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Zhang G, Hou S, Li S, Wang Y, Cui W. Role of STAT3 in cancer cell epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:48. [PMID: 38488027 PMCID: PMC11000535 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5636] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery, the role of the transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in both normal physiology and the pathology of numerous diseases, including cancer, has been extensively studied. STAT3 is aberrantly activated in different types of cancer, fulfilling a critical role in cancer progression. The biological process, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), is indispensable for embryonic morphogenesis. During the development of cancer, EMT is hijacked to confer motility, tumor cell stemness, drug resistance and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. The aim of the present review was to outline recent advances in knowledge of the role of STAT3 in EMT, which may contribute to the understanding of the function of STAT3 in EMT in various types of cancer. Delineating the underlying mechanisms associated with the STAT3‑EMT signaling axis may generate novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Sen Hou
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Shuyue Li
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Yequan Wang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Wen Cui
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
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2
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De Rubis G, Paudel KR, Corrie L, Mehndiratta S, Patel VK, Kumbhar PS, Manjappa AS, Disouza J, Patravale V, Gupta G, Manandhar B, Rajput R, Robinson AK, Reyes RJ, Chakraborty A, Chellappan DK, Singh SK, Oliver BGG, Hansbro PM, Dua K. Applications and advancements of nanoparticle-based drug delivery in alleviating lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:2793-2833. [PMID: 37991539 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02830-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Cigarette smoking is among the main aetiologic factors for both ailments. These diseases share common pathogenetic mechanisms including inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodelling. Current therapeutic approaches are limited by low efficacy and adverse effects. Consequentially, LC has a 5-year survival of < 20%, while COPD is incurable, underlining the necessity for innovative treatment strategies. Two promising emerging classes of therapy against these diseases include plant-derived molecules (phytoceuticals) and nucleic acid-based therapies. The clinical application of both is limited by issues including poor solubility, poor permeability, and, in the case of nucleic acids, susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, large size, and electrostatic charge density. Nanoparticle-based advanced drug delivery systems are currently being explored as flexible systems allowing to overcome these limitations. In this review, an updated summary of the most recent studies using nanoparticle-based advanced drug delivery systems to improve the delivery of nucleic acids and phytoceuticals for the treatment of LC and COPD is provided. This review highlights the enormous relevance of these delivery systems as tools that are set to facilitate the clinical application of novel categories of therapeutics with poor pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele De Rubis
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre of Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Leander Corrie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Samir Mehndiratta
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Vyoma K Patel
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Popat S Kumbhar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Arehalli Sidramappa Manjappa
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416113, India
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Vasantidevi Patil Institute of Pharmacy, Kodoli, Kolkapur, Maharashtra, 416114, India
| | - John Disouza
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India, Chennai, India
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, 248007, India
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Mahal Road, Jaipur, 302017, India
| | - Bikash Manandhar
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Alexandra Kailie Robinson
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Ruby-Jean Reyes
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Amlan Chakraborty
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine (DIIIRM), School of Biological Sciences I Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Brian Gregory George Oliver
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Michael Hansbro
- Centre of Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
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3
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Hu Y, Dong Z, Liu K. Unraveling the complexity of STAT3 in cancer: molecular understanding and drug discovery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38245798 PMCID: PMC10799433 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcriptional factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark features including tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor inflammation, metabolism reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stemness. Therefore, STAT3 has become a promising therapeutic target in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of STAT3 signaling in cancer. We summarize both the positive and negative modulators of STAT3 together with the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by STAT3 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation on immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Direct and indirect inhibitors of STAT3 in preclinical and clinical studies also have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting STAT3 and STAT3-based combinations with established chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for STAT3-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Hu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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4
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Ciccone G, Ibba ML, Coppola G, Catuogno S, Esposito CL. The Small RNA Landscape in NSCLC: Current Therapeutic Applications and Progresses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076121. [PMID: 37047090 PMCID: PMC10093969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the second most diagnosed type of malignancy and the first cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite recent advances, the treatment of choice for NSCLC patients remains to be chemotherapy, often showing very limited effectiveness with the frequent occurrence of drug-resistant phenotype and the lack of selectivity for tumor cells. Therefore, new effective and targeted therapeutics are needed. In this context, short RNA-based therapeutics, including Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs), microRNAs (miRNAs), short interfering (siRNA) and aptamers, represent a promising class of molecules. ASOs, miRNAs and siRNAs act by targeting and inhibiting specific mRNAs, thus showing an improved specificity compared to traditional anti-cancer drugs. Nucleic acid aptamers target and inhibit specific cancer-associated proteins, such as "nucleic acid antibodies". Aptamers are also able of receptor-mediated cell internalization, and therefore, they can be used as carriers of secondary agents giving the possibility of producing very highly specific and effective therapeutics. This review provides an overview of the proposed applications of small RNAs for NSCLC treatment, highlighting their advantageous features and recent advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Ciccone
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Luigia Ibba
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriele Coppola
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
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5
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Huang H, Yi X, Wei Q, Li M, Cai X, Lv Y, Weng L, Mao Y, Fan W, Zhao M, Weng Z, Zhao Q, Zhao K, Cao M, Chen J, Cao P. Edible and cation-free kiwi fruit derived vesicles mediated EGFR-targeted siRNA delivery to inhibit multidrug resistant lung cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:41. [PMID: 36740689 PMCID: PMC9901103 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01766-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinically, activated EGFR mutation associated chemo-drugs resistance has severely threaten NSCLC patients. Nanoparticle based small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy representing another promising alternative by silencing specific gene while still suffered from charge associated toxicity, strong immunogenicity and poor targetability. Herein, we reported a novel EGFR-mutant NSCLC therapy relying on edible and cation-free kiwi-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs), which showed sevenfold enhancement of safe dosage compared with widely used cationic liposomes and could be further loaded with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 interfering RNA (siSTAT3). siSTAT3 loaded KEVs (STAT3/KEVs) could be easily endowed with EGFR targeting ability (STAT3/EKEVs) and fluorescence by surface modification with tailor-making aptamer through hydrophobic interaction. STAT3/EKEVs with a controlled size of 186 nm displayed excellent stability, high specificity and good cytotoxicity towards EGFR over-expressing and mutant PC9-GR4-AZD1 cells. Intriguingly, the systemic administration of STAT3/EKEVs significantly suppressed subcutaneous PC9-GR4-AZD1 tumor xenografts in nude mice by STAT3 mediated apoptosis. This safe and robust KEVs has emerged as the next generation of gene delivery platform for NSCLC therapy after multiple drug-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoying Huang
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China ,grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Xiaohan Yi
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China ,grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Qingyun Wei
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China ,grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Xueting Cai
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China ,grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Yan Lv
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Ling Weng
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Yujie Mao
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Weiwei Fan
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Zhongpei Weng
- Gaoyou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, 225600 Jiangsu China
| | - Qing Zhao
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.261 and 263, Longxi Avenue, Guangzhou, 510378 China
| | - Kewei Zhao
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.261 and 263, Longxi Avenue, Guangzhou, 510378 China
| | - Meng Cao
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China ,grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China
| | - Jing Chen
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Peng Cao
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China ,grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028 Jiangsu China ,Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, 212000 China ,Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Jinghai District, No.10 Poyanghu Road, 301617 Tianjin, China
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6
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Shiah JV, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Transcription Factors and Cancer: Approaches to Targeting. Cancer J 2023; 29:38-46. [PMID: 36693157 PMCID: PMC9881838 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000639] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is defined by the presence of uncontrollable cell growth, whereby improper proliferative signaling has overcome regulation by cellular mechanisms. Transcription factors are uniquely situated at the helm of signaling, merging extracellular stimuli with intracellular responses. Therefore, this class of proteins plays a pivotal role in coordinating the correct gene expression levels for maintaining normal cellular functions. Dysregulation of transcription factor activity unsurprisingly drives tumorigenesis and oncogenic transformation. Although this imparts considerable therapeutic potential to targeting transcription factors, their lack of enzymatic activity renders intervention challenging and has contributed to a sense that transcription factors are "undruggable." Yet, enduring efforts to elucidate strategies for targeting transcription factors as well as a deeper understanding of their interactions with binding partners have led to advancements that are emerging to counter this narrative. Here, we highlight some of these approaches, focusing primarily on therapeutics that have advanced to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie V Shiah
- From the Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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7
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Casas G, Perche F, Midoux P, Pichon C, Malinge JM. DNA minicircles as novel STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides endowed with anticancer activity in triple-negative breast cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:162-175. [PMID: 35847174 PMCID: PMC9263874 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Decoy technology is a versatile and specific DNA oligonucleotide-based targeting strategy of pathogenic transcription factors (TFs). Chemical modifications of linear decoy oligonucleotides have been made to decrease nuclease sensitivity because of the presence of free ends but at the cost of new limitations that affect their use as therapeutic drugs. Although a short DNA minicircle is a phosphodiester nucleic acid without free ends, its potential therapeutic activity as a TF decoy oligonucleotide has not yet been investigated. Here we describe the in vitro and in vivo activity of formulated 95-bp minicircles bearing one or several STAT3 binding sequences in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Minicircles bearing one STAT3 binding site interacted specifically with the active form of STAT3 and inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, slowed down cell cycle progression, and decreased STAT3 target gene expression in human and murine TNBC cells. Intratumoral injection of STAT3 minicircles inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in a murine model of TNBC. Increasing the number of STAT3 binding sites resulted in improved anticancer activity, opening the way for a TF multitargeting strategy. Our data provide the first demonstration of minicircles acting as STAT3 decoys and show that they could be an effective therapeutic drug for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Casas
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Affiliated with the University of Orléans and INSERM, Rue Charles Sadron, CS-80054, 45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
| | - Federico Perche
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Affiliated with the University of Orléans and INSERM, Rue Charles Sadron, CS-80054, 45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Affiliated with the University of Orléans and INSERM, Rue Charles Sadron, CS-80054, 45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Affiliated with the University of Orléans and INSERM, Rue Charles Sadron, CS-80054, 45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
- Corresponding author Chantal Pichon, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, CS-80054, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 02, France.
| | - Jean-Marc Malinge
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Affiliated with the University of Orléans and INSERM, Rue Charles Sadron, CS-80054, 45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
- Corresponding author Jean-Marc Malinge, Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, CS-80054, 45071 Orléans, Cedex 02, France.
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8
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Sorafenib combined with STAT3 knockdown triggers ER stress-induced HCC apoptosis and cGAS-STING-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Cancer Lett 2022; 547:215880. [PMID: 35981569 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is difficult to alleviate this disease process using single-agent chemotherapy. Using combination therapies for advanced HCC has become a major trend. Given that STAT3 overexpression is involved in chemotherapy resistance and the immune escape of HCC cells, it has become a potential therapeutic target for HCC in recent years. GEO database analysis showed that STAT3 levels in tumor tissues from non-responders were significantly higher than those in responders to sorafenib. Our studies demonstrated that STAT3 knockdown promoted sorafenib-induced ER stress-induced apoptosis. Importantly, the DNA released by dead HCC cells stimulated the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in CD103+ DCs and promoted type I interferon production, thus, enhancing the anti-tumor function of CD8+ T and NK cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that the combination strategy of sorafenib and STAT3 knockdown might be a potential treatment strategy for HCC, directly and efficiently disturbing the tumor features of HCC cells while improving the tumor microenvironment via the cGAS-STING-Type I IFNs axis of DCs, inducing anti-HCC immune responses.
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9
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Jing Y, Liang W, Zhang L, Tang J, Huang Z. The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Induction of Cancer-Stem Cell Phenotype. Front Oncol 2022; 12:817971. [PMID: 35251985 PMCID: PMC8891610 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.817971] [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: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) modify and form their microenvironment by recruiting and activating specific cell types such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Tumor-infiltrating MSCs help to establish a suitable tumor microenvironment for the restoration of CSCs and tumor progression. In addition, crosstalk between cancer cells and MSCs in the microenvironment induces a CSC phenotype in cancer cells. Many mechanisms are involved in crosstalk between CSCs/cancer cells and MSCs including cell-cell interaction, secretion of exosomes, and paracrine secretion of several molecules including inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and growth factors. Since this crosstalk may contribute to drug resistance, metastasis, and tumor growth, it is suggested that blockade of the crosstalk between MSCs and CSCs/cancer cells can provide a new avenue to improving the cancer therapeutic tools. In this review, we will discuss the role of MSCs in the induction of cancer stem cell phenotype and the restoration of CSCs. We also discuss targeting the crosstalk between MSCs and CSCs/cancer cells as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanming Jing
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, China
| | - Wenqing Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Junjun Tang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zongliang Huang, ; Junjun Tang ,
| | - Zongliang Huang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zongliang Huang, ; Junjun Tang ,
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10
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Parakh S, Ernst M, Poh AR. Multicellular Effects of STAT3 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6228. [PMID: 34944848 PMCID: PMC8699548 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases. Aberrant activation of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently observed in NSCLC and is associated with a poor prognosis. Pre-clinical studies have revealed an unequivocal role for tumor cell-intrinsic and extrinsic STAT3 signaling in NSCLC by promoting angiogenesis, cell survival, cancer cell stemness, drug resistance, and evasion of anti-tumor immunity. Several STAT3-targeting strategies have also been investigated in pre-clinical models, and include preventing upstream receptor/ligand interactions, promoting the degradation of STAT3 mRNA, and interfering with STAT3 DNA binding. In this review, we discuss the molecular and immunological mechanisms by which persistent STAT3 activation promotes NSCLC development, and the utility of STAT3 as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in NSCLC. We also provide a comprehensive update of STAT3-targeting therapies that are currently undergoing clinical evaluation, and discuss the challenges associated with these treatment modalities in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagun Parakh
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- Tumor Targeting Laboratory, The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Matthias Ernst
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
- Cancer and Inflammation Laboratory, The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Ashleigh R. Poh
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
- Cancer and Inflammation Laboratory, The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
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11
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Lim YX, Lin H, Seah SH, Lim YP. Reciprocal Regulation of Hippo and WBP2 Signalling-Implications in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113130. [PMID: 34831354 PMCID: PMC8625973 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global health problem. The delineation of molecular mechanisms pertinent to cancer initiation and development has spurred cancer therapy in the form of precision medicine. The Hippo signalling pathway is a tumour suppressor pathway implicated in a multitude of cancers. Elucidation of the Hippo pathway has revealed an increasing number of regulators that are implicated, some being potential therapeutic targets for cancer interventions. WW domain-binding protein 2 (WBP2) is an oncogenic transcriptional co-factor that interacts, amongst others, with two other transcriptional co-activators, YAP and TAZ, in the Hippo pathway. WBP2 was recently discovered to modulate the upstream Hippo signalling components by associating with LATS2 and WWC3. Exacerbating the complexity of the WBP2/Hippo network, WBP2 itself is reciprocally regulated by Hippo-mediated microRNA biogenesis, contributing to a positive feedback loop that further drives carcinogenesis. Here, we summarise the biological mechanisms of WBP2/Hippo reciprocal regulation and propose therapeutic strategies to overcome Hippo defects in cancers through targeting WBP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Xinyi Lim
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore; (Y.X.L.); (H.L.); (S.H.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Hexian Lin
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore; (Y.X.L.); (H.L.); (S.H.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Sock Hong Seah
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore; (Y.X.L.); (H.L.); (S.H.S.)
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Yoon Pin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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12
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Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Atkin SL, Bezsonov EE, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Decoys in Non-Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: State of the Art. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8090103. [PMID: 34564121 PMCID: PMC8467637 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8090103] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of global death, highlighting the fact that conventional therapeutic approaches for the treatment of CVD patients are insufficient, and there is a need to develop new therapeutic approaches. In recent years, decoy technology, decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), and decoy peptides show promising results for the future treatment of CVDs. Decoy ODN inhibits transcription by binding to the transcriptional factor, while decoy peptide neutralizes receptors by binding to the ligands. This review focused on studies that have investigated the effects of decoy ODN and decoy peptides on non-atherosclerotic CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran;
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Evgeny E. Bezsonov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 8 Baltiiskaya Street, 125315 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology of Cardiovascular System, Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Iran;
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948954, Iran
- Correspondence: or
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13
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Gaggianesi M, Di Franco S, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, D'Accardo C, Verona F, Veschi V, Colarossi L, Faldetta N, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Messing Up the Cancer Stem Cell Chemoresistance Mechanisms Supported by Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:702642. [PMID: 34354950 PMCID: PMC8330815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.702642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in cancer patient management and in the development of targeted therapies, systemic chemotherapy is currently used as a first-line treatment for many cancer types. After an initial partial response, patients become refractory to standard therapy fostering rapid tumor progression. Compelling evidence highlights that the resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens is a peculiarity of a subpopulation of cancer cells within tumor mass, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). This cellular compartment is endowed with tumor-initiating and metastasis formation capabilities. CSC chemoresistance is sustained by a plethora of grow factors and cytokines released by neighboring tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed by adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune and endothelial cells. TME strengthens CSC refractoriness to standard and targeted therapies by enhancing survival signaling pathways, DNA repair machinery, expression of drug efflux transporters and anti-apoptotic proteins. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand CSC-TME crosstalk and develop therapeutic strategy halting this interplay. Here, we report the combinatorial approaches, which perturb the interaction network between CSCs and the different component of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Naida Faldetta
- Department of Surgery, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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14
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Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Rezaei S, Atkin SL, Montecucco F, Sahebkar A. Decoys as potential therapeutic tools for diabetes. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1669-1679. [PMID: 33862194 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.04.004] [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: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Current therapeutic approaches for diabetes are focused on improving glycemic control to prevent diabetes-related complications, but such approached are not completely successful. Decoy technologies such as decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and decoy peptides have emerged as therapeutic tools in diabetes. Decoy ODNs carry a DNA recognition motif for the binding of transcription factors in order to trap them and block their effects, whereas decoy peptides mimic the binding structure of the receptor protein, bind to the docking site of the target ligand, and prevent the interaction of the ligand and receptor. This review summarizes the technologies that have been developed to date and the studies that have investigated the therapeutic effects of decoy ODNs and peptides in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samaneh Rezaei
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa - Italian Cardiovascular Network, 10 Largo Benzi, 16132 Genoa, Italy; First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 9 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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15
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Khan P, Siddiqui JA, Lakshmanan I, Ganti AK, Salgia R, Jain M, Batra SK, Nasser MW. RNA-based therapies: A cog in the wheel of lung cancer defense. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:54. [PMID: 33740988 PMCID: PMC7977189 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is a heterogeneous disease consisting mainly of two subtypes, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite recent advances in therapies, the overall 5-year survival rate of LC remains less than 20%. The efficacy of current therapeutic approaches is compromised by inherent or acquired drug-resistance and severe off-target effects. Therefore, the identification and development of innovative and effective therapeutic approaches are critically desired for LC. The development of RNA-mediated gene inhibition technologies was a turning point in the field of RNA biology. The critical regulatory role of different RNAs in multiple cancer pathways makes them a rich source of targets and innovative tools for developing anticancer therapies. The identification of antisense sequences, short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), anti-miRs, and mRNA-based platforms holds great promise in preclinical and early clinical evaluation against LC. In the last decade, RNA-based therapies have substantially expanded and tested in clinical trials for multiple malignancies, including LC. This article describes the current understanding of various aspects of RNA-based therapeutics, including modern platforms, modifications, and combinations with chemo-/immunotherapies that have translational potential for LC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
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16
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Santoni M, Miccini F, Cimadamore A, Piva F, Massari F, Cheng L, Lopez-Beltran A, Montironi R, Battelli N. An update on investigational therapies that target STAT3 for the treatment of cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:245-251. [PMID: 33599169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1891222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in cancer initiation and resistance to chemo-radiation therapies and targeted agents. The role of STAT3 in inflammation and immunity together with its involvement in a variety of diseases including genitourinary, gastrointestinal, lung, ovarian and brain tumors makes STAT3 an ideal candidate for therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED The authors provided an overview on STAT3 inhibitors and examined the most recent results obtained by these agents in cancer patients. The authors discussed the results published since 2015 and the ongoing clinical trials on anti-STAT3 agents in cancer patients. The authors also provide our opinion on the future perspectives of this therapeutic approach in this context. The manuscript includes information from trial databases and scientific literature. EXPERT OPINION Future challenges include the development of non-peptide small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 designed to directly inhibit STAT3 activity. In addition, inhibitors of STAT3/STAT3 nuclear translocation or DNA binding activity are also emerging as novel promising therapeutic approaches A better comprehension of the role of STAT3 in modulating immune response together with advances in understanding the mechanisms of STAT3-induced chemo and/or radio-resistance will also help the design of combined strategies in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Santoni
- U.O.C Medical Oncology, Macerata Hospital, Macerata, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Pathology and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cordoba University, Cordoba, Spain.,Anatomic Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
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Volonte D, Sedorovitz M, Cespedes VE, Beecher ML, Galbiati F. Cell autonomous angiotensin II signaling controls the pleiotropic functions of oncogenic K-Ras. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100242. [PMID: 33380422 PMCID: PMC7948762 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic K-Ras (K-RasG12V) promotes senescence in normal cells but fuels transformation of cancer cells after the senescence barrier is bypassed. The mechanisms regulating this pleiotropic function of K-Ras remain to be fully established and bear high pathological significance. We find that K-RasG12V activates the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene promoter and promotes AGT protein expression in a Kruppel-like factor 6-dependent manner in normal cells. We show that AGT is then converted to angiotensin II (Ang II) in a cell-autonomous manner by cellular proteases. We show that blockade of the Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1-R) in normal cells inhibits oncogene-induced senescence. We provide evidence that the oncogenic K-Ras-induced synthesis of Ang II and AT1-R activation promote senescence through caveolin-1-dependent and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2-mediated oxidative stress. Interestingly, we find that expression of AGT remains elevated in lung cancer cells but in a Kruppel-like factor 6-independent and high-mobility group AT-hook 1-dependent manner. We show that Ang II-mediated activation of the AT1-R promotes cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of lung cancer cells through a STAT3-dependent pathway. Finally, we find that expression of AGT is elevated in lung tumors of K-RasLA2-G12D mice, a mouse model of lung cancer, and human lung cancer. Treatment with the AT1-R antagonist losartan inhibits lung tumor formation in K-RasLA2-G12D mice. Together, our data provide evidence of the existence of a novel cell-autonomous and pleiotropic Ang II-dependent signaling pathway through which oncogenic K-Ras promotes oncogene-induced senescence in normal cells while fueling transformation in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Volonte
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Morgan Sedorovitz
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Victoria E Cespedes
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria L Beecher
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ferruccio Galbiati
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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18
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Ramasamy T, Chen X, Qin B, Johnson DE, Grandis JR, Villanueva FS. STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide-carrying microbubbles with pulsed ultrasound for enhanced therapeutic effect in head and neck tumors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242264. [PMID: 33206698 PMCID: PMC7673576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic transcription factor implicated in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and drug resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A decoy oligonucleotide targeting STAT3 offers a promising anti-tumor strategy, but achieving targeted tumor delivery of the decoy with systemic administration poses a significant challenge. We previously showed the potential for STAT3 decoy-loaded microbubbles, in conjunction with ultrasound targeted microbubble cavitation (UTMC), to decrease tumor growth in murine squamous cell carcinoma. As a next step towards clinical translation, we sought to determine the anti-tumor efficacy of our STAT3 decoy delivery platform against human HNSCC and the effect of higher STAT3 decoy microbubble loading on tumor cell inhibition. STAT3 decoy was loaded on cationic lipid microbubbles (STAT3-MB) or loaded on liposome-conjugated lipid microbubbles to form STAT3-loaded liposome-microbubble complexes (STAT3-LPX). UTMC treatment efficacy with these two formulations was evaluated in vitro using viability and apoptosis assays in CAL33 (human HNSCC) cells. Anti-cancer efficacy in vivo was performed in a CAL33 tumor murine xenograft model. UTMC with STAT3-MB caused significantly lower CAL33 cell viability compared to UTMC with STAT3-LPX (56.8±8.4% vs 84.5±8.8%, respectively, p<0.05). In vivo, UTMC with STAT3-MB had strong anti-tumor effects, with significantly less tumor burden and greater survival compared to that of UTMC with microbubbles loaded with a mutant control decoy and untreated control groups (p<0.05). UTMC with STAT3 decoy-loaded microbubbles significantly decreases human HNSSC tumor progression. These data set the stage for clinical translation of our microbubble platform as an imaged-guided, targeted delivery strategy for STAT3 decoy, or other nucleotide-based therapeutics, in human cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiruganesh Ramasamy
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Xucai Chen
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Bin Qin
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Flordeliza S. Villanueva
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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19
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Zou S, Tong Q, Liu B, Huang W, Tian Y, Fu X. Targeting STAT3 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:145. [PMID: 32972405 PMCID: PMC7513516 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 444] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As a point of convergence for numerous oncogenic signaling pathways, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is central in regulating the anti-tumor immune response. STAT3 is broadly hyperactivated both in cancer and non-cancerous cells within the tumor ecosystem and plays important roles in inhibiting the expression of crucial immune activation regulators and promoting the production of immunosuppressive factors. Therefore, targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for numerous cancers. In this review, we outline the importance of STAT3 signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and its immune regulation, and highlight the current status for the development of STAT3-targeting therapeutic approaches. We also summarize and discuss recent advances in STAT3-based combination immunotherapy in detail. These endeavors provide new insights into the translational application of STAT3 in cancer and may contribute to the promotion of more effective treatments toward malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailan Zou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiyu Tong
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bowen Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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20
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Njatcha C, Farooqui M, Almotlak AA, Siegfried JM. Prevention of Tobacco Carcinogen-Induced Lung Tumor Development by a Novel STAT3 Decoy Inhibitor. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 13:735-746. [PMID: 32655003 PMCID: PMC7485626 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The STAT3 pathway is frequently overactive in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), an often fatal disease with known risk factors including tobacco and chemical exposures. Whether STAT3 can be downmodulated to delay or prevent development of lung cancer resulting from an environmental exposure has not been previously tested. A circular oligonucleotide STAT3 decoy (CS3D) was used to treat mice previously exposed to the tobacco carcinogen nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone. CS3D contains a double-stranded STAT3 DNA response element sequence and interrupts STAT3 signaling by binding to STAT3 dimers, rendering them unable to initiate transcription at native STAT3 DNA binding sites. An intermittent course of CS3D decreased the development of airway preneoplasias by 42% at 1 week posttreatment, reduced the progression of preneoplasia to adenomas by 54% at 8 weeks posttreatment, and reduced the size and number of resulting lung tumors by 49.7% and 29.5%, respectively, at 20 weeks posttreatment. No toxicity was detected. A mutant cyclic oligonucleotide with no STAT3 binding ability was used as a control. Chemopreventive effects were independent of the KRAS mutational status of the tumors. In lungs harvested during and after the treatment course with CS3D, airway preneoplasias had reduced STAT3 signaling. Chemopreventive effects were accompanied by decreased VEGFA expression, ablated IL6, COX-2, and p-NF-κB, and decreased pulmonary M2 macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, downmodulation of STAT3 activity using a decoy molecule both reduced oncogenic signaling in the airway epithelium and favored a lung microenvironment with reduced immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Njatcha
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mariya Farooqui
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Abdulaziz A Almotlak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jill M Siegfried
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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21
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Zhang X, Lu T, Ma Y, Li R, Pang Y, Mao H, Liu P. Novel Nanocomplexes Targeting STAT3 Demonstrate Promising Anti-Ovarian Cancer Effects in vivo. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5069-5082. [PMID: 32606729 PMCID: PMC7292488 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s247398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have attracted intensive interest as an effective gene delivery system for its high biocompatibility, stability and low cytotoxicity. In our previous study, we successfully prepared SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes and made a primary study on its antitumor behavior in ovarian cancer cells in vitro. However, there is little information available so far about the effect of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes on ovarian cancer in vivo, either little information about the pharmacological toxicology in vivo. Material and Methods We applied nanotechnology to improve the gene delivery system and synthesize SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes. Xenograft mouse models were established to assess the antitumor effects of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN on the tumor growth of ovarian cancer in vivo. To analyze the mechanisms of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN, we investigated apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor tissues of nude mice and investigated the effects and toxicology of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes on the vital organs of nude mice. Results The results showed that SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes markedly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes could induce cell apoptosis through downregulating Bcl-2, survivin and pro caspase 3, but upregulating Bax and cleaved caspase 3. These complexes could also regulate autophagy through upregulating LC3A-II, LC3B-II and beclin-1, but downregulating p-Akt and p-mTOR. Moreover, these complexes could inhibit cancer cell invasion through reversing EMT. Besides, SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes showed no obvious toxicity on vital organs and hematological parameters of nude mice. Conclusion The molecular mechanisms that SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes inhibit tumor growth involved activating the apoptotic cascade, regulating autophagy, and reversing EMT program; and these complexes showed no obvious toxicity on nude mice. Our study indicated that the nanocomplexes SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN might be a promising therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingxin Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongluan Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Peishu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
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22
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Rahmati M, Johari B, Kadivar M, Rismani E, Mortazavi Y. Suppressing the metastatic properties of the breast cancer cells using STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides: A promising approach for eradication of cancer cells by differentiation therapy. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5429-5444. [PMID: 31912904 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), breast cancer often relapsed after conventional therapies. Strategies that induce differentiation of CSCs will be helpful in eradication of tumor cells, so we designed an oligodeoxynucleotide (ODNs) for targeting of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcription factor which is involved in stemness, and constitutively activated in triple-negative breast cancer. Molecular docking and electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis showed that decoy ODN bound specifically to the DNA binding site of STAT3 protein. The prevalent uptake of Cy3-labeled ODNs is in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of MDA-MB-231 treated cells. STAT3 decoy ODNs treatment showed cell growth inhibition by decreasing cell viability (17%), increasing the percentage of arrested cells in G0/G1 phases (18%), and triggering apoptosis (29%). Migration and invasion potential decreased from 10.77 to 6.76 µm/hr, by wound closure rate, and migrated/invaded percentage by 26.4% and 15.4% in the transwell assays, respectively. CD44 protein expression level on the cell surface also decreased, while CD24 increased. Mammosphere formation efficiency reduced in terms of tumorsphere size by 47%, while the required time increased. Cells morphology was changed, and lipid droplets were accumulated in the cytoplasm compared to the control and scrambled groups, in all assays (repeated triplicate). Furthermore, the gene expression of all downstream targets significantly decreased owing to suppressing the STAT3 transcription factor. Overall, the results confirmed the antitumor effects of STAT3 decoy in MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, it seems that STAT3 decoy ODNs might be considered as an auxiliary tool for breast cancer eradicating by the differentiation therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rahmati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Behrooz Johari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Kadivar
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Rismani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Mortazavi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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23
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Huang XH, Wang Y, Hong P, Yang J, Zheng CC, Yin XF, Song WB, Xu WW, Li B, He QY. Benzethonium chloride suppresses lung cancer tumorigenesis through inducing p38-mediated cyclin D1 degradation. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:2397-2412. [PMID: 31815042 PMCID: PMC6895443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but effective therapeutics is limited. This study aims to identify novel anticancer strategy from a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library consisting of 528 compounds. Benzethonium Chloride (BZN), a FDA-approved drug for anti-infective, was found to markedly induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation and colony formation ability of lung cancer cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. BZN also enhanced the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to gefitinib, the first-line treatment strategy for selected lung cancer patients. Furthermore, BZN significantly delayed the growth of tumor xenografts in nude mice by increasing apoptosis and decreasing Ki-67 proliferation index, without obvious toxic effects to the vital organs of animals. Mechanistically, quantitative proteomics coupled with bioinformatics analyses and a series of functional assays demonstrated that BZN induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, and this was associated with an increase in p38-mediated phosphorylation at threonine 286 (T286) and accelerated degradation of cyclin D1. Our findings provide the first evidence that BZN could be a promising therapeutic agent in lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Pan Hong
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Can-Can Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xing-Feng Yin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wen-Bo Song
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bin Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qing-Yu He
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, China
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24
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Targeting STAT3 in Cancer with Nucleotide Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111681. [PMID: 31671769 PMCID: PMC6896109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a critical role in promoting the proliferation and survival of tumor cells. As a ubiquitously-expressed transcription factor, STAT3 has commonly been considered an "undruggable" target for therapy; thus, much research has focused on targeting upstream pathways to reduce the expression or phosphorylation/activation of STAT3 in tumor cells. Recently, however, novel approaches have been developed to directly inhibit STAT3 in human cancers, in the hope of reducing the survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Several of these agents are nucleic acid-based, including the antisense molecule AZD9150, CpG-coupled STAT3 siRNA, G-quartet oligodeoxynucleotides (GQ-ODNs), and STAT3 decoys. While the AZD9150 and CpG-STAT3 siRNA interfere with STAT3 expression, STAT3 decoys and GQ-ODNs target constitutively activated STAT3 and modulate its ability to bind to target genes. Both STAT3 decoy and AZD9150 have advanced to clinical testing in humans. Here we will review the current understanding of the structures, mechanisms, and potential clinical utilities of the nucleic acid-based STAT3 inhibitors.
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25
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Sen M, Kindsfather A, Danilova L, Zhang F, Colombo R, LaPorte MG, Kurland BF, Huryn DM, Wipf P, Herman JG. PTPRT epigenetic silencing defines lung cancer with STAT3 activation and can direct STAT3 targeted therapies. Epigenetics 2019; 15:604-617. [PMID: 31595832 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1676597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription-3 (STAT3), a potent oncogenic transcription factor, is constitutively activated in lung cancer, but mutations in pathway genes are infrequent. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor-T (PTPRT) is an endogenous inhibitor of STAT3 and PTPRT loss-of-function represents one potential mechanism of STAT3 hyperactivation as observed in other malignancies. We determined the role of PTPRT promoter methylation and sensitivity to STAT3 pathway inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). TCGA and Pittsburgh lung cancer cohort methylation data revealed hypermethylation of PTPRT associated with diminished mRNA expression in a subset of NSCLC patients. We report frequent hypermethylation of the PTPRT promoter which correlates with transcriptional silencing of PTPRT and increased STAT3 phosphorylation (Y705) as determined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and real time quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR in NSCLC cell lines. Silencing of PTPRT using siRNA in H520 lung cancer cell line resulted in increased pSTAT3Tyr705 and upregulation of STAT3 target genes such as Cyclin D1 and Bcl-XL expression. We show this association of PRPRT methylation with upregulation of the STAT3 target genes Cyclin D1 and Bcl-XL in patient derived lung tumour samples. We further demonstrate that PTPRT promoter methylation associated with different levels of pSTAT3Ty705 in lung cancer cell lines had selective sensitivity to STAT3 pathway small molecule inhibitors (SID 864,669 and SID 4,248,543). Our data strongly suggest that silencing of PTPRT by promoter hypermethylation is an important mechanism of STAT3 hyperactivation and targeting STAT3 may be an effective approach for the development of new lung cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabika Sen
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Audrey Kindsfather
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Systems Biology and Computational Genetics, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA.,Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow, Russia
| | - Feng Zhang
- Chemical Diversity Center, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Raffaele Colombo
- Chemical Diversity Center, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew G LaPorte
- Chemical Diversity Center, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brenda F Kurland
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donna M Huryn
- Chemical Diversity Center, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter Wipf
- Chemical Diversity Center, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James G Herman
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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26
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Chan TS, Shaked Y, Tsai KK. Targeting the Interplay Between Cancer Fibroblasts, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, and Cancer Stem Cells in Desmoplastic Cancers. Front Oncol 2019; 9:688. [PMID: 31417869 PMCID: PMC6684765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors are highly heterogeneous and likely contain a subset of cancer cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs exist in a dynamic equilibrium with their microenvironments and the CSC phenotype is tightly regulated by both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors including those derived from their surrounding cells or stroma. Many human solid tumors like breast, lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers are characterized by a pronounced stromal reaction termed “the desmoplastic response.” Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived either from resident fibroblasts or tumor-infiltrating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a major component of the stroma in desmoplastic cancers. Recent studies identified subpopulations of CAFs proficient in secreting a plethora of factors to foster CSCs, tumor growth, and invasion. In addition, cytotoxic therapy can lead to the enrichment of functionally perturbed CAFs, which are endowed with additional capabilities to enhance cancer stemness, leading to treatment resistance and tumor aggressiveness. When recruited into the tumor stroma, bone-marrow-derived MSCs can promote cancer stemness by secreting a specific set of paracrine factors or converting into pro-stemness CAFs. Thus, blockade of the crosstalk of pro-stemness CAFs and MSCs with CSCs may provide a new avenue to improving the therapeutic outcome of desmoplastic tumors. This up-to-date, in-depth and balanced review describes the recent progress in understanding the pro-stemness roles of CAFs and tumor-infiltrating MSCs and the associated paracrine signaling processes. We emphasize the effects of systemic chemotherapy on the CAF/MSC–CSC interplay. We summarize various promising and novel approaches in mitigating the stimulatory effect of CAFs or MSCs on CSCs that have shown efficacies in preclinical models of desmoplastic tumors and highlight the unique advantages of CAF- or MSC-targeted therapies. We also discuss potential challenges in the clinical development of CSC- or MSC-targeted therapies and propose CAF-related biomarkers that can guide the next-generation clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze-Sian Chan
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuval Shaked
- Department of Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kelvin K Tsai
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, Taiwan
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27
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Qin JJ, Yan L, Zhang J, Zhang WD. STAT3 as a potential therapeutic target in triple negative breast cancer: a systematic review. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:195. [PMID: 31088482 PMCID: PMC6518732 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is typically lack of expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), represents the most aggressive and mortal subtype of breast cancer. Currently, only a few treatment options are available for TNBC due to the absence of molecular targets, which underscores the need for developing novel therapeutic and preventive approaches for this disease. Recent evidence from clinical trials and preclinical studies has demonstrated a pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and immune evasion of TNBC. STAT3 is overexpressed and constitutively activated in TNBC cells and contributes to cell survival, proliferation, cell cycle progression, anti-apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, immunosuppression, and stem cells self-renewal and differentiation by regulating the expression of its downstream target genes. STAT3 small molecule inhibitors have been developed and shown excellent anticancer activities in in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC. This review discusses the recent advances in the understanding of STAT3, with a focus on STAT3’s oncogenic role in TNBC. The current targeting strategies and representative small molecule inhibitors of STAT3 are highlighted. We also propose potential strategies that can be further examined for developing more specific and effective inhibitors for TNBC prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Jiang Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Li Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Shanxi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200433, China. .,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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28
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Cao P, Liu B, Du F, Li D, Wang Y, Yan X, Li X, Li Y. Scutellarin suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells via AKT/mTOR/4EBP1 and STAT3 pathways. Thorac Cancer 2019; 10:492-500. [PMID: 30666790 PMCID: PMC6397905 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scutellarin (SCU), a flavonoid isolated from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.‐Mazz., increases autophagy and apoptosis in the adenocarcinoma A549 cell line, which is resistant to cisplatin. However, whether SCU alone has antitumor activity against non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. Methods Cell Counting Kit‐8, flow cytometry, colony formation, Hoechst 33258 staining, and Western blot analyses were used to examine the proliferation and apoptosis of A549 cells treated with SCU and the possible molecular mechanisms. Results The cell viability assay indicated that SCU markedly suppressed the proliferation of A549 cells in concentration and time‐dependent manners. SCU caused significant G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis, as evidenced by flow cytometric analyses, Hoechst 33258 staining, and Western blot analyses of cyclin D1, cyclin E, BCL‐2, cleaved‐caspase‐3, and BAX. Furthermore, SCU treatment reduced the level of pan‐AKT, phosphorylated (p)‐mTOR, mTOR, BCL‐XL, STAT3, and p‐STAT3, and increased the level of 4EBP1. Conclusions SCU can suppress proliferation and promote apoptosis in A549 cells through AKT/mTOR/4EBP1 and STAT3 pathways. This suggests that SCU may be developed into a promising antitumor agent for treating NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pikun Cao
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Interventional Oncology Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Du
- Department of Radiology, Pingyin County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Interventional Oncology Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongzheng Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Interventional Oncology Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yan
- Department of Radiology, Pingyin County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Interventional Oncology Institute of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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29
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Carmicheal J, Kaur S, Batra SK, Ganti AK. Hunting for transcription factors: STAT3 decoy in non-small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2018; 7:S254-S257. [PMID: 30393616 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2018.09.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Carmicheal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System and University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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