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Zhai P, Zhang H, Li Q, Hu Z, Zhang H, Yang M, Xing C, Guo Y. SETBP1 activation upon MDM4-enhanced ubiquitination of NR3C1 triggers dissemination of colorectal cancer cells. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-024-10294-2. [PMID: 38796806 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10294-2] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a growing concern globally, marked by its escalating incidence and mortality rates, thus imposing a substantial health burden. This investigation delves into the role of nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1) in CRC metastasis and explores the associated mechanism. Through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, NR3C1 emerged as a gene with diminished expression levels in CRC. This finding was corroborated by observations of a low-expression pattern of NR3C1 in both CRC tissues and cells. Furthermore, experiments involving NR3C1 knockdown revealed an exacerbation of proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells in vitro. Subsequent assessments in mouse xenograft tumor models, established by injecting human HCT116 cells either through the tail vein or at the cecum termini, demonstrated a reduction in tumor metastasis to the lung and liver, respectively, upon NR3C1 knockdown. Functionally, NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor) suppressed SET binding protein 1 (SETBP1) transcription by binding to its promoter region. Notably, mouse double minute 4 (MDM4) was identified as an upstream regulator of NR3C1, orchestrating its downregulation via ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation. Further investigations unveiled that SETBP1 knockdown suppressed migration and invasion, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition of CRC cells, consequently impeding in vivo metastasis in murine models. Conversely, upregulation of MDM4 exacerbated the metastatic phenotype of CRC cells, a propensity mitigated upon additional upregulation of NR3C1. In summary, this study elucidates a cascade wherein MDM4-mediated ubiquitination of NR3C1 enables the transcriptional activation of SETBP1, thereby propelling the dissemination of CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhai
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 1055, Sanxiang Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an City, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Lishui District People's Hospital, Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211200, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 1055, Sanxiang Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gerneral Surgery, The Second Afilliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifeng Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an City, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaguo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an City, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an City, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chungen Xing
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 1055, Sanxiang Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunhu Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an City, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Han L, Wu X, Wang O, Luan X, Velander WH, Aynardi M, Halstead ES, Bonavia AS, Jin R, Li G, Li Y, Wang Y, Dong C, Lei Y. Mesenchymal stromal cells and alpha-1 antitrypsin have a strong synergy in modulating inflammation and its resolution. Theranostics 2023; 13:2843-2862. [PMID: 37284443 PMCID: PMC10240832 DOI: 10.7150/thno.83942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Trauma, surgery, and infection can cause severe inflammation. Both dysregulated inflammation intensity and duration can lead to significant tissue injuries, organ dysfunction, mortality, and morbidity. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids and immunosuppressants can dampen inflammation intensity, but they derail inflammation resolution, compromise normal immunity, and have significant adverse effects. The natural inflammation regulator mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have high therapeutic potential because of their unique capabilities to mitigate inflammation intensity, enhance normal immunity, and accelerate inflammation resolution and tissue healing. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that MSCs are safe and effective. However, they are not potent enough, alone, to completely resolve severe inflammation and injuries. One approach to boost the potency of MSCs is to combine them with synergistic agents. We hypothesized that alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), a plasma protein used clinically and has an excellent safety profile, was a promising candidate for synergism. Methods: This investigation examined the efficacy and synergy of MSCs and A1AT to mitigate inflammation and promote resolution, using in vitro inflammatory assay and in vivo mouse acute lung injury model. The in vitro assay measured cytokine releases, inflammatory pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) production by neutrophils and phagocytosis in different immune cell lines. The in vivo model monitored inflammation resolution, tissue healing, and animal survival. Results: We found that the combination of MSCs and A1AT was much more effective than each component alone in i) modulating cytokine releases and inflammatory pathways, ii) inhibiting ROS and NETs production by neutrophils, iii) enhancing phagocytosis and, iv) promoting inflammation resolution, tissue healing, and animal survival. Conclusion: These results support the combined use of MSCs, and A1AT is a promising approach for managing severe, acute inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Xinran Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Ou Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Xiao Luan
- Biomedical Center of Qingdao University; Qingdao, Shandong, 266000, China
| | - William H. Velander
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Michael Aynardi
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - E. Scott Halstead
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center; Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Anthony S. Bonavia
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center; Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Rong Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center; Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center; Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Yulong Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Cheng Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Yuguo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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Abderrahman B, Jordan VC. Estrogen for the Treatment and Prevention of Breast Cancer: A Tale of 2 Karnofsky Lectures. Cancer J 2022; 28:163-168. [PMID: 35594462 PMCID: PMC9179096 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In 1971, Sir Alexander Haddow et al. delivered the inaugural David A. Karnofsky lecture at the American Society for Clinical Oncology. This award was designated American Society for Clinical Oncology's highest, as he had used translational research to identify the first clinical therapy, that is, synthetic estrogens to treat breast cancer. His lecture was entitled "Thoughts on Chemical Therapy." For 40 years, high-dose synthetic estrogens were used as palliative therapy, for some advanced breast cancer patients 5 years following menopause. Mechanisms were unknown. Tamoxifen, a failed "morning-after pill," is an antiestrogen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which was subsequently used to treat all stages of breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer. In 2008, Jordan was selected to present the 38th Karnofsky lecture entitled: "The Paradoxical Action of Estrogen in Breast Cancer-Survival or Death?" Unexpectedly, through a study of acquired resistance to long-term tamoxifen therapy, estrogen-induced apoptosis in long-term estrogen-deprived breast cancer was deciphered in Jordan's laboratory. These data and the biological rules established under laboratory conditions provided molecular mechanisms to aid in the interpretation of the Women's Health initiative in the United States and the Million Women Study in the United Kingdom. In addition, by establishing laboratory models to understand mechanisms of estrogen-induced apoptosis, new estrogen derivatives were successfully evaluated in the laboratory and tested as candidates for women after the therapeutic failure of antiestrogenic strategies to treat breast cancer. For the future, the knowledge obtained about estrogen-induced apoptosis in cancer holds the promise of discovering new therapies to control or cure cancer in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balkees Abderrahman
- From the Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Fan P, Jordan VC. Estrogen Receptor and the Unfolded Protein Response: Double-Edged Swords in Therapy for Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Target Oncol 2022; 17:111-124. [PMID: 35290592 PMCID: PMC9007905 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-022-00870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a target for the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer patients. Paradoxically, it is also the initial site for estrogen (E2) to induce apoptosis in endocrine-resistant breast cancer. How ERα exhibits distinct functions, in different contexts, is the focus of numerous investigations. Compelling evidence demonstrated that unfolded protein response (UPR) is closely correlated with ER-positive breast cancer. Treatment with antiestrogens initially induces mild UPR through ERα with activation of three sensors of UPR-PRK-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6)-in the endoplasmic reticulum. Subsequently, these sensors interact with stress-associated transcription factors such as c-MYC, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), leading to acquired endocrine resistance. Paradoxically, E2 further activates sustained secondary UPR via ERα to induce apoptosis in endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Specifically, PERK plays a key role in inducing apoptosis, whereas IRE1α and ATF6 are involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated degradation after E2 treatment. Furthermore, persistent activation of PERK deteriorates stress responses in mitochondria and triggers of NF-κB/tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) axis, ultimately determining cell fate to apoptosis. The discovery of E2-induced apoptosis has clinical relevance for treatment of endocrine-resistant breast cancer. All of these findings demonstrate that ERα and associated UPR are double-edged swords in therapy for ER-positive breast cancer, depending on the duration and intensity of UPR stress. Herein, we address the mechanistic progress on how UPR leads to endocrine resistance and commits E2 to inducing apoptosis in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Fan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Unit 1354, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas, TX 77030, USA
| | - V Craig Jordan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Unit 1354, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas, TX 77030, USA.
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Advantages and drawbacks of dexamethasone in glioblastoma multiforme. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 172:103625. [PMID: 35158070 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The most widespread, malignant, and deadliest type of glial tumor is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Despite radiation, chemotherapy, and radical surgery, the median survival of afflicted individuals is about 12 months. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions are abysmal. Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been used for many years to treat brain edema and inflammation caused by GBM. Several investigations have recently shown that Dex also exerts antitumoral effects against GBM. On the other hand, more recent disputed findings have questioned the long-held dogma of Dex treatment for GBM. Unfortunately, steroids are associated with various undesirable side effects, including severe immunosuppression and metabolic changes like hyperglycemia, which may impair the survival of GBM patients. Current ideas and concerns about Dex's effects on GBM cerebral edema, cell proliferation, migration, and its clinical outcomes were investigated in this study.
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Maximov PY, Fan P, Abderrahman B, Curpan R, Jordan VC. Estrogen Receptor Complex to Trigger or Delay Estrogen-Induced Apoptosis in Long-Term Estrogen Deprived Breast Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:869562. [PMID: 35360069 PMCID: PMC8960923 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.869562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiestrogen therapy of breast cancer has been a "gold standard" of treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer for decades. Resistance to antiestrogen therapy may develop, however, a vulnerability in long-term estrogen deprived (LTED) breast cancer cells was discovered. LTED breast cancer cells may undergo estrogen-induced apoptosis within a week of treatment with estrogen in vitro. This phenomenon has been also validated in vivo and in the clinic. The molecular ER-mediated mechanism of action of estrogen-induced apoptosis was deciphered, however, the relationship between the structure of estrogenic ligands and the activity of the ER in LTED breast cancer cells remained a mystery until recently. In this review we provide an overview of the structure-activity relationship of various estrogens with different chemical structures and the modulation of estrogen-induced apoptosis in LTED breast cancer cells resistant to antihormone therapy. We provide analysis of evidence gathered over more than a decade of structure-activity relationship studies by our group on the role of the change in the conformation of the estrogen receptor and the biological activities of different classes of estrogens and the receptor as well in LTED breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Y. Maximov
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ping Fan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Balkees Abderrahman
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ramona Curpan
- Institute of Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - V. Craig Jordan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: V. Craig Jordan,
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Butz H, Patócs A. Mechanisms behind context-dependent role of glucocorticoids in breast cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:803-832. [PMID: 35761157 PMCID: PMC9758252 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), mostly dexamethasone (dex), are routinely administered as adjuvant therapy to manage side effects in breast cancer. However, recently, it has been revealed that dex triggers different effects and correlates with opposite outcomes depending on the breast cancer molecular subtype. This has raised new concerns regarding the generalized use of GC and suggested that the context-dependent effects of GCs can be taken into potential consideration during treatment design. Based on this, attention has recently been drawn to the role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in development and progression of breast cancer. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we aimed to summarize the different mechanisms behind different context-dependent GC actions in breast cancer by applying a multilevel examination, starting from the association of variants of the GR-encoding gene to expression at the mRNA and protein level of the receptor, and its interactions with other factors influencing GC action in breast cancer. The role of GCs in chemosensitivity and chemoresistance observed during breast cancer therapy is discussed. In addition, experiences using GC targeting therapeutic options (already used and investigated in preclinical and clinical trials), such as classic GC dexamethasone, selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and modulators, the GC antagonist mifepristone, and GR coregulators, are also summarized. Evidence presented can aid a better understanding of the biology of context-dependent GC action that can lead to further advances in the personalized therapy of breast cancer by the evaluation of GR along with the conventional estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the routine diagnostic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriett Butz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Attila Patócs
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Kerkvliet CP, Truong TH, Ostrander JH, Lange CA. Stress sensing within the breast tumor microenvironment: how glucocorticoid receptors live in the moment. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:971-983. [PMID: 34132331 PMCID: PMC8627466 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The classification and treatment of breast cancer is largely defined by the expression of steroid hormone receptors (HRs), namely estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), and gene amplification/overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). More recently, studies of androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) have revealed that targeting these related HRs may be a promising strategy for a more personalized approach to the treatment of specific subtypes of HR+ breast cancer. For example, GR expression is associated with a good prognosis in ER+ breast cancer, but predicts poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). GR, like ER, PRs, and AR, is a ligand-activated transcription factor, but also has significant ligand-independent signaling activities. GR transcriptional activity is classically regulated by circulating glucocorticoids (GCs; ligand-dependent). Recent studies demonstrate that GR transcriptional activity is also regulated by a variety of cellular stress stimuli that input to GR Ser134 phosphorylation via rapid activation of the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway (ligand-independent). Furthermore, ligand-independent GR activation promotes feedforward signaling loops that mediate sustained activation of stress signaling pathways to drive advanced cancer biology (i.e. migration, invasion, chemoresistance, survival, and cellular growth). In this review, we will focus on the role of GR as a key sensor and mediator of physiologic and tumor microenvironment (TME)-derived cellular stress signaling in TNBC and discuss how targeting GR and/or associated signaling pathways may provide a strategy to inhibit deadly TNBC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thu H. Truong
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A
| | - Julie Hanson Ostrander
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A
| | - Carol A. Lange
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A
- Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A
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Fan P, Jordan VC. PERK, Beyond an Unfolded Protein Response Sensor in Estrogen-Induced Apoptosis in Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 20:193-201. [PMID: 34728551 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced apoptosis has clinical relevance. Mechanistically, E2 over activates nuclear estrogen receptor α that results in stress responses. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is initiated by E2 in the endoplasmic reticulum after hours of treatment in endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells, thereby activating three UPR sensors-PRK-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) with different functions. Specifically, PERK plays a critical role in induction of apoptosis whereas IRE1α and ATF6 are involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated degradation (ERAD) of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. In addition to attenuating protein translation, PERK increases the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB and subsequent TNFα expression. In addition, PERK communicates with the mitochondria to regulate oxidative stress at mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAM). Furthermore, PERK is a component enriched in MAMs that interacts with multifunctional MAM-tethering proteins and integrally modulates the exchange of metabolites such as lipids, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Ca2+ at contact sites. MAMs are also critical sites for the initiation of autophagy to remove defective organelles and misfolded proteins through specific regulatory proteins. Thus, PERK conveys signals from nucleus to these membrane-structured organelles that form an interconnected network to regulate E2-induced apoptosis. Herein, we address the mechanistic progress on how PERK acts as a multifunctional molecule to commit E2 to inducing apoptosis in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Fan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - V Craig Jordan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Jordan VC. Turning scientific serendipity into discoveries in breast cancer research and treatment: a tale of PhD students and a 50-year roaming tamoxifen team. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 190:19-38. [PMID: 34398352 PMCID: PMC8557169 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This retrospective, about a single "mobile" laboratory in six locations on two continents, is intended as a case study in discovery for trainees and junior faculty in the medical sciences. Your knowledge of your topic is necessary to expect the unexpected. HISTORICAL METHOD In 1972, there was no tamoxifen, only ICI 46, 474, a non-steroidal anti-estrogen with little chance of clinical development. No one would ever be foolish enough to predict that the medicine, 20 years later, would achieve legendary status as the first targeted treatment for breast cancer, and millions of women would benefit from long-term adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The secret of tamoxifen's success was a translational research strategy proposed in the mid 1970's. This strategy was to treat only patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer and deploy 5 or more years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy to prevent recurrence. Additionally, tamoxifen prevented mammary cancer in animals. Could the medicine prevent breast cancer in women? RESULTS Tamoxifen and the failed breast cancer drug raloxifene became the first selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): a new drug group, discovered at the University of Wisconsin, Comprehensive Cancer Center. Serendipity can play a fundamental role in discovery, but there must be a rigorous preparation for the investigator to appreciate the possibility of a pending discovery. This article follows the unanticipated discoveries when PhD students "get the wrong answer." The secret of success of my six Tamoxifen Teams was their technical excellence to create models, to decipher mechanisms, that drove the development of new medicines. Discoveries are listed that either changed women's health or allowed an understanding of originally opaque mechanisms of action of potential therapies. These advances in women's health were supported entirely by government-sponsored peer-reviewed funding and major philanthropy from the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, the Avon Foundation, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The resulting lives saved or extended, families aided in a time of crisis and the injection of billions of dollars into national economies by drug development, is proof of the value of Federal or philanthropic investment into unencumbered research aimed at saving millions of lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Craig Jordan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1354, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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11
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Paakinaho V, Palvimo JJ. Genome-wide crosstalk between steroid receptors in breast and prostate cancers. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:R231-R250. [PMID: 34137734 PMCID: PMC8345902 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) constitute an important class of signal-dependent transcription factors (TFs). They regulate a variety of key biological processes and are crucial drug targets in many disease states. In particular, estrogen (ER) and androgen receptors (AR) drive the development and progression of breast and prostate cancer, respectively. Thus, they represent the main specific drug targets in these diseases. Recent evidence has suggested that the crosstalk between signal-dependent TFs is an important step in the reprogramming of chromatin sites; a signal-activated TF can expand or restrict the chromatin binding of another TF. This crosstalk can rewire gene programs and thus alter biological processes and influence the progression of disease. Lately, it has been postulated that there may be an important crosstalk between the AR and the ER with other SRs. Especially, progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) can reprogram chromatin binding of ER and gene programs in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, GR can take the place of AR in antiandrogen-resistant prostate cancer cells. Here, we review the current knowledge of the crosstalk between SRs in breast and prostate cancers. We emphasize how the activity of ER and AR on chromatin can be modulated by other SRs on a genome-wide scale. We also highlight the knowledge gaps in the interplay of SRs and their complex interactions with other signaling pathways and suggest how to experimentally fill in these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence should be addressed to J J Palvimo:
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Fairfield H, Costa S, Falank C, Farrell M, Murphy CS, D’Amico A, Driscoll H, Reagan MR. Multiple Myeloma Cells Alter Adipogenesis, Increase Senescence-Related and Inflammatory Gene Transcript Expression, and Alter Metabolism in Preadipocytes. Front Oncol 2021; 10:584683. [PMID: 33680918 PMCID: PMC7930573 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.584683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the bone marrow microenvironment, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an essential precursor to bone marrow adipocytes and osteoblasts. The balance between this progenitor pool and mature cells (adipocytes and osteoblasts) is often skewed by disease and aging. In multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of the plasma cell that predominantly grows within the bone marrow, as well as other cancers, MSCs, preadipocytes, and adipocytes have been shown to directly support tumor cell survival and proliferation. Increasing evidence supports the idea that MM-associated MSCs are distinct from healthy MSCs, and their gene expression profiles may be predictive of myeloma patient outcomes. Here we directly investigate how MM cells affect the differentiation capacity and gene expression profiles of preadipocytes and bone marrow MSCs. Our studies reveal that MM.1S cells cause a marked decrease in lipid accumulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. Also, MM.1S cells or MM.1S-conditioned media altered gene expression profiles of both 3T3-L1 and mouse bone marrow MSCs. 3T3-L1 cells exposed to MM.1S cells before adipogenic differentiation displayed gene expression changes leading to significantly altered pathways involved in steroid biosynthesis, the cell cycle, and metabolism (oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis) after adipogenesis. MM.1S cells induced a marked increase in 3T3-L1 expression of MM-supportive genes including Il-6 and Cxcl12 (SDF1), which was confirmed in mouse MSCs by qRT-PCR, suggesting a forward-feedback mechanism. In vitro experiments revealed that indirect MM exposure prior to differentiation drives a senescent-like phenotype in differentiating MSCs, and this trend was confirmed in MM-associated MSCs compared to MSCs from normal donors. In direct co-culture, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) exposed to MM.1S, RPMI-8226, and OPM-2 prior to and during differentiation, exhibited different levels of lipid accumulation as well as secreted cytokines. Combined, our results suggest that MM cells can inhibit adipogenic differentiation while stimulating expression of the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and other pro-myeloma molecules. This study provides insight into a novel way in which MM cells manipulate their microenvironment by altering the expression of supportive cytokines and skewing the cellular diversity of the marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Fairfield
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States
| | - Samantha Costa
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States
| | - Carolyne Falank
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States
| | - Mariah Farrell
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Biology Department, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, United States
| | - Connor S. Murphy
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States
| | - Anastasia D’Amico
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Biology Department, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, United States
| | - Heather Driscoll
- Biology Department, Norwich University, Northfield, VT, United States
| | - Michaela R. Reagan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States,Biology Department, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, United States,*Correspondence: Michaela R. Reagan,
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13
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Font-Díaz J, Jiménez-Panizo A, Caelles C, Vivanco MDM, Pérez P, Aranda A, Estébanez-Perpiñá E, Castrillo A, Ricote M, Valledor AF. Nuclear receptors: Lipid and hormone sensors with essential roles in the control of cancer development. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 73:58-75. [PMID: 33309851 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors that act as biological sensors and use a combination of mechanisms to modulate positively and negatively gene expression in a spatial and temporal manner. The highly orchestrated biological actions of several NRs influence the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of many different cell types. Synthetic ligands for several NRs have been the focus of extensive drug discovery efforts for cancer intervention. This review summarizes the roles in tumour growth and metastasis of several relevant NR family members, namely androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), thyroid hormone receptor (TR), retinoic acid receptors (RARs), retinoid X receptors (RXRs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), and liver X receptors (LXRs). These studies are key to develop improved therapeutic agents based on novel modes of action with reduced side effects and overcoming resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Font-Díaz
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Alba Jiménez-Panizo
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, 08028, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Carme Caelles
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, 08028, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - María dM Vivanco
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research Technology Alliance, BRTA, Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, 48160, Spain
| | - Paloma Pérez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - Ana Aranda
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, 08028, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Antonio Castrillo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Unidad de Biomedicina, (Unidad Asociada al CSIC), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Universidad de Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, 35001, Spain
| | - Mercedes Ricote
- Area of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Annabel F Valledor
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
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Compensatory Estrogen Signal Is Capable of DNA Repair in Antiestrogen-Responsive Cancer Cells via Activating Mutations. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:5418365. [PMID: 32774370 PMCID: PMC7407016 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5418365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells are embarrassed human cells exhibiting the remnants of same mechanisms for DNA stabilization like patients have in their healthy cells. Antiestrogens target the liganded activation of ERs, which is the principal means of genomic regulation in both patients and their tumors. The artificial blockade of liganded ER activation is an emergency situation promoting strong compensatory actions even in cancer cells. When tumor cells are capable of an appropriate upregulation of ER signaling resulting in DNA repair, a tumor response may be detected. In contrast, when ER signaling is completely inhibited, tumor cells show unrestrained proliferation, and tumor growth may be observed. The laboratory investigations of genomic mechanisms in antiestrogen-responsive and antiestrogen-unresponsive tumor cells have considerably enhanced our knowledge regarding the principal regulatory capacity of estrogen signaling. In antiestrogen-responsive tumor cells, a compensatory increased expression and liganded activation of estrogen receptors (ERs) result in an apoptotic death. Conversely, in antiestrogen resistant tumors exhibiting a complete blockade of liganded ER activation, a compensatory effort for unliganded ER activation is characteristic, conferred by the increased expression and activity of growth factor receptors. However, even extreme unliganded ER activation is incapable of DNA restoration when the liganded ER activation is completely blocked. Researchers mistakenly suspect even today that in tumors growing under antiestrogen treatment, the increased unliganded activation of estrogen receptor via activating mutations is an aggressive survival technique, whilst it is a compensatory effort against the blockade of liganded ER activation. The capacity of liganded ERs for genome modification in emergency states provides possibilities for estrogen/ER use in medical practice including cancer cure.
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15
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Jordan VC. Molecular Mechanism for Breast Cancer Incidence in the Women's Health Initiative. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 13:807-816. [DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Seyfried TN, Mukherjee P, Iyikesici MS, Slocum A, Kalamian M, Spinosa JP, Chinopoulos C. Consideration of Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy as a Complementary or Alternative Approach for Managing Breast Cancer. Front Nutr 2020; 7:21. [PMID: 32219096 PMCID: PMC7078107 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Ultrastructural and biochemical evidence from breast biopsy tissue and cancer cells shows mitochondrial abnormalities that are incompatible with energy production through oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Consequently, breast cancer, like most cancers, will become more reliant on substrate level phosphorylation (fermentation) than on oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) for growth consistent with the mitochondrial metabolic theory of cancer. Glucose and glutamine are the prime fermentable fuels that underlie therapy resistance and drive breast cancer growth through substrate level phosphorylation (SLP) in both the cytoplasm (Warburg effect) and the mitochondria (Q-effect), respectively. Emerging evidence indicates that ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT) can reduce glucose availability to tumor cells while simultaneously elevating ketone bodies, a non-fermentable metabolic fuel. It is suggested that KMT would be most effective when used together with glutamine targeting. Information is reviewed for suggesting how KMT could reduce systemic inflammation and target tumor cells without causing damage to normal cells. Implementation of KMT in the clinic could improve progression free and overall survival for patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Purna Mukherjee
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Mehmet S. Iyikesici
- Medical Oncology, Kemerburgaz University Bahcelievler Medical Park Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdul Slocum
- Medical Oncology, Chemo Thermia Oncology Center, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Jin Y, Saatcioglu F. Targeting the Unfolded Protein Response in Hormone-Regulated Cancers. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:160-171. [PMID: 32061305 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells exploit many of the cellular adaptive responses to support their survival needs. One of these is the unfolded protein response (UPR), a highly conserved signaling pathway that is mounted in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Recent work showed that steroid hormones, in particular estrogens and androgens, regulate the canonical UPR pathways in breast cancer (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa). In addition, UPR has pleiotropic effects in advanced disease and development of therapy resistance. These findings implicate the UPR pathway as a novel target in hormonally regulated cancers in the clinic. Here, we review the potential therapeutic value of recently developed small molecule inhibitors of UPR in hormone regulated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jin
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Fahri Saatcioglu
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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18
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Fan P, Jordan VC. New insights into acquired endocrine resistance of breast cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:198-209. [PMID: 31815253 PMCID: PMC6897388 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The translational research strategy of targeting estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive breast cancer and then using long term anti-hormone adjuvant therapy (5-10 years) has reduced recurrences and mortality. However, resistance continues to occur and improvements are required to build on the success of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) established over the past 40 years. Further translational research has described the evolution of acquired resistance of breast cancer cell lines to long term estrogen deprivation that parallels clinical experience over years. Additionally, recent reports have identified mutations in the ERα obtained from the recurrences of AI treated patients. These mutations allow the ERα to activate without ligands and auto stimulate metastatic tumor growth. Furthermore, the new biology of estrogen-induced apoptosis in acquired resistant models in vitro and in vivo has been interrogated and applied to clinical trials. Inflammation and stress are emerging concepts occurring in the process of acquired resistance and estrogen-induced apoptosis with different mechanisms. In this review, we will present progress in the understanding of acquired resistance, focus on stress and inflammatory responses in the development of acquired resistance, and consider approaches to create new treatments to improve the treatment of breast cancer with endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Fan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - V Craig Jordan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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