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Niu X, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Li B, Qiu Y, Zhao P, Wang Z, Wang Z. Cancer plasticity in therapy resistance: Mechanisms and novel strategies. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101114. [PMID: 38924995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Recent insights into cell plasticity as a new paradigm for understanding resistance to treatment: as cancer progresses, cancer cells experience phenotypic and molecular alterations, corporately known as cell plasticity. These alterations are caused by microenvironment factors, stochastic genetic and epigenetic changes, and/or selective pressure engendered by treatment, resulting in tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells display remarkable intrinsic plasticity and reversibly adapt to dynamic microenvironment conditions. Dynamic interactions between cell states and with the surrounding microenvironment form a flexible tumor ecosystem, which is able to quickly adapt to external pressure, especially treatment. Here, this review delineates the formation of cancer cell plasticity (CCP) as well as its manipulation of cancer escape from treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving CCP that promote the development of therapy resistance is summarized. Novel treatment strategies, e.g., inhibiting or reversing CCP is also proposed. Moreover, the review discusses the multiple lines of ongoing clinical trials globally aimed at ameliorating therapy resistance. Such advances provide directions for the development of new treatment modalities and combination therapies against CCP in the context of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China; Experimental Center of BIOQGene, YuanDong International Academy Of Life Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Medical Oncology Department of Thoracic Cancer (2), Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Yinling Zhang
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy 1, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101149, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Zhongmiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
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2
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Powała K, Żołek T, Brown G, Kutner A. Molecular Interactions of Selective Agonists and Antagonists with the Retinoic Acid Receptor γ. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6568. [PMID: 38928275 PMCID: PMC11203493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the major active metabolite of all-trans retinol (vitamin A), is a key hormonal signaling molecule. In the adult organism, ATRA has a widespread influence on processes that are crucial to the growth and differentiation of cells and, in turn, the acquisition of mature cell functions. Therefore, there is considerable potential in the use of retinoids to treat diseases. ATRA binds to the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) which, as activated by ATRA, selectively regulate gene expression. There are three main RAR isoforms, RARα, RARβ, and RARγ. They each have a distinct role, for example, RARα and RARγ regulate myeloid progenitor cell differentiation and hematopoietic stem cell maintenance, respectively. Hence, targeting an isoform is crucial to developing retinoid-based therapeutics. In principle, this is exemplified when ATRA is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and target RARα within PML-RARα oncogenic fusion protein. ATRA with arsenic trioxide has provided a cure for the once highly fatal leukemia. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies of RARγ have revealed the potential use of agonists and antagonists to treat diseases as diverse as cancer, heterotopic ossification, psoriasis, and acne. During the final drug development there may be a need to design newer compounds with added modifications to improve solubility, pharmacokinetics, or potency. At the same time, it is important to retain isotype specificity and activity. Examination of the molecular interactions between RARγ agonists and the ligand binding domain of RARγ has revealed aspects to ligand binding that are crucial to RARγ selectivity and compound activity and key to designing newer compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Powała
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Teresa Żołek
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Geoffrey Brown
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Andrzej Kutner
- Department of Drug Chemistry Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
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Martínez-Pérez J, Torrado C, Domínguez-Cejudo MA, Valladares-Ayerbes M. Targeted Treatment against Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6220. [PMID: 38892410 PMCID: PMC11172446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (SC) theory proposes that a population of SCs serves as the driving force behind fundamental tumor processes, including metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. The standard of care for patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) includes surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Fluoropyrimidines and their combination with oxaliplatin increased the cure rates, being able to eradicate the occult metastatic SC in a fraction of patients. The treatment for unresectable metastatic CRC is based on chemotherapy, antibodies to VEGF and EGFR, and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Immunotherapy is used in MSI-H tumors. Currently used drugs target dividing cells and, while often effective at debulking tumor mass, these agents have largely failed to cure metastatic disease. SCs are generated either due to genetic and epigenetic alterations in stem/progenitor cells or to the dedifferentiation of somatic cells where diverse signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, TGF-β/SMAD, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, DNA damage response, and Hippo-YAP play a key role. Anti-neoplastic treatments could be improved by elimination of SCs, becoming an attractive target for the design of novel agents. Here, we present a review of clinical trials assessing the efficacy of targeted treatment focusing on these pathways in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Martínez-Pérez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Carlos Torrado
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - María A. Domínguez-Cejudo
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Manuel Valladares-Ayerbes
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio (HUVR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Seville, Spain;
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Lee J, Mashima T, Kawata N, Yamamoto N, Morino S, Inaba S, Nakamura A, Kumagai K, Wakatsuki T, Takeuchi K, Yamaguchi K, Seimiya H. Pharmacologic Targeting of Histone H3K27 Acetylation/BRD4-dependent Induction of ALDH1A3 for Early-phase Drug Tolerance of Gastric Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1307-1320. [PMID: 38669046 PMCID: PMC11104289 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Anticancer drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells at an early phase of chemotherapy reshape refractory tumors. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A3 (ALDH1A3) is commonly upregulated by various anticancer drugs in gastric cancer patient-derived cells (PDC) and promotes tumor growth. However, the mechanism underlying the generation of ALDH1A3-positive DTP cells remains elusive. Here, we investigated the mechanism of ALDH1A3 expression and a combination therapy targeting gastric cancer DTP cells. We found that gastric cancer tissues treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed high ALDH1A3 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR and ChIP sequencing analyses revealed that histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation was enriched in the ALDH1A3 promoter in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-tolerant persister PDCs. By chemical library screening, we found that the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors OTX015/birabresib and I-BET-762/molibresib suppressed DTP-related ALDH1A3 expression and preferentially inhibited DTP cell growth. In DTP cells, BRD4, but not BRD2/3, was recruited to the ALDH1A3 promoter and BRD4 knockdown decreased drug-induced ALDH1A3 upregulation. Combination therapy with 5-FU and OTX015 significantly suppressed in vivo tumor growth. These observations suggest that BET inhibitors are efficient DTP cell-targeting agents for gastric cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE Drug resistance hampers the cure of patients with cancer. To prevent stable drug resistance, DTP cancer cells are rational therapeutic targets that emerge during the early phase of chemotherapy. This study proposes that the epigenetic regulation by BET inhibitors may be a rational therapeutic strategy to eliminate DTP cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Lee
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Mashima
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naomi Kawata
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Gastroenterological Medicine, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Yamamoto
- Division of Pathology, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Morino
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saori Inaba
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayane Nakamura
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koshi Kumagai
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takeru Wakatsuki
- Gastroenterological Medicine, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Takeuchi
- Division of Pathology, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Gastroenterological Medicine, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Seimiya
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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Caven L, Carabeo R. Chlamydial YAP activation in host endocervical epithelial cells mediates pro-fibrotic paracrine stimulation of fibroblasts. mSystems 2023; 8:e0090423. [PMID: 37874141 PMCID: PMC10734534 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00904-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Chronic or repeated infection of the female upper genital tract by C. trachomatis can lead to severe fibrotic sequelae, including tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. In this report, we define a transcriptional program specific to C. trachomatis infection of the upper genital tract, identifying tissue-specific induction of host YAP-a pro-fibrotic transcriptional cofactor-as a potential driver of infection-mediated fibrotic gene expression. Furthermore, we show that infected endocervical epithelial cells stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts and implicate chlamydial induction of YAP in this effect. Our results define a mechanism by which infection mediates tissue-level fibrotic pathology via paracrine signaling and identify YAP as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of Chlamydia-associated scarring of the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Caven
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Rey Carabeo
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Zhao Y, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Ma L. New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5497. [PMID: 38067201 PMCID: PMC10705714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Lv L, Zhou X. Targeting Hippo signaling in cancer: novel perspectives and therapeutic potential. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e375. [PMID: 37799806 PMCID: PMC10547939 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As highly conserved among diverse species, Hippo signaling pathway regulates various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size. Studies in the last two decades have provided a good framework for how these fundamental functions of Hippo signaling are tightly regulated by a network with numerous intracellular and extracellular factors. The Hippo signaling pathway, when dysregulated, may lead to a wide variety of diseases, especially cancer. There is growing evidence demonstrating that dysregulated Hippo signaling is closely associated with tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, and migration, as well as drug resistance. Therefore, the Hippo pathway is considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Promising novel agents targeting the Hippo signaling pathway for cancers have recently emerged. These novel agents have shown antitumor activity in multiple cancer models and demonstrated therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. However, the detailed molecular basis of the Hippo signaling-driven tumor biology remains undefined. Our review summarizes current advances in understanding the mechanisms by which Hippo signaling drives tumorigenesis and confers drug resistance. We also propose strategies for future preclinical and clinical development to target this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liemei Lv
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Xiangxiang Zhou
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic DiseasesJinanShandongChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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8
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Caven L, Carabeo R. Chlamydial YAP activation in host endocervical epithelial cells mediates pro-fibrotic paracrine stimulation of fibroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.30.542940. [PMID: 37398163 PMCID: PMC10312526 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.30.542940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Infection of the female genital tract by Chlamydia trachomatis can produce severe fibrotic sequelae, including tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy. While infection demonstrably mediates a pro-fibrotic response in host cells, it remains unclear if intrinsic properties of the upper genital tract exacerbate chlamydial fibrosis. The relatively sterile environment of the upper genital tract is primed for a pro-inflammatory response to infection, potentially enhancing fibrosis - however, subclinical C. trachomatis infections still develop fibrosis-related sequelae. Here, we compare infection-associated and steady-state gene expression of primary human cervical and vaginal epithelial cells. In the former, we observe enhanced baseline expression and infection-mediated induction of fibrosis-associated signal factors (e.g. TGFA , IL6 , IL8 , IL20 ), implying predisposition to Chlamydia -associated pro-fibrotic signaling. Transcription factor enrichment analysis identified regulatory targets of YAP, a transcriptional cofactor induced by infection of cervical epithelial cells, but not vaginal epithelial cells. YAP target genes induced by infection include secreted fibroblast-activating signal factors; therefore, we developed an in vitro model involving coculture of infected endocervical epithelial cells with uninfected fibroblasts. Coculture enhanced fibroblast expression of type I collagen, as well as prompting reproducible (albeit statistically insignificant) induction of α-smooth muscle actin. Fibroblast collagen induction was sensitive to siRNA-mediated YAP knockdown in infected epithelial cells, implicating chlamydial YAP activation in this effect. Collectively, our results present a novel mechanism of fibrosis initiated by Chlamydia, wherein infection-mediated induction of host YAP facilitates pro-fibrotic intercellular communication. Chlamydial YAP activation in cervical epithelial cells is thus a determinant of this tissue's susceptibility to fibrosis. Importance Chronic or repeated infection of the female upper genital tract by C. trachomatis can lead to severe fibrotic sequelae, including tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. In this report, we define a transcriptional program specific to C. trachomatis infection of the upper genital tract, identifying tissue-specific induction of host YAP - a pro-fibrotic transcriptional cofactor - as a potential driver of infection-mediated fibrotic gene expression. Further, we show that infected endocervical epithelial cells stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts, and implicate chlamydial induction of YAP in this effect. Our results define a mechanism by which infection mediates tissue-level fibrotic pathology via paracrine signaling, and identify YAP as a potential therapeutic target for prevention of Chlamydia -associated scarring of the female genital tract.
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Liu H, Hu B, Luan J, Sun Y, Wang S, Li W, Chen L, Wang H, Gao Y, Wang J. Structural requirement of RARγ agonism through computational aspects. J Mol Model 2023; 29:108. [PMID: 36964229 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05507-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT RARγ is a therapeutic target for many skin diseases and has potential in cancer treatment. In the current study, we put forward a comprehensive structure-activity relationship study of third and fourth generations of RARγ agonists, addressing multiple crystal structures of RARγ complexes and approved drugs. Adapalene and Trifarotene, through hybrid strategies including protein contacts Atlas analysis, molecular docking, dynamics simulations, MM-GBSA, ASM, and pharmacophore modeling. Our result revealed crucial amino acids Arg267, Ser278, Phe288, Phe230, Met272, Leu271, and Leu268 within the RARγ pocket, as well as pharmacophore features such as two hydrophobic groups, two aromatic rings, and negative ionic features, which are essential for the binding of RARγ agonists. Based on this study, the binding mechanism of RARγ agonists was elucidated, which will be helpful for the rational design of new RARγ agonists for skin diseases and cancer treatment. METHODS In this study, Schrödinger suite 2021-2 with OPLS_4 force field, Discovery Studio program 3.0, LigandScout 4.3, and PyMOL are utilized in the investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Baichun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiasi Luan
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shizun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixai Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinli Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Design and New Drug Discovery of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
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EGFRvIII Promotes the Proneural–Mesenchymal Transition of Glioblastoma Multiforme and Reduces Its Sensitivity to Temozolomide by Regulating the NF-κB/ALDH1A3 Axis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030651. [PMID: 36980923 PMCID: PMC10048499 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant intracranial tumor in adults. At present, temozolomide (TMZ) is recognized as the preferred chemotherapeutic drug for GBM, but some patients have low sensitivity to TMZ or chemotherapy resistance to TMZ. Our previous study found that GBM patients with EGFRvIII (+) have low sensitivity to TMZ. However, the reasons and possible mechanisms of the chemoradiotherapy resistance in GBM patients with EGFRvIII (+) are not clear. (2) Methods: In this study, tissue samples of patients with GBM, GBM cell lines, glioma stem cell lines, and NSG mice were used to explore the causes and possible mechanisms of low sensitivity to TMZ in patients with EGFRvIII (+)-GBM. (3) Results: The study found that EGFRvIII promoted the proneural–mesenchymal transition of GBM and reduced its sensitivity to TMZ, and EGFRvIII regulated of the expression of ALDH1A3. (4) Conclusions: EGFRvIII activated the NF-κB pathway and further regulated the expression of ALDH1A3 to promote the proneural–mesenchymal transition of GBM and reduce its sensitivity to TMZ, which will provide an experimental basis for the selection of clinical drugs for GBM patients with EGFRvIII (+).
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The Expanding Role of Cancer Stem Cell Marker ALDH1A3 in Cancer and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020492. [PMID: 36672441 PMCID: PMC9857290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) is one of 19 ALDH enzymes expressed in humans, and it is critical in the production of hormone receptor ligand retinoic acid (RA). We review the role of ALDH1A3 in normal physiology, its identification as a cancer stem cell marker, and its modes of action in cancer and other diseases. ALDH1A3 is often over-expressed in cancer and promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance by altering gene expression, cell signaling pathways, and glycometabolism. The increased levels of ALDH1A3 in cancer occur due to genetic amplification, epigenetic modifications, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. Finally, we review the potential of targeting ALDH1A3, with both general ALDH inhibitors and small molecules specifically designed to inhibit ALDH1A3 activity.
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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Tsounis D, Villiotou V, Melpidou A, Pantsiou C, Argyrou A, Giannopoulou C, Grigoratou A, Rontogianni D, Mantzaris GJ, Papatheodoridis G. Oxidative imbalance increases the risk for colonic polyp and colorectal cancer development. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:2208-2223. [PMID: 36438709 PMCID: PMC9694266 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i11.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has garnered considerable interest recently. Specific oxidative factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of adenomatous polyps and ultimately adenocarcinoma.
AIM To evaluate the effect of oxidative imbalance as quantified by specific serological markers in the development of sporadic colon adenocarcinoma.
METHODS A total of 170 patients that underwent endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal tract in a tertiary center within 3 years were included in the study. They were allocated in three groups; those with sporadic colon adenocarcinoma (n = 56, 32.9%), those with colonic polyps (n = 33, 19.4%) and healthy controls (n = 81, 47.7%). All patients were evaluated for oxidant activity and antioxidant capacity with serum measurements of specific markers such as vitamins A, 25(OH) D3, E, C, B12, folic acid, glutathione, selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), free iron (Fe2+), and malondialdehyde and results were compared between groups.
RESULTS Serum levels of vitamins C, E, D, Se, Zn, vitamin B12 and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in the combined neoplasia/polyp group than in the control group (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.020 and P < 0.001, correspondingly). Increased levels of vitamin E (P = 0.004), vitamin D (P < 0.001), Se (P < 0.001) and Zn (P < 0.001) seem to bestow a protective effect on the development of CRC. For vitamin D (P < 0.001) and Zn (P = 0.036), this effect seems to extend to the development of colon polyps as well. On the other hand, elevated serum levels of malondialdehyde are associated with a higher risk of CRC (OR = 2.09 compared to controls, P = 0.004). Regarding colonic polyp development, increased concentrations of vitamin Α and Fe2+ are associated with a higher risk, whereas lower levels of malondialdehyde with a lower risk.
CONCLUSION Increased oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC. Antioxidants’ presence may exert a protective effect in the very early stages of colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsounis
- Department of Gastroenterology, 251 General Hospital of Hellenic Air Force, Athens 11525, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Villiotou
- Department of Biochemistry, Metaxa Anticancer Hospital, Piraeus 18537, Greece
| | - Angeliki Melpidou
- Department of Biochemistry, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Chara Pantsiou
- Department of Biochemistry, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Alexandra Argyrou
- Department of Gastroenterology, 251 General Hospital of Hellenic Air Force, Athens 11525, Greece
| | - Charis Giannopoulou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | | | | | - Gerassimos J Mantzaris
- Department of Gastroenterology, Evangelismos, Ophthalmiatreion Athinon and Polyclinic Hospitals, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Athens University Medical School, Laikon General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
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Jaslove JM, Goodwin K, Sundarakrishnan A, Spurlin JW, Mao S, Košmrlj A, Nelson CM. Transmural pressure signals through retinoic acid to regulate lung branching. Development 2022; 149:274047. [PMID: 35051272 PMCID: PMC8917413 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
During development, the mammalian lung undergoes several rounds of branching, the rate of which is tuned by the relative pressure of the fluid within the lumen of the lung. We carried out bioinformatics analysis of RNA-sequencing of embryonic mouse lungs cultured under physiologic or sub-physiologic transmural pressure and identified transcription factor-binding motifs near genes whose expression changes in response to pressure. Surprisingly, we found retinoic acid (RA) receptor binding sites significantly overrepresented in the promoters and enhancers of pressure-responsive genes. Consistently, increasing transmural pressure activates RA signaling, and pharmacologically inhibiting RA signaling decreases airway epithelial branching and smooth muscle wrapping. We found that pressure activates RA signaling through the mechanosensor Yap. A computational model predicts that mechanical signaling through Yap and RA affects lung branching by altering the balance between epithelial proliferation and smooth muscle wrapping, which we test experimentally. Our results reveal that transmural pressure signals through RA to balance the relative rates of epithelial growth and smooth muscle differentiation in the developing mouse lung and identify RA as a previously unreported component in the mechanotransduction machinery of embryonic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M. Jaslove
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Katharine Goodwin
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Aswin Sundarakrishnan
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - James W. Spurlin
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA,Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sheng Mao
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, BIC-ESAT, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Andrej Košmrlj
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA,Princeton Institute for the Science & Technology of Materials, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Celeste M. Nelson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA,Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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Barrera G, Cucci MA, Grattarola M, Dianzani C, Muzio G, Pizzimenti S. Control of Oxidative Stress in Cancer Chemoresistance: Spotlight on Nrf2 Role. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040510. [PMID: 33805928 PMCID: PMC8064392 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance represents the main obstacle to cancer treatment with both conventional and targeted therapy. Beyond specific molecular alterations, which can lead to targeted therapy, metabolic remodeling, including the control of redox status, plays an important role in cancer cell survival following therapy. Although cancer cells generally have a high basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, which makes them more susceptible than normal cells to a further increase of ROS, chemoresistant cancer cells become highly adapted to intrinsic or drug-induced oxidative stress by upregulating their antioxidant systems. The antioxidant response is principally mediated by the transcription factor Nrf2, which has been considered the master regulator of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes. Nrf2 expression is often increased in several types of chemoresistant cancer cells, and its expression is mediated by diverse mechanisms. In addition to Nrf2, other transcription factors and transcriptional coactivators can participate to maintain the high antioxidant levels in chemo and radio-resistant cancer cells. The control of expression and function of these molecules has been recently deepened to identify which of these could be used as a new therapeutic target in the treatment of tumors resistant to conventional therapy. In this review, we report the more recent advances in the study of Nrf2 regulation in chemoresistant cancers and the role played by other transcription factors and transcriptional coactivators in the control of antioxidant responses in chemoresistant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Barrera
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marie Angele Cucci
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Margherita Grattarola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Chiara Dianzani
- Department of Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 11, 10125 Turin, Italy;
| | - Giuliana Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefania Pizzimenti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (S.P.)
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