1
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Fard D, Giraudo E, Tamagnone L. Mind the (guidance) signals! Translational relevance of semaphorins, plexins, and neuropilins in pancreatic cancer. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:817-829. [PMID: 37598000 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of demise worldwide. Although key associated genetic changes have been discovered, disease progression is sustained by pathogenic mechanisms that are poorly understood at the molecular level. In particular, the tissue microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually characterized by high stromal content, scarce recruitment of immune cells, and the presence of neuronal fibers. Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins and neuropilins, comprise a wide family of regulatory signals that control neurons, endothelial and immune cells, embryo development, and normal tissue homeostasis, as well as the microenvironment of human tumors. We focus on the role of these molecular signals in pancreatic cancer progression, as revealed by experimental research and clinical studies, including novel approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Fard
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Giraudo
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Zeng S, Zhang Z, Ye C, Wang J, Jing C, Li L. Mediating immunosuppressive functions: a new perspective on the complex immunological properties of SEMA4D in the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1171926. [PMID: 37287907 PMCID: PMC10242174 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171926] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) is considered a new antitumor target closely related to immune cells. However, understanding the role of SEMA4D in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is limited. In this study, we explored the expression and immune cell infiltration patterns of SEMA4D using multiple bioinformatics datasets and analyzed the relationship between SEMA4D expression with immune checkpoints, tumor mutational load (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) and immune function. We detected that SEMA4D is overexpressed in many tumors types, widely enriched in immune cells, and closely associated with TILs, MSI, TMB, as well as T-cell exhaustion-associated immune checkpoints, and thus can broadly affect the immune microenvironment. We further verified the overexpression of SEMA4D in tumor and its distribution in TME by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and flow cytometry, and confirmed that decreased expression of SEMA4D can lead to recovery of T cell exhaustion. In conlusion, this study provides a more comprehensive perspective of SEMA4D regulation of tumor immunity, which provide a new option for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zihao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunshui Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinshen Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering of Shandong Province, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Changqing Jing
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Leping Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering of Shandong Province, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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3
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Bica C, Tirpe A, Nutu A, Ciocan C, Chira S, Gurzau ES, Braicu C, Berindan-Neagoe I. Emerging roles and mechanisms of semaphorins activity in cancer. Life Sci 2023; 318:121499. [PMID: 36775114 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are regulatory molecules that are linked to the modulation of several cancer processes, such as angiogenesis, cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, tumor growth, as well as cancer cell survival. Semaphorin (SEMA) activity depends on the cancer histotypes and their particularities. In broad terms, the effects of SEMAs result from their interaction with specific receptors/co-receptors - Plexins, Neuropilins and Integrins - and the subsequent effects upon the downstream effectors (e.g. PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK). The present article serves as an integrative review work, discussing the broad implications of semaphorins in cancer, focusing on cell proliferation/survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and chemo-resistance/response whilst highlighting their heterogeneity as a family. Herein, we emphasized that semaphorins are largely implicated in cancer progression, interacting with the tumor microenvironment components. Whilst some SEMAs (e.g. SEMA3A, SEMA3B) function widely as tumor suppressors, others (e.g. SEMA3C) act as pro-tumor semaphorins. The differences observed in terms of the biological structure of SEMAs and the particularities of each cancer histotypes require that each semaphorin be viewed as a unique entity, and its roles must be researched accordingly. A more in-depth and comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms that promote and sustain the malignant behavior of cancer cells is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bica
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Alexandru Tirpe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andreea Nutu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Cristina Ciocan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Eugen S Gurzau
- Cluj School of Public Health, College of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 7 Pandurilor Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Environmental Health Center, 58 Busuiocului Street, 400240 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
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4
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Liu D, Li J, Qi F, You H. Semaphorins and their receptors in pancreatic cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1106762. [PMID: 36713527 PMCID: PMC9880980 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1106762] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumor with high malignancy that is difficult to diagnose and treat. PC is a major medical problem because of its low early diagnosis rate, high surgical mortality rate, low cure rate, and expensive related testing cost. Therefore, the significance of finding new markers for PC is self-evident. Semaphorins (Semas) have been shown to affect angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and can also directly affect the behavior of tumor cells. The expression and related action targets of its family members on PC are summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Liu
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Qi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua You
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China,Laboratory for Excellence in Systems Biomedicine of Pediatric Oncology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Hua You,
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5
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Bechtel TJ, Bertoch JM, Olow AK, Duich M, White CH, Reyes-Robles T, Fadeyi OO, Oslund RC. Proteomic mapping of intercellular synaptic environments via flavin-dependent photoredox catalysis. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 21:98-106. [PMID: 36477737 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob02103j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Receptor-ligand interactions play essential signaling roles within intercellular contact regions. This is particularly important within the context of the immune synapse where protein communication at the surface of physically interacting T cells and antigen-presenting cells regulate downstream immune signaling responses. To identify protein microenvironments within immunological synapses, we combined a flavin-dependent photocatalytic labeling strategy with quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Using α-PD-L1 or α-PD-1 single-domain antibody (VHH)-based photocatalyst targeting modalities, we profiled protein microenvironments within the intercellular region of an immune synapse-forming co-culture system. In addition to enrichment of both PD-L1 and PD-1 with either targeting modality, we also observed enrichment of both known immune synapse residing receptor-ligand pairs and surface proteins, as well as previously unknown synapse residing proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Bechtel
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Jayde M Bertoch
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Aleksandra K Olow
- Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Margaret Duich
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Cory H White
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | | | | | - Rob C Oslund
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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6
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Semaphorin 6C Suppresses Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Inhibition of the AKT/GSK3/β-Catenin/Cyclin D1 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052608. [PMID: 35269749 PMCID: PMC8910270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052608] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins (SEMAs) are axon guidance factors that participate in axonal connections and nerve system development. However, the functional roles of SEMAs in tumorigenesis are still largely uncovered. By using in silico data analysis, we found that SEMA6C was downregulated in pancreatic cancer, and its reduction was correlated with worse survival rates. RNA sequencing revealed that cell cycle-related genes, especially cyclin D1, were significantly altered after blockage of SEMA6C by neutralizing antibodies or ectopic expressions of SEMA6C. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that SEMA6C acts as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the AKT/GSK3 signaling axis, resulting in a decrease in cyclin D1 expression and cellular proliferation. The enhancement of cyclin D1 expression and cyclin-dependent kinase activation in SEMA6C-low cancer created a druggable target of CDK4/6 inhibitors. We also elucidated the mechanism underlying SEMA6C downregulation in pancreatic cancer and demonstrated a novel regulatory role of miR-124-3p in suppressing SEMA6C. This study provides new insights of SEMA6C-mediated anti-cancer action and suggests the treatment of SEMA6C-downregulated cancer by CDK4/6 inhibitors.
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7
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McGraw JM, Witherden DA. γδ T cell costimulatory ligands in antitumor immunity. EXPLORATION OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 2:79-97. [PMID: 35480230 PMCID: PMC9041367 DOI: 10.37349/ei.2022.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Antitumor immunity relies on the ability of T cells to recognize and kill tumor targets. γδ T cells are a specialized subset of T cells that predominantly localizes to non-lymphoid tissue such as the skin, gut, and lung where they are actively involved in tumor immunosurveillance. γδ T cells respond to self-stress ligands that are increased on many tumor cells, and these interactions provide costimulatory signals that promote their activation and cytotoxicity. This review will cover costimulatory molecules that are known to be critical for the function of γδ T cells with a specific focus on mouse dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC). DETC are a prototypic tissue-resident γδ T cell population with known roles in antitumor immunity and are therefore useful for identifying mechanisms that may control activation of other γδ T cell subsets within non-lymphoid tissues. This review concludes with a brief discussion on how γδ T cell costimulatory molecules can be targeted for improved cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. McGraw
- 1Department of Biology, Calibr at The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Deborah A. Witherden
- 2Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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8
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Jiang J, Zhang F, Wan Y, Fang K, Yan ZD, Ren XL, Zhang R. Semaphorins as Potential Immune Therapeutic Targets for Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:793805. [PMID: 35155237 PMCID: PMC8830438 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.793805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins are a large class of secreted or membrane-bound molecules. It has been reported that semaphorins play important roles in regulating several hallmarks of cancer, including angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Semaphorins and their receptors are widely expressed on tumor cells and immune cells. However, the biological role of semaphorins in tumor immune microenvironment is intricate. The dysregulation of semaphorins influences the recruitment and infiltration of immune cells, leading to abnormal anti-tumor effect. Although the underlying mechanisms of semaphorins on regulating tumor-infiltrating immune cell activation and functions are not fully understood, semaphorins can notably be promising immunotherapy targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jiang
- Department of Health Service, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Wan
- Department of Health Service, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Health Service, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ze-Dong Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Ling Ren
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shenzhen General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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9
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The emerging roles of semaphorin4D/CD100 in immunological diseases. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:2875-2890. [PMID: 33258873 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the semaphorin family of proteins is composed of 21 members that are divided into five subfamilies, i.e. classes 3 to 7. Semaphorins play crucial roles in regulating multiple biological processes, such as neural remodeling, tissue regeneration, cancer progression, and, especially, in immunological regulation. Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D), also known as CD100, is an important member of the semaphorin family and was first characterized as a lymphocyte-specific marker. SEMA4D has diverse effects on immunologic processes, including immune cell proliferation, differentiation, activation, and migration, through binding to its specific membrane receptors CD72, PLXNB1, and PLXNB2. Furthermore, SEMA4D and its underlying signaling have been increasingly linked with several immunological diseases. This review focuses on the significant immunoregulatory role of SEMA4D and the associated underlying mechanisms, as well as the potential application of SEMA4D as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for the treatment of immunological diseases.
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10
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SEMA4D Knockdown Attenuates β-Catenin-Dependent Tumor Progression in Colorectal Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:8507373. [PMID: 34337054 PMCID: PMC8321723 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8507373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D), a protein originally demonstrated to regulate the immune system and axonal growth cone collapse in the developing central nervous system, is overexpressed in various human malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of SEMA4D silencing on the biological properties of the CRC cell line. SW48 cells were transfected with a siRNA-targeting SEMA4D. The mRNA expression of underlying pro- and antiapoptotic proteins including Bax, Bcl-2, P53, and caspase-3, cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was examined using qRT-PCR. Further, the protein expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was confirmed by Western blot. SW48 cell migration and MMP activity were detected using scratch and zymography analysis, respectively. Finally, the apoptosis rate was assessed via the flowcytometry test. SEMA4D knock-down was associated with a considerable suppression of in vitro cell viability, EMT-related genes, CSC markers, β-catenin signaling pathway, sphere-forming, cell migration, and MMP-2 activity as well as induction of apoptosis. This study identifies the inhibitory effects of SEMA4D gene silencing on tumor progression. Thereby, this might conclude a possible alternative to cancer therapy by targeting several prominent pathways involved in cancer through SEMA4D suppression.
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11
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Rossi AJ, Khan TM, Hong H, Lesinski GB, Wu C, Hernandez JM. Pepinemab (Anti-SEMA4D) in Combination with Ipilimumab or Nivolumab for Patients with Resectable Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:4098-4099. [PMID: 33987757 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Rossi
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tahsin M Khan
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hanna Hong
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Emory University School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina Wu
- Emory University School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Hernandez
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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12
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Zhou S, Guo Z, Zhou C, Zhang Y, Wang S. circ_NRIP1 is oncogenic in malignant development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) via miR-595/SEMA4D axis and PI3K/AKT pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:250. [PMID: 33957921 PMCID: PMC8101145 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01907-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hsa_circ_0004771 derived from NRIP1 (called circ_NRIP1) is a recently identified oncogenic circRNA. Here, we intended to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_NRIP1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a prevalent and aggressive type of esophageal cancer. METHODS Expression of circ_NRIP1, miRNA-595-5p (miR-595) and semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) was detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Cell growth was assessed by colony formation assay, MTS assay, flow cytometry, and xenograft experiment; migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell assay and western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter assay identified the relationship among circ_NRIP1, miR-595 and SEMA4D. Western blotting measured phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway-related proteins. RESULTS Expression of circ_NRIP1 was upregulated in ESCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_NRIP1 could enhance apoptosis rate and E-cadherin expression, but suppress colony formation, cell viability, migration, invasion, and snail expression in KYSE30 and KYSE450 cells, as well as retarded tumor growth in mice. The suppressive role of circ_NRIP1 knockdown in cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro was abated by blocking miR-595; meanwhile, miR-595 overexpression elicited similar anti-tumor role in KYSE30 and KYSE450 cells, which was abrogated by restoring SEMA4D. Notably, circ_NRIP1 was a sponge for miR-595, and SEMA4D was a target of miR-595. Besides, PI3K/AKT signal was inhibited by circ_NRIP1 knockdown and/or miR-595 overexpression via indirectly or directly regulating SEMA4D. CONCLUSION circ_NRIP1 functioned as an oncogene in ESCC, and modulated ESCC cell growth, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo via targeting miR-595/SEMA4D axis and inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifan Zhou
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China. .,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.6 Dongfeng Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China.
| | - Zhizhong Guo
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.6 Dongfeng Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Chaofeng Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.6 Dongfeng Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.6 Dongfeng Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Sai Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.6 Dongfeng Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
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13
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Jiang H, Tang J, Qiu L, Zhang Z, Shi S, Xue L, Kui L, Huang T, Nan W, Zhou B, Zhao C, Yu M, Sun Q. Semaphorin 4D is a potential biomarker in pediatric leukemia and promotes leukemogenesis by activating PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Oncol Rep 2021. [PMID: 33649851 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8021/html] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is associated with high invasion, poor prognosis and poor therapeutic response. However, the expression and role of Sema4D in leukemia remains unclear. The present study investigated the expression of Sema4D in pediatric leukemia and its effects in leukemia cells. The results demonstrated that Sema4D protein was highly expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with pediatric leukemia, and high levels of soluble Sema4D were also observed in the plasma of these patients. Sema4D knockdown induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in BALL‑1 cells, while Sema4D overexpression exhibited the opposite effect. In Jurkat cells, Sema4D knockdown inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while Sema4D overexpression decreased the abundance of the cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and promoted proliferation. Sema4D overexpression also increased the migratory capacity of Jurkat cells and the invasive capacity of BALL‑1 cells. The phosphorylation level of PI3K was decreased in both Sema4D knocked‑down Jurkat and BALL‑1 cells, and the phosphorylation level of ERK was decreased in Sema4D knocked‑down BALL‑1 cells. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K, ERK and AKT were elevated in patients with pediatric leukemia, and were correlated to the increased Sema4D expression. Sema4D overexpression was associated with a shorter overall survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that Sema4D serves an important role in leukemia development by activating PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling, and it may be used as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Antigens, CD/biosynthesis
- Antigens, CD/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/biosynthesis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/physiology
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Jurkat Cells
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/blood
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- MAP Kinase Signaling System
- Male
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/blood
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/metabolism
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Semaphorins/biosynthesis
- Semaphorins/blood
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Jiang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Jiaolian Tang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Qiu
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Shulan Shi
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Li Xue
- Institute of Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, P.R. China
| | - Liyue Kui
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Tilong Huang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Nan
- Institute of Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, P.R. China
| | - Bailing Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Canchun Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Ming Yu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Qiangming Sun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
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14
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Jiang H, Tang J, Qiu L, Zhang Z, Shi S, Xue L, Kui L, Huang T, Nan W, Zhou B, Zhao C, Yu M, Sun Q. Semaphorin 4D is a potential biomarker in pediatric leukemia and promotes leukemogenesis by activating PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:1. [PMID: 33649851 PMCID: PMC7877000 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is associated with high invasion, poor prognosis and poor therapeutic response. However, the expression and role of Sema4D in leukemia remains unclear. The present study investigated the expression of Sema4D in pediatric leukemia and its effects in leukemia cells. The results demonstrated that Sema4D protein was highly expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with pediatric leukemia, and high levels of soluble Sema4D were also observed in the plasma of these patients. Sema4D knockdown induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in BALL-1 cells, while Sema4D overexpression exhibited the opposite effect. In Jurkat cells, Sema4D knockdown inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while Sema4D overexpression decreased the abundance of the cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and promoted proliferation. Sema4D overexpression also increased the migratory capacity of Jurkat cells and the invasive capacity of BALL-1 cells. The phosphorylation level of PI3K was decreased in both Sema4D knocked-down Jurkat and BALL-1 cells, and the phosphorylation level of ERK was decreased in Sema4D knocked-down BALL-1 cells. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K, ERK and AKT were elevated in patients with pediatric leukemia, and were correlated to the increased Sema4D expression. Sema4D overexpression was associated with a shorter overall survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that Sema4D serves an important role in leukemia development by activating PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling, and it may be used as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Jiang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Jiaolian Tang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Qiu
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Shulan Shi
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Li Xue
- Institute of Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, P.R. China
| | - Liyue Kui
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Tilong Huang
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Nan
- Institute of Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, P.R. China
| | - Bailing Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Canchun Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics, The Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Ming Yu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Qiangming Sun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
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15
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Mastrantonio R, You H, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins as emerging clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Theranostics 2021; 11:3262-3277. [PMID: 33537086 PMCID: PMC7847692 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins are a large family of developmental regulatory signals, characterized by aberrant expression in human cancers. These molecules crucially control cell-cell communication, cell migration, invasion and metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, inflammatory and anti-cancer immune responses. Semaphorins comprise secreted and cell surface-exposed molecules and their receptors are mainly found in the Plexin and Neuropilin families, which are further implicated in a signaling network controlling the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence indicates that semaphorins may be considered as novel clinical biomarkers for cancer, especially for the prediction of patient survival and responsiveness to therapy. Moreover, preclinical experimental studies have demonstrated that targeting semaphorin signaling can interfere with tumor growth and/or metastatic dissemination, suggesting their relevance as novel therapeutic targets in cancer; this has also prompted the development of semaphorin-interfering molecules for application in the clinic. Here we will survey, in diverse human cancers, the current knowledge about the relevance of semaphorin family members, and conceptualize potential lines of future research development in this field.
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16
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Fard D, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins in health and disease. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 57:55-63. [PMID: 32900601 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is pivotal to guide embryo development, as well as to maintain adult tissues homeostasis and control immune response. Among extracellular factors responsible for this function, are the Semaphorins, a broad family of around 20 different molecular cues conserved in evolution and widely expressed in all tissues. The signaling cascades initiated by semaphorins depend on a family of conserved receptors, called Plexins, and on several additional molecules found in the receptor complexes. Moreover, multiple intracellular pathways have been described to act downstream of semaphorins, highlighting significant diversity in the signaling cascades controlled by this family. Notably, semaphorin expression is altered in many human diseases, such as immunopathologies, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This underscores the importance of semaphorins as regulatory factors in the tissue microenvironment and has prompted growing interest for assessing their potential relevance in medicine. This review article surveys the main contexts in which semaphorins have been found to regulate developing and healthy adult tissues, and the signaling cascades implicated in these functions. Vis a vis, we will highlight the main pathological processes in which semaphorins are thought to have a role thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Fard
- University of Torino School of Medicine, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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