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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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Zhang HL, Li N, Dong L, Ma HX, Yang MC. Prox1 Suppresses Proliferation and Drug Resistance of Retinoblastoma Cells via Targeting Notch1. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:223-231. [PMID: 38277016 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retinoblastoma (RB) is a prevalent type of eye cancer in youngsters. Prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) is a homeobox transcriptional repressor and downstream target of the proneural gene that is relevant in lymphatic, hepatocyte, pancreatic, heart, lens, retinal, and cancer cells. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of Prox1 in RB cell proliferation and drug resistance, as well as to explore the underlying Notch1 mechanism. METHODS Human RB cell lines (SO-RB50 and Y79) and a primary human retinal microvascular endothelial cell line (ACBRI-181) were used in this study. The expression of Prox1 and Notch1 mRNA and protein in RB cells was detected using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed after Prox1 overexpression using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and the MTS assay. Drug-resistant cell lines (SO-RB50/vincristine) were generated and treated with Prox1 to investigate the role of Prox1 in drug resistance. We employed pcDNA-Notch1 to overexpress Notch1 to confirm the role of Notch1 in the protective function of Prox1. Finally, a xenograft model was constructed to assess the effect of Prox1 on RB in vivo. RESULTS Prox1 was significantly downregulated in RB cells. Overexpression of Prox1 effectively decreased RB cell growth while increasing the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to vincristine. Notch1 was involved in Prox1's regulatory effects. Notch1 was identified as a target gene of Prox1, which was found to be upregulated in RB cells and repressed by increased Prox1 expression. When pcDNA-Notch1 was transfected, the effect of Prox1 overexpression on RB was removed. Furthermore, by downregulating Notch1, Prox1 overexpression slowed tumor development and increased vincristine sensitivity in vivo. CONCLUSION These data show that Prox1 decreased RB cell proliferation and drug resistance by targeting Notch1, implying that Prox1 could be a potential therapeutic target for RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Li Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hong-Xia Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Mo-Chi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Zhao Q, Zong H, Zhu P, Su C, Tang W, Chen Z, Jin S. Crosstalk between colorectal CSCs and immune cells in tumorigenesis, and strategies for targeting colorectal CSCs. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38254219 PMCID: PMC10802076 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00474-x] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of colorectal cancer, and relapse after tumor immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities, are resistant to traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, CSCs have been proven to be the cells driving tumor relapse after immunotherapy. However, the mutual interactions between CSCs and cancer niche immune cells are largely uncharacterized. In this review, we focus on colorectal CSCs, CSC-immune cell interactions and CSC-based immunotherapy. Colorectal CSCs are characterized by robust expression of surface markers such as CD44, CD133 and Lgr5; hyperactivation of stemness-related signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo/Yap1, Jak/Stat and Notch pathways; and disordered epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA action. Moreover, colorectal CSCs express abnormal levels of immune-related genes such as MHC and immune checkpoint molecules and mutually interact with cancer niche cells in multiple tumorigenesis-related processes, including tumor initiation, maintenance, metastasis and drug resistance. To date, many therapies targeting CSCs have been evaluated, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody‒drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, tumor vaccines adoptive cell therapy, and small molecule inhibitors. With the development of CSC-/niche-targeting technology, as well as the integration of multidisciplinary studies, novel therapies that eliminate CSCs and reverse their immunosuppressive microenvironment are expected to be developed for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hong Zong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chang Su
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- The Research and Application Center of Precision Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jing‑ba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Shuiling Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Lai SW, Cheng YC, Kiu KT, Yen MH, Chen YW, Yadav VK, Yeh CT, Kuo KT, Chang TC. PROX1 interaction with α-SMA-rich cancer-associated fibroblasts facilitates colorectal cancer progression and correlates with poor clinical outcomes and therapeutic resistance. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:1620-1639. [PMID: 38244581 PMCID: PMC10866434 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205447] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in tumor progression through intricate molecular interactions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), notably those expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or myofibroblasts, are instrumental in this context and correlate with unfavorable outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). While several transcription factors influence TME, the exact regulator causing CAF dysregulation in CRC remains elusive. Prospero Homeobox 1 (PROX1) stands out, as its inhibition reduces α-SMA-rich CAF activity. However, the therapeutic role of PROX1 is debated due to inconsistent study findings. METHODS Using the ULCAN portal, we noted an elevated PROX1 level in advanced colon adenocarcinoma, linking to a poor prognosis. Assays determined the impact of PROX1 overexpression on CRC cell properties, while co-culture experiments spotlighted the PROX1-CAF relationship. Molecular expressions were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blots, with in vivo studies further solidifying the observations. RESULTS Our study emphasized the connection between PROX1 and α-SMA in CAFs. Elevated PROX1 in CRC samples correlated with increased α-SMA in tumors. PROX1 modulation influenced the behavior of specific CRC cells, with its overexpression fostering invasiveness. Kaplan-Meier evaluations demonstrated a link between PROX1 or α-SMA and survival outcomes. Consequently, PROX1, alone or with α-SMA, emerges as a CRC prognostic marker. Co-culture and animal experiments further highlighted this relationship. CONCLUSION PROX1 appears crucial in modulating CRC behavior and therapeutic resistance within the TME by influencing CAFs, signifying the combined PROX1/α-SMA gene as a potential CRC prognostic marker. The concept of developing inhibitors targeting this gene set emerges as a prospective therapeutic strategy. However, this study is bound by limitations, including potential challenges in clinical translation, a focused exploration on PROX1/α-SMA potentially overlooking other significant molecular contributors, and the preliminary nature of the inhibitor development proposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiue-Wei Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tri-service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chiao Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kee-Thai Kiu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsuan Yen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Wei Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Vijesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tai Yeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Continuing Education Program of Food Biotechnology Applications, College of Science and Engineering, National Taitung University, Taitung 95092, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Tai Kuo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Cheng Chang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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Brisset M, Mehlen P, Meurette O, Hollande F. Notch receptor/ligand diversity: contribution to colorectal cancer stem cell heterogeneity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1231416. [PMID: 37860822 PMCID: PMC10582728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1231416] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell heterogeneity is a key contributor to therapeutic failure and post-treatment recurrence. Targeting cell subpopulations responsible for chemoresistance and recurrence seems to be an attractive approach to improve treatment outcome in cancer patients. However, this remains challenging due to the complexity and incomplete characterization of tumor cell subpopulations. The heterogeneity of cells exhibiting stemness-related features, such as self-renewal and chemoresistance, fuels this complexity. Notch signaling is a known regulator of cancer stem cell (CSC) features in colorectal cancer (CRC), though the effects of its heterogenous signaling on CRC cell stemness are only just emerging. In this review, we discuss how Notch ligand-receptor specificity contributes to regulating stemness, self-renewal, chemoresistance and cancer stem cells heterogeneity in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Brisset
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Cancer Cell Death Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Cancer Cell Death Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Meurette
- Cancer Cell Death Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Hollande
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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6
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Moorman AR, Cambuli F, Benitez EK, Jiang Q, Xie Y, Mahmoud A, Lumish M, Hartner S, Balkaran S, Bermeo J, Asawa S, Firat C, Saxena A, Luthra A, Sgambati V, Luckett K, Wu F, Li Y, Yi Z, Masilionis I, Soares K, Pappou E, Yaeger R, Kingham P, Jarnagin W, Paty P, Weiser MR, Mazutis L, D'Angelica M, Shia J, Garcia-Aguilar J, Nawy T, Hollmann TJ, Chaligné R, Sanchez-Vega F, Sharma R, Pe'er D, Ganesh K. Progressive plasticity during colorectal cancer metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.18.553925. [PMID: 37662289 PMCID: PMC10473595 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.18.553925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the principal cause of cancer death, yet we lack an understanding of metastatic cell states, their relationship to primary tumor states, and the mechanisms by which they transition. In a cohort of biospecimen trios from same-patient normal colon, primary and metastatic colorectal cancer, we show that while primary tumors largely adopt LGR5 + intestinal stem-like states, metastases display progressive plasticity. Loss of intestinal cell states is accompanied by reprogramming into a highly conserved fetal progenitor state, followed by non-canonical differentiation into divergent squamous and neuroendocrine-like states, which is exacerbated by chemotherapy and associated with poor patient survival. Using matched patient-derived organoids, we demonstrate that metastatic cancer cells exhibit greater cell-autonomous multilineage differentiation potential in response to microenvironment cues than their intestinal lineage-restricted primary tumor counterparts. We identify PROX1 as a stabilizer of intestinal lineage in the fetal progenitor state, whose downregulation licenses non-canonical reprogramming.
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7
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Michail A, Gkikas D, Stellas D, Kaltezioti V, Politis PK. Prox1 Suppresses the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells via Direct Inhibition of c-Myc Gene Expression. Cells 2023; 12:1869. [PMID: 37508533 PMCID: PMC10377922 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141869] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in women worldwide and is characterized by rapid growth and low survival rates, despite advances in tumor biology and therapies. Novel therapeutic approaches require new insights into the molecular mechanisms of malignant transformation and progression. To this end, here, we identified Prox1 as a negative regulator of proliferation and tumor-related metabolism in breast cancer. In particular, we showed that breast tumors from human patients exhibited reduced levels of Prox1 expression, while high expression levels of Prox1 were associated with a favorable prognosis in breast cancer patients. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrated that Prox1 was sufficient to strongly suppress proliferation, migration, and the Warburg effect in human breast cancer cells without inducing apoptosis. Most importantly, over-expression of Prox1 inhibited breast tumor growth in vivo in both heterotopic and orthotopic xenograft mouse models. The anti-tumorigenic effect of Prox1 was mediated by the direct repression of c-Myc transcription and its downstream target genes. Consistently, c-Myc over-expression from an artificial promoter that was not targeted by Prox1 reversed Prox1's anti-tumor effects. These findings suggest that Prox1 has a tumor suppressive role via direct transcriptional regulation of c-Myc, making it a promising therapeutic gene for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Patras, 265 04 Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 116 35 Athens, Greece
| | - Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
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8
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Zhang R, Luo D, Shan Z, Yang Y, Qin Y, Li Q, Li X. PROX1 restrains ferroptosis via SCD transcription activation in colorectal cancer. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:691-694. [PMID: 36815375 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxin Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dakui Luo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zezhi Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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9
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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10
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WNT signaling and cancer stemness. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:319-331. [PMID: 35837811 PMCID: PMC9484141 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stemness, defined as the self-renewal and tumor-initiation potential of cancer stem cells (CSCs), is a cancer biology property featuring activation of CSC signaling networks. Canonical WNT signaling through Frizzled and LRP5/6 receptors is transmitted to the β-catenin-TCF/LEF-dependent transcription machinery to up-regulate MYC, CCND1, LGR5, SNAI1, IFNG, CCL28, CD274 (PD-L1) and other target genes. Canonical WNT signaling causes expansion of rapidly cycling CSCs and modulates both immune surveillance and immune tolerance. In contrast, noncanonical WNT signaling through Frizzled or the ROR1/2 receptors is transmitted to phospholipase C, Rac1 and RhoA to control transcriptional outputs mediated by NFAT, AP-1 and YAP-TEAD, respectively. Noncanonical WNT signaling supports maintenance of slowly cycling, quiescent or dormant CSCs and promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition via crosstalk with TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) signaling cascades, while the TGFβ signaling network induces immune evasion. The WNT signaling network orchestrates the functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and fine-tunes stemness in human cancers, such as breast, colorectal, gastric and lung cancers. Here, WNT-related cancer stemness features, including proliferation/dormancy plasticity, epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and immune-landscape plasticity, will be discussed. Porcupine inhibitors, β-catenin protein–protein interaction inhibitors, β-catenin proteolysis targeting chimeras, ROR1 inhibitors and ROR1-targeted biologics are investigational drugs targeting WNT signaling cascades. Mechanisms of cancer plasticity regulated by the WNT signaling network are promising targets for therapeutic intervention; however, further understanding of context-dependent reprogramming trajectories might be necessary to optimize the clinical benefits of WNT-targeted monotherapy and applied combination therapy for patients with cancer.
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11
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Bui K, Hong YK. Ras Pathways on Prox1 and Lymphangiogenesis: Insights for Therapeutics. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:597374. [PMID: 33263009 PMCID: PMC7688453 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.597374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past couple of decades, lymphatics research has accelerated and gained a much-needed recognition in pathophysiology. As the lymphatic system plays heavy roles in interstitial fluid drainage, immune surveillance and lipid absorption, the ablation or excessive growth of this vasculature could be associated with many complications, from lymphedema to metastasis. Despite their growing importance in cancer, few anti-lymphangiogenic therapies exist today, as they have yet to pass phase 3 clinical trials and acquire FDA approval. As such, many studies are being done to better define the signaling pathways that govern lymphangiogenesis, in hopes of developing new therapeutic approaches to inhibit or stimulate this process. This review will cover our current understanding of the Ras signaling pathways and their interactions with Prox1, the master transcriptional switch involved in specifying lymphatic endothelial cell fate and lymphangiogenesis, in hopes of providing insights to lymphangiogenesis-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Bui
- Department of Surgery, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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12
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Ragusa S, Prat-Luri B, González-Loyola A, Nassiri S, Squadrito ML, Guichard A, Cavin S, Gjorevski N, Barras D, Marra G, Lutolf MP, Perentes J, Corse E, Bianchi R, Wetterwald L, Kim J, Oliver G, Delorenzi M, De Palma M, Petrova TV. Antiangiogenic immunotherapy suppresses desmoplastic and chemoresistant intestinal tumors in mice. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1199-1216. [PMID: 32015230 DOI: 10.1172/jci129558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in APC promote colorectal cancer (CRC) progression through uncontrolled WNT signaling. Patients with desmoplastic CRC have a significantly worse prognosis and do not benefit from chemotherapy, but the mechanisms underlying the differential responses of APC-mutant CRCs to chemotherapy are not well understood. We report that expression of the transcription factor prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) was reduced in desmoplastic APC-mutant human CRCs. In genetic Apc-mutant mouse models, loss of Prox1 promoted the growth of desmoplastic, angiogenic, and immunologically silent tumors through derepression of Mmp14. Although chemotherapy inhibited Prox1-proficient tumors, it promoted further stromal activation, angiogenesis, and invasion in Prox1-deficient tumors. Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) combined with CD40 agonistic antibodies promoted antiangiogenic and immunostimulatory reprogramming of Prox1-deficient tumors, destroyed tumor fibrosis, and unleashed T cell-mediated killing of cancer cells. These results pinpoint the mechanistic basis of chemotherapy-induced hyperprogression and illustrate a therapeutic strategy for chemoresistant and desmoplastic CRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ragusa
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and CHUV, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Borja Prat-Luri
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and CHUV, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Alejandra González-Loyola
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and CHUV, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Sina Nassiri
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Leonardo Squadrito
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alan Guichard
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Cavin
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nikolce Gjorevski
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Barras
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giancarlo Marra
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Lutolf
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean Perentes
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emily Corse
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Roberta Bianchi
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Laureline Wetterwald
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and CHUV, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Jaeryung Kim
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and CHUV, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Guillermo Oliver
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mauro Delorenzi
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and CHUV, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Bioinformatics Core Facility, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michele De Palma
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tatiana V Petrova
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and CHUV, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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13
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Rispal J, Escaffit F, Trouche D. Chromatin Dynamics in Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis: A Paradigm of Cell Fate Determination versus Cell Plasticity. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:1062-1080. [PMID: 33051755 PMCID: PMC7667136 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10055-0] [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] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid renewal of intestinal epithelium is mediated by a pool of stem cells, located at the bottom of crypts, giving rise to highly proliferative progenitor cells, which in turn differentiate during their migration along the villus. The equilibrium between renewal and differentiation is critical for establishment and maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and is regulated by signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Bmp…) and specific transcription factors (TCF4, CDX2…). Such regulation controls intestinal cell identities by modulating the cellular transcriptome. Recently, chromatin modification and dynamics have been identified as major actors linking signaling pathways and transcriptional regulation in the control of intestinal homeostasis. In this review, we synthesize the many facets of chromatin dynamics involved in controlling intestinal cell fate, such as stemness maintenance, progenitor identity, lineage choice and commitment, and terminal differentiation. In addition, we present recent data underlying the fundamental role of chromatin dynamics in intestinal cell plasticity. Indeed, this plasticity, which includes dedifferentiation processes or the response to environmental cues (like microbiota’s presence or food ingestion), is central for the organ’s physiology. Finally, we discuss the role of chromatin dynamics in the appearance and treatment of diseases caused by deficiencies in the aforementioned mechanisms, such as gastrointestinal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Rispal
- LBCMCP, Centre of Integrative Biology (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Fabrice Escaffit
- LBCMCP, Centre of Integrative Biology (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, 31062, France.
| | - Didier Trouche
- LBCMCP, Centre of Integrative Biology (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, 31062, France
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14
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Jin Y, Weng Y, Wang Y, Lin J, Deng X, Shen B, Zhan Q, Lu X. miR-934 as a Prognostic Marker Facilitates Cell Proliferation and Migration of Pancreatic Tumor by Targeting PROX1. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3389-3399. [PMID: 32368095 PMCID: PMC7183785 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s249662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer is an extremely lethal digestive cancer with late diagnosis and poor prognosis. miR-934 has been reported to serve as an oncogene in multiple cancers, such as ovarian cancer and bladder cancer. However, its role in pancreatic cancer remains undiscovered. Materials and Methods The expression data of miR-934 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and from our own patient samples. The clinicopathological data and corresponding follow-up data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. CCK8 and colony formation assays were conducted to measure cell proliferation capacity in vitro. Wound healing and transwell assays were performed to detect the migration ability of pancreatic cancer cell. Results We found that miR-934 was significantly upregulated in pancreatic tumor samples and cell lines. The expression of miR-934 was related to pathological stages. Upregulated miR-934 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Mir-934 inhibition reduced, while overexpression promoted, cell proliferation and migration. Mechanically, we found miR-934 could directly bind to 3'-UTR of PROX1 leading to mRNA derogation. Furthermore, increased cell proliferation and migration caused by miR-934 overexpression could be reversed by forced PROX1 expression. Conclusion miR-934 is an oncogene in pancreatic cancer and could serve as a prognosis indicator for patients with pancreatic cancer, suggesting that miR-934 is a promising therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangbing Jin
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanchi Weng
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiewei Lin
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaxing Deng
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhan
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiongxiong Lu
- Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
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15
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Katoh M, Katoh M. Precision medicine for human cancers with Notch signaling dysregulation (Review). Int J Mol Med 2020; 45:279-297. [PMID: 31894255 PMCID: PMC6984804 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3 and NOTCH4 are transmembrane receptors that transduce juxtacrine signals of the delta‑like canonical Notch ligand (DLL)1, DLL3, DLL4, jagged canonical Notch ligand (JAG)1 and JAG2. Canonical Notch signaling activates the transcription of BMI1 proto‑oncogene polycomb ring finger, cyclin D1, CD44, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, hes family bHLH transcription factor 1, hes related family bHLH transcription factor with YRPW motif 1, MYC, NOTCH3, RE1 silencing transcription factor and transcription factor 7 in a cellular context‑dependent manner, while non‑canonical Notch signaling activates NF‑κB and Rac family small GTPase 1. Notch signaling is aberrantly activated in breast cancer, non‑small‑cell lung cancer and hematological malignancies, such as T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma. However, Notch signaling is inactivated in small‑cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinomas. Loss‑of‑function NOTCH1 mutations are early events during esophageal tumorigenesis, whereas gain‑of‑function NOTCH1 mutations are late events during T‑cell leukemogenesis and B‑cell lymphomagenesis. Notch signaling cascades crosstalk with fibroblast growth factor and WNT signaling cascades in the tumor microenvironment to maintain cancer stem cells and remodel the tumor microenvironment. The Notch signaling network exerts oncogenic and tumor‑suppressive effects in a cancer stage‑ or (sub)type‑dependent manner. Small‑molecule γ‑secretase inhibitors (AL101, MRK‑560, nirogacestat and others) and antibody‑based biologics targeting Notch ligands or receptors [ABT‑165, AMG 119, rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova‑T) and others] have been developed as investigational drugs. The DLL3‑targeting antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) Rova‑T, and DLL3‑targeting chimeric antigen receptor‑modified T cells (CAR‑Ts), AMG 119, are promising anti‑cancer therapeutics, as are other ADCs or CAR‑Ts targeting tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17, CD19, CD22, CD30, CD79B, CD205, Claudin 18.2, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2, FGFR3, receptor‑type tyrosine‑protein kinase FLT3, HER2, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, NECTIN4, inactive tyrosine‑protein kinase 7, inactive tyrosine‑protein kinase transmembrane receptor ROR1 and tumor‑associated calcium signal transducer 2. ADCs and CAR‑Ts could alter the therapeutic framework for refractory cancers, especially diffuse‑type gastric cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer with peritoneal dissemination. Phase III clinical trials of Rova‑T for patients with small‑cell lung cancer and a phase III clinical trial of nirogacestat for patients with desmoid tumors are ongoing. Integration of human intelligence, cognitive computing and explainable artificial intelligence is necessary to construct a Notch‑related knowledge‑base and optimize Notch‑targeted therapy for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masaru Katoh
- Department of Omics Network, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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16
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Leighton G, Williams DC. The Methyl-CpG-Binding Domain 2 and 3 Proteins and Formation of the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase Complex. J Mol Biol 2019:S0022-2836(19)30599-6. [PMID: 31626804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex uniquely combines both deacetylase and remodeling enzymatic activities in a single macromolecular complex. The methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 and 3 (MBD2 and MBD3) proteins provide a critical structural link between the deacetylase and remodeling components, while MBD2 endows the complex with the ability to selectively recognize methylated DNA. Hence, NuRD combines three major arms of epigenetic gene regulation. Research over the past few decades has revealed much of the structural basis driving formation of this complex and started to uncover the functional roles of NuRD in epigenetic gene regulation. However, we have yet to fully understand the molecular and biophysical basis for methylation-dependent chromatin remodeling and transcription regulation by NuRD. In this review, we discuss the structural information currently available for the complex, the role MBD2 and MBD3 play in forming and recruiting the complex to methylated DNA, and the biological functions of NuRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gage Leighton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - David C Williams
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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