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shu-Jun Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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