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Duong TM, Araujo Rincon M, Myneni N, Burleson M. Genetic alterations in MED12 promote castration-resistant prostate cancer through modulation of GLI3 signaling. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 12:63-70. [PMID: 37520466 PMCID: PMC10382901 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2023.47346.1828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a disease that depends on androgenic stimulation and is thus commonly treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT is highly successful initially; however, patients inevitably relapse at which point the cancer grows independently of androgens and is termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC develops through various mechanisms, one of these being crosstalk of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway with other signaling pathways. Congruently, prior work has shown that androgen deprivation induces SHH signaling, which subsequently promotes activation of AR-dependent gene expression to promote cell growth. Mechanistically, this crosstalk involves a physical interaction between AR and components of SHH signaling, specifically proteins of the GLI transcription factor family. These findings thus suggest that activation of SHH signaling could promote the recurrence of cell growth in the absence of androgens to ultimately lead to progression towards CRPC. In this study, we have investigated this mechanism in a subset of prostate cancer that harbors genetic alterations within the Mediator subunit 12 (MED12). We found that loss of MED12 promotes the expression of GLI3 target genes which subsequently drives excessive cell growth in the absence of androgens. Thus, we conclude that genetic alterations within MED12 promote CRPC through hyperactivated GLI3 dependent sonic hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Minh Duong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Nishanth Myneni
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Marieke Burleson
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
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2
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Advances in the Current Understanding of the Mechanisms Governing the Acquisition of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153744. [PMID: 35954408 PMCID: PMC9367587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite aggressive treatment and androgen-deprivation therapy, most prostate cancer patients ultimately develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is associated with high mortality rates. However, the mechanisms governing the development of CRPC are poorly understood, and androgen receptor (AR) signaling has been shown to be important in CRPC through AR gene mutations, gene overexpression, co-regulatory factors, AR shear variants, and androgen resynthesis. A growing number of non-AR pathways have also been shown to influence the CRPC progression, including the Wnt and Hh pathways. Moreover, non-coding RNAs have been identified as important regulators of the CRPC pathogenesis. The present review provides an overview of the relevant literature pertaining to the mechanisms governing the molecular acquisition of castration resistance in prostate cancer, providing a foundation for future, targeted therapeutic efforts.
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Burleson M, Deng JJ, Qin T, Duong TM, Yan Y, Gu X, Das D, Easley A, Liss MA, Yew PR, Bedolla R, Kumar AP, Huang THM, Zou Y, Chen Y, Chen CL, Huang H, Sun LZ, Boyer TG. GLI3 Is Stabilized by SPOP Mutations and Promotes Castration Resistance via Functional Cooperation with Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:62-76. [PMID: 34610962 PMCID: PMC9258906 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway has been implicated in promoting malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer, details on how it is activated and exerts its oncogenic role during prostate cancer development and progression is less clear. Here, we show that GLI3, a key SHH pathway effector, is transcriptionally upregulated during androgen deprivation and posttranslationally stabilized in prostate cancer cells by mutation of speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP). GLI3 is a substrate of SPOP-mediated proteasomal degradation in prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer driver mutations in SPOP abrogate GLI3 degradation. Functionally, GLI3 is necessary and sufficient for the growth and migration of androgen receptor (AR)-positive prostate cancer cells, particularly under androgen-depleted conditions. Importantly, we demonstrate that GLI3 physically interacts and functionally cooperates with AR to enrich an AR-dependent gene expression program leading to castration-resistant growth of xenografted prostate tumors. Finally, we identify an AR/GLI3 coregulated gene signature that is highly correlated with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer and predictive of disease recurrence. Together, these findings reveal that hyperactivated GLI3 promotes castration-resistant growth of prostate cancer and provide a rationale for therapeutic targeting of GLI3 in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). IMPLICATIONS: We describe two clinically relevant mechanisms leading to hyperactivated GLI3 signaling and enhanced AR/GLI3 cross-talk, suggesting that GLI3-specific inhibitors might prove effective to block prostate cancer development or delay CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Burleson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Janice J Deng
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Tai Qin
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Thu Minh Duong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yuqian Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Debodipta Das
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Acarizia Easley
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Michael A Liss
- Department of Urology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - P Renee Yew
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Roble Bedolla
- Department of Urology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Tim Hui-Ming Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yi Zou
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
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Wang L, Li H, Li Z, Li M, Tang Q, Wu C, Lu Z. Smoothened loss is a characteristic of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Prostate 2021; 81:508-520. [PMID: 33955576 PMCID: PMC8251989 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24122] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hedgehog (Hh) signaling promotes castration-resistant prostate cancer by supporting androgen-independent prostate cancer cell development and growth; however, its role in neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) has not yet been explored. In this study, we assessed the expression of key genes involved in Hh signaling in prostate cancer and investigated the potential role of smoothened (SMO) in the pathogenesis of NEPC. METHODS Six public datasets, each containing cases of prostate adenocarcinoma (AdPC) and NEPC, were analyzed to compare the differential messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of six classic Hh signaling genes. The SMO, synaptophysin, chromogranin A (CHGA) and androgen receptor (AR) proteins were evaluated in human tissues from 5 cases of NEPC, 2 cases of AdPC mixed with NEPC, 2 cases of AdPC with neuroendocrine differentiation and 22 cases of high-grade AdPC as determined by an immunohistochemistry assay. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify relevant genetic signatures associated with SMO expression based on the public datasets. Stable SMO-knockdown LNCaP and C4-2B cells were established with a lentiviral system, and the expression of SMO, Gli1, AR, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and REST was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Secreted PSA in the conditioned medium was assessed by ELISA. Gli1 was ectopically expressed performed by the transfection of Gli1 complementary DNA into SMO-knockdown LNCaP cells, and western blot was used to assess of AR and PSA expression. RESULTS The mRNA level of SMO was dramatically downregulated in NEPC samples compared with AdPC samples in all 6 public datasets. SMO protein loss was observed in 100% of NEPC samples but in only 9% (2 of 22) of high-grade AdPC samples. GSEA results showed that SMO loss was closely correlated with AR signaling activity. Stable SMO knockdown significantly attenuated AR signaling activity and suppressed AR expression, while Gli1 overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SMO knockdown on AR signaling activity and AR expression in LNCaP and C4-2B cells. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that SMO loss is a characteristic of NEPC and that detecting SMO by IHC could aid pathologists in NEPC diagnosis. SMO loss may promote NEPC pathogenesis by modulating AR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Qi Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Chunxiao Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhiming Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
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Johansson HK, Svingen T. Hedgehog signal disruption, gonadal dysgenesis and reproductive disorders: Is there a link to endocrine disrupting chemicals? Curr Res Toxicol 2020; 1:116-123. [PMID: 34345840 PMCID: PMC8320607 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental exposure to chemicals that can disrupt sex hormone signaling may cause a broad spectrum of reproductive disorders. This is because reproductive development is tightly regulated by steroid sex hormones. Consequently, non-animal screening methods currently used to test chemicals for potential endocrine disrupting activities typically include steroidogenesis and nuclear receptor assays. In many cases there is a correlation between in vitro and in vivo data examining endocrine disruption, for example between blocked androgen receptor activity and feminized male genitals. However, there are many examples where there is poor, or no, correlation between in vitro data and in vivo effect outcomes in rodent studies, for various reasons. One possible, and less studied, reason for discordance between in vitro and in vivo data is that the mechanisms causing the in vivo effects are not covered by those typically tested for in vitro. This knowledge gap must be addressed if we are to elaborate robust testing strategies that do not rely on animal experimentation. In this review, we highlight the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway as a target for environmental chemicals and its potential implications for reproductive disorders originating from early life exposure. A central proposition is that, by disrupting HH signal transduction during critical stages of mammalian development, the endocrine cells of the testes or ovaries fail to develop normally, which ultimately will lead to disrupted sex hormone synthesis and sexual development in both sexes. If this is the case, then such mechanism must also be included in future test strategies aimed at eliminating chemicals that may cause reproductive disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna K.L. Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
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Xia L, Bouamar H, Gu X, Zeballos C, Qin T, Wang B, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Yang J, Zhu H, Zhang W, Houghton PJ, Sun LZ. Gli2 mediates the development of castration‑resistant prostate cancer. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:100-112. [PMID: 32319599 PMCID: PMC7252461 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma‑associated oncogene family zinc finger 2 (Gli2), a key component of the hedgehog signaling pathway, has been previously demonstrated to promote the malignant properties of prostate cancer in vitro. However, the role of Gli2 in the development of castration‑resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, Gli2 expression was knocked down in androgen‑responsive prostate cancer cells using an inducible Gli2 short hairpin RNA. Suppression of Gli2 expression resulted in significant reduction of cell viability, increased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phases of the cell cycle and reduced the expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression. Gli2 knockdown sensitized both androgen‑dependent and ‑independent prostate cancer cells to the antiandrogen drug Casodex and prevented the outgrowth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. In addition, Gli2 knockdown significantly suppressed the development of CRPC in a LNCaP xenograft mouse model, which was reversed by the re‑expression of Gli2. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first occasion in which the essential role of Gli2 in the development of CRPC was demonstrated, providing a potential therapeutic target for the intervention of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xia
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hakim Bouamar
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Carla Zeballos
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Tai Qin
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Bingzhi Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Junhua Yang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Weishe Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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7
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Salaritabar A, Berindan-Neagoe I, Darvish B, Hadjiakhoondi F, Manayi A, Devi KP, Barreca D, Orhan IE, Süntar I, Farooqi AA, Gulei D, Nabavi SF, Sureda A, Daglia M, Dehpour AR, Nabavi SM, Shirooie S. Targeting Hedgehog signaling pathway: Paving the road for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:466-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Qin T, Barron L, Xia L, Huang H, Villarreal MM, Zwaagstra J, Collins C, Yang J, Zwieb C, Kodali R, Hinck CS, Kim SK, Reddick RL, Shu C, O'Connor-McCourt MD, Hinck AP, Sun LZ. A novel highly potent trivalent TGF-β receptor trap inhibits early-stage tumorigenesis and tumor cell invasion in murine Pten-deficient prostate glands. Oncotarget 2018; 7:86087-86102. [PMID: 27863384 PMCID: PMC5349899 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling on prostate tumorigenesis has been shown to be strongly dependent on the stage of development, with TGF-β functioning as a tumor suppressor in early stages of disease and as a promoter in later stages. To study in further detail the paradoxical tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting roles of the TGF-β pathway, we investigated the effect of systemic treatment with a TGF-β inhibitor on early stages of prostate tumorigenesis. To ensure effective inhibition, we developed and employed a novel trivalent TGF-β receptor trap, RER, comprised of domains derived from the TGF-β type II and type III receptors. This trap was shown to completely block TβRII binding, to antagonize TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 signaling in cultured epithelial cells at low picomolar concentrations, and it showed equal or better anti-TGF-β activities than a pan TGF-β neutralizing antibody and a TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor in various prostate cancer cell lines. Systemic administration of RER inhibited prostate tumor cell proliferation as indicated by reduced Ki67 positive cells and invasion potential of tumor cells in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions in the prostate glands of Pten conditional null mice. These results provide evidence that TGF-β acts as a promoter rather than a suppressor in the relatively early stages of this spontaneous prostate tumorigenesis model. Thus, inhibition of TGF-β signaling in early stages of prostate cancer may be a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit the progression as well as the metastatic potential in patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai Qin
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Lindsey Barron
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lu Xia
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Maria M Villarreal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - John Zwaagstra
- National Research Council Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, Maureen O'Connor-McCourt is currently affiliated with Formation Biologics, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cathy Collins
- National Research Council Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, Maureen O'Connor-McCourt is currently affiliated with Formation Biologics, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Junhua Yang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Christian Zwieb
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ravindra Kodali
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Cynthia S Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Sun Kyung Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Robert L Reddick
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Maureen D O'Connor-McCourt
- National Research Council Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, Maureen O'Connor-McCourt is currently affiliated with Formation Biologics, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrew P Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA
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9
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Clinical Implications of Hedgehog Pathway Signaling in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1983-93. [PMID: 26426053 PMCID: PMC4695871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity in the Hedgehog pathway, which regulates GLI-mediated transcription, is important in organogenesis and stem cell regulation in self-renewing organs, but is pathologically elevated in many human malignancies. Mutations leading to constitutive activation of the pathway have been implicated in medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma, and inhibition of the pathway has demonstrated clinical responses leading to the approval of the Smoothened inhibitor, vismodegib, for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Aberrant Hedgehog pathway signaling has also been noted in prostate cancer with evidence suggesting that it may render prostate epithelial cells tumorigenic, drive the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and contribute towards the development of castration-resistance through autocrine and paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment and cross-talk with the androgen pathway. In addition, there are emerging clinical data suggesting that inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway may be effective in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer. Here we will review these data and highlight areas of active clinical research as they relate to Hedgehog pathway inhibition in prostate cancer.
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10
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Joshi G, Singh PK, Negi A, Rana A, Singh S, Kumar R. Growth factors mediated cell signalling in prostate cancer progression: Implications in discovery of anti-prostate cancer agents. Chem Biol Interact 2015; 240:120-33. [PMID: 26297992 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality amongst world's population, in which prostate cancer is one of the most encountered malignancies among men. Globally, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Prostate cancer is more prevalent in the developed world and is increasing at alarming rates in the developing countries. Prostate cancer is mostly a very sluggish progressing disease, caused by the overproduction of steroidal hormones like dihydrotestosterone or due to over-expression of enzymes such as 5-α-reductase. Various studies have revealed that growth factors play a crucial role in the progression of prostate cancer as they act either by directly elevating the level of steroidal hormones or upregulating enzyme efficacy by the active feedback mechanism. Presently, treatment options for prostate cancer include radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy. If treatment is done with prevailing traditional chemotherapy; it leads to resistance and development of androgen-independent prostate cancer that further complicates the situation with no cure option left. The current review article is an attempt to cover and establish an understanding of some major signalling pathways intervened through survival factors (IGF-1R), growth factors (TGF-α, EGF), Wnt, Hedgehog, interleukin, cytokinins and death factor receptor which are frequently dysregulated in prostate cancer. This will enable the researchers to design and develop better therapeutic strategies targeting growth factors and their cross talks mediated prostate cancer cell signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Joshi
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India
| | - Arvind Negi
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India
| | - Anil Rana
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India
| | - Sandeep Singh
- Centre for Genetic Diseases and Molecular Medicine, School of Emerging Life Science Technologies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India.
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11
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Bishop JL, Davies A, Ketola K, Zoubeidi A. Regulation of tumor cell plasticity by the androgen receptor in prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:R165-82. [PMID: 25934687 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) has become the most common form of cancer in men in the developed world, and it ranks second in cancer-related deaths. Men that succumb to PCa have a disease that is resistant to hormonal therapies that suppress androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which plays a central role in tumor development and progression. Although AR continues to be a clinically relevant therapeutic target in PCa, selection pressures imposed by androgen-deprivation therapies promote the emergence of heterogeneous cell populations within tumors that dictate the severity of disease. This cellular plasticity, which is induced by androgen deprivation, is the focus of this review. More specifically, we address the emergence of cancer stem-like cells, epithelial-mesenchymal or myeloid plasticity, and neuroendocrine transdifferentiation as well as evidence that demonstrates how each is regulated by the AR. Importantly, because all of these cell phenotypes are associated with aggressive PCa, we examine novel therapeutic approaches for targeting therapy-induced cellular plasticity as a way of preventing PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Bishop
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alastair Davies
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kirsi Ketola
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada The Vancouver Prostate Centre2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H-3Z6Department of Urologic SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Loo LWM, Fong AYW, Cheng I, Le Marchand L. In silico functional pathway annotation of 86 established prostate cancer risk variants. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117873. [PMID: 25658610 PMCID: PMC4320069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heritability is one of the strongest risk factors of prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of the genetic contribution towards prostate cancer risk. To date, 86 established prostate cancer risk variants have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). To determine if these risk variants are located near genes that interact together in biological networks or pathways contributing to prostate cancer initiation or progression, we generated gene sets based on proximity to the 86 prostate cancer risk variants. We took two approaches to generate gene lists. The first strategy included all immediate flanking genes, up- and downstream of the risk variant, regardless of distance from the index variant, and the second strategy included genes closest to the index GWAS marker and to variants in high LD (r2 ≥0.8 in Europeans) with the index variant, within a 100 kb window up- and downstream. Pathway mapping of the two gene sets supported the importance of the androgen receptor-mediated signaling in prostate cancer biology. In addition, the hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways were identified in pathway mapping for the flanking gene set. We also used the HaploReg resource to examine the 86 risk loci and variants high LD (r2 ≥0.8) for functional elements. We found that there was a 12.8 fold (p = 2.9 x 10-4) enrichment for enhancer motifs in a stem cell line and a 4.4 fold (p = 1.1 x 10-3) enrichment of DNase hypersensitivity in a prostate adenocarcinoma cell line, indicating that the risk and correlated variants are enriched for transcriptional regulatory motifs. Our pathway-based functional annotation of the prostate cancer risk variants highlights the potential regulatory function that GWAS risk markers, and their highly correlated variants, exert on genes. Our study also shows that these genes may function cooperatively in key signaling pathways in prostate cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenora W. M. Loo
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Aaron Y. W. Fong
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Iona Cheng
- Epidemiology Research Department, Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Fremont, California, United States of America
| | - Loïc Le Marchand
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
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Hedgehog signaling in prostate epithelial-mesenchymal growth regulation. Dev Biol 2015; 400:94-104. [PMID: 25641695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The prostate gland plays an important role in male reproduction, and is also an organ prone to diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. The prostate consists of ducts with an inner layer of epithelium surrounded by stroma. Reciprocal signaling between these two cell compartments is instrumental to normal prostatic development, homeostasis, regeneration, as well as tumor formation. Hedgehog (HH) signaling is a master regulator in numerous developmental processes. In many organs, HH plays a key role in epithelial-mesenchymal signaling that regulates organ growth and tissue differentiation, and abnormal HH signaling has been implicated in the progression of various epithelial carcinomas. In this review, we focus on recent studies exploring the multipotency of endogenous postnatal and adult epithelial and stromal stem cells and studies addressing the role of HH in prostate development and cancer. We discuss the implications of the results for a new understanding of prostate development and disease. Insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial-mesenchymal growth regulation should provide a basis for devising innovative therapies to combat diseases of the prostate.
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Marín-Aguilera M, Codony-Servat J, Reig Ò, Lozano JJ, Fernández PL, Pereira MV, Jiménez N, Donovan M, Puig P, Mengual L, Bermudo R, Font A, Gallardo E, Ribal MJ, Alcaraz A, Gascón P, Mellado B. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition mediates docetaxel resistance and high risk of relapse in prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:1270-84. [PMID: 24659820 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Molecular characterization of radical prostatectomy specimens after systemic therapy may identify a gene expression profile for resistance to therapy. This study assessed tumor cells from patients with prostate cancer participating in a phase II neoadjuvant docetaxel and androgen deprivation trial to identify mediators of resistance. Transcriptional level of 93 genes from a docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell lines microarray study was analyzed by TaqMan low-density arrays in tumors from patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer (36 surgically treated, 28 with neoadjuvant docetaxel + androgen deprivation). Gene expression was compared between groups and correlated with clinical outcome. VIM, AR and RELA were validated by immunohistochemistry. CD44 and ZEB1 expression was tested by immunofluorescence in cells and tumor samples. Parental and docetaxel-resistant castration-resistant prostate cancer cell lines were tested for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers before and after docetaxel exposure. Reversion of EMT phenotype was investigated as a docetaxel resistance reversion strategy. Expression of 63 (67.7%) genes differed between groups (P < 0.05), including genes related to androgen receptor, NF-κB transcription factor, and EMT. Increased expression of EMT markers correlated with radiologic relapse. Docetaxel-resistant cells had increased EMT and stem-like cell markers expression. ZEB1 siRNA transfection reverted docetaxel resistance and reduced CD44 expression in DU-145R and PC-3R. Before docetaxel exposure, a selected CD44(+) subpopulation of PC-3 cells exhibited EMT phenotype and intrinsic docetaxel resistance; ZEB1/CD44(+) subpopulations were found in tumor cell lines and primary tumors; this correlated with aggressive clinical behavior. This study identifies genes potentially related to chemotherapy resistance and supports evidence of the EMT role in docetaxel resistance and adverse clinical behavior in early prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Marín-Aguilera
- Authors' Affiliations: Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Medical Oncology Department; Bioinformatics Platform Department, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Hospital Clínic; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Laboratory and Department of Urology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona; Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona; Althia; Tumor Bank, Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS Biobank, Barcelona; Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Badalona; and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain
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