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Long Y, Xu Z, Yu J, Hu X, Xie Y, Duan X, Li N, Yan Y, Wang Y, Qin J. Targeting xCT with sulfasalazine suppresses triple-negative breast cancer growth via inducing autophagy and coordinating cell cycle and proliferation. Anticancer Drugs 2024:00001813-990000000-00295. [PMID: 39016262 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
There is a substantial unmet need for effective treatment strategies in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Recently, renewed attention has been directed towards targeting glutamine (Gln) metabolism to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment. Nonetheless, a comprehensive exploration into the mechanistic implications of targeting Gln metabolism in TNBC is lacking. In this study, our objective was to probe the sensitivity of TNBC to alterations in Gln metabolism, using representative TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and 4T1. Through an integration of bioinformatics, in-vitro, and in-vivo investigations, we demonstrated that sulfasalazine (SAS), like erastin (a known xCT inhibitor), effectively suppressed the expression and transport function of xCT, resulting in a depletion of glutathione levels in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells. Furthermore, both xCT knockdown and SAS treatment demonstrated the promotion of cellular autophagy. We unveiled a positive correlation between xCT and the autophagy-related molecule p62, their co-expression indicating poor survival outcomes in breast cancer patients. In addition, our research revealed the influence of SAS and xCT on the expression of proteins regulating cell cycle and proliferation. Treatment with SAS or xCT knockdown led to the inhibition of MYC, CDK1, and CD44 expression. Significantly, the combined administration of SAS and rapamycin exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect on the growth of transplanted breast tumor in mouse models constructed from murine-derived 4T1 cells. Taken together, our findings suggested the potential and clinical relevance of the SAS and rapamycin combination in the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Long
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
| | - Zizheng Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
| | - Yu Xie
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
| | - Xianxian Duan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
| | - Ning Li
- School of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University
| | - Yan Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Hospital of Stomatology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Hospital of Stomatology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfang Qin
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nankai University
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2
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Gu X, Mu C, Zheng R, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Liang T. The Cancer Antioxidant Regulation System in Therapeutic Resistance. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:778. [PMID: 39061847 PMCID: PMC11274344 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13070778] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antioxidants play a pivotal role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to induce oxidative stress. In the context of cancer development, cancer cells adeptly maintain elevated levels of both ROS and antioxidants through a process termed "redox reprogramming". This balance optimizes the proliferative influence of ROS while simultaneously reducing the potential for ROS to cause damage to the cell. In some cases, the adapted antioxidant machinery can hamper the efficacy of treatments for neoplastic diseases, representing a significant facet of the resistance mechanisms observed in cancer therapy. In this review, we outline the contribution of antioxidant systems to therapeutic resistance. We detail the fundamental constituents of these systems, encompassing the central regulatory mechanisms involving transcription factors (of particular importance is the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling axis), the molecular effectors of antioxidants, and the auxiliary systems responsible for NADPH generation. Furthermore, we present recent clinical trials based on targeted antioxidant systems for the treatment of cancer, assessing the potential as well as challenges of this strategy in cancer therapy. Additionally, we summarize the pressing issues in the field, with the aim of illuminating a path toward the emergence of novel anticancer therapeutic approaches by orchestrating redox signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanhao Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (X.G.); (C.M.); (Z.Z.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Chunyang Mu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (X.G.); (C.M.); (Z.Z.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Rujia Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (X.G.); (C.M.); (Z.Z.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310003, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (X.G.); (C.M.); (Z.Z.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310003, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (X.G.); (C.M.); (Z.Z.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310003, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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3
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Lara O, Janssen P, Mambretti M, De Pauw L, Ates G, Mackens L, De Munck J, Walckiers J, Pan Z, Beckers P, Espinet E, Sato H, De Ridder M, Marks DL, Barbé K, Aerts JL, Hermans E, Rooman I, Massie A. Compartmentalized role of xCT in supporting pancreatic tumor growth, inflammation and mood disturbance in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:275-286. [PMID: 38447884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
xCT (Slc7a11), the specific subunit of the cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc-, is present in the brain and on immune cells, where it is known to modulate behavior and inflammatory responses. In a variety of cancers -including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-, xCT is upregulated by tumor cells to support their growth and spread. Therefore, we studied the impact of xCT deletion in pancreatic tumor cells (Panc02) and/or the host (xCT-/- mice) on tumor burden, inflammation, cachexia and mood disturbances. Deletion of xCT in the tumor strongly reduced tumor growth. Targeting xCT in the host and not the tumor resulted only in a partial reduction of tumor burden, while it did attenuate tumor-related systemic inflammation and prevented an increase in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. The latter effect could be replicated by specific xCT deletion in immune cells. xCT deletion in the host or the tumor differentially modulated neuroinflammation. When mice were grafted with xCT-deleted tumor cells, hypothalamic inflammation was reduced and, accordingly, food intake improved. Tumor bearing xCT-/- mice showed a trend of reduced hippocampal neuroinflammation with less anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Taken together, targeting xCT may have beneficial effects on pancreatic cancer-related comorbidities, beyond reducing tumor burden. The search for novel and specific xCT inhibitors is warranted as they may represent a holistic therapy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaya Lara
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium; Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Pauline Janssen
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium; Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Marco Mambretti
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Laura De Pauw
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Gamze Ates
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Liselotte Mackens
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jolien De Munck
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jarne Walckiers
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Zhaolong Pan
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Pauline Beckers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Elisa Espinet
- Pancreatic Cancer Lab, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain; Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Hideyo Sato
- Department of Medical Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, UZ Brussels, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Daniel L Marks
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kurt Barbé
- The Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Joeri L Aerts
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Ilse Rooman
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
| | - Ann Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium.
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Zhang H, Wang J, Xiang X, Xie C, Lu X, Guo H, Sun Y, Shi Z, Song H, Qiu N, Xu X. An Esterase-Responsive SLC7A11 shRNA Delivery System Induced Ferroptosis and Suppressed Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:249. [PMID: 38399303 PMCID: PMC10891814 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020249] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis has garnered attention as a potential approach to fight against cancer, which is characterized by the iron-driven buildup of lipid peroxidation. However, the robust defense mechanisms against intracellular ferroptosis pose significant challenges to its effective induction. In this paper, an effective gene delivery vehicle was developed to transport solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) shRNA (shSLC7A11), which downregulates the expression of the channel protein SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), evoking a surge in reactive oxygen species production, iron accumulation, and lipid peroxidation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and subsequently leading to ferroptosis. This delivery system is composed of an HCC-targeting lipid layer and esterase-responsive cationic polymer, a poly{N-[2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]-N-[p-acetyloxyphenyl]-N} (PQDEA) condensed shSLC7A11 core (G-LPQDEA/shSLC7A11). After intravenous (i.v.) injection, G-LPQDEA/shSLC7A11 quickly accumulated in the tumor, retarding its growth by 77% and improving survival by two times. This study is the first to construct a gene delivery system, G-LPQDEA/shSLC7A11, that effectively inhibits HCC progression by downregulating SLC7A11 expression. This underscores its therapeutic potential as a safe and valuable candidate for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (H.Z.); (J.W.); (X.L.); (Y.S.); (H.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (H.Z.); (J.W.); (X.L.); (Y.S.); (H.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaonan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xinfeng Lu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (H.Z.); (J.W.); (X.L.); (Y.S.); (H.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Haijun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yiyang Sun
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (H.Z.); (J.W.); (X.L.); (Y.S.); (H.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhixiong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongliang Song
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (H.Z.); (J.W.); (X.L.); (Y.S.); (H.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Nasha Qiu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (H.Z.); (J.W.); (X.L.); (Y.S.); (H.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China; (X.X.); (C.X.); (H.G.); (Z.S.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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5
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Mina E, Wyart E, Sartori R, Angelino E, Zaggia I, Rausch V, Maldotti M, Pagani A, Hsu MY, Friziero A, Sperti C, Menga A, Graziani A, Hirsch E, Oliviero S, Sandri M, Conti L, Kautz L, Silvestri L, Porporato PE. FK506 bypasses the effect of erythroferrone in cancer cachexia skeletal muscle atrophy. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101306. [PMID: 38052214 PMCID: PMC10772350 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101306] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a hallmark of cachexia, a wasting condition typical of chronic pathologies, that still represents an unmet medical need. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-Smad1/5/8 signaling alterations are emerging drivers of muscle catabolism, hence, characterizing these perturbations is pivotal to develop therapeutic approaches. We identified two promoters of "BMP resistance" in cancer cachexia, specifically the BMP scavenger erythroferrone (ERFE) and the intracellular inhibitor FKBP12. ERFE is upregulated in cachectic cancer patients' muscle biopsies and in murine cachexia models, where its expression is driven by STAT3. Moreover, the knock down of Erfe or Fkbp12 reduces muscle wasting in cachectic mice. To bypass the BMP resistance mediated by ERFE and release the brake on the signaling, we targeted FKBP12 with low-dose FK506. FK506 restores BMP-Smad1/5/8 signaling, rescuing myotube atrophy by inducing protein synthesis. In cachectic tumor-bearing mice, FK506 prevents muscle and body weight loss and protects from neuromuscular junction alteration, suggesting therapeutic potential for targeting the ERFE-FKBP12 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Mina
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Wyart
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Sartori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; VIMM: Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Elia Angelino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Ivan Zaggia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Rausch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Mara Maldotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), Sp142 Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessia Pagani
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Myriam Y Hsu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; Division of Cell Fate Dynamics and Therapeutics, Department of Biosystems Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences (LiMe), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Alberto Friziero
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; General Surgery 1, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Cosimo Sperti
- General Surgery 2, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessio Menga
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Salvatore Oliviero
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), Sp142 Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Sandri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; VIMM: Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Léon Kautz
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, University Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Laura Silvestri
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo E Porporato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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6
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Shan Q, Zhang C, Li Y, Li Q, Zhang Y, Li X, Shi J, Hu F. SLC7A11, a potential immunotherapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18302. [PMID: 37880315 PMCID: PMC10600206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45284-z] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
SLC7A11 has significant translational value in cancer treatment. However, there are few studies on whether SLC7A11 affects the immune status of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Information on SLC7A11 expression and its impact on prognosis was obtained from the cancer genome atlas and gene expression omnibus databases. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed by GO and KEGG. GSEA enrichment analysis was performed in the SLC7A11-high and SLC7A11-low groups. The relationship between SLC7A11 and tumour immunity, immune checkpoints, and immune cell infiltration was studied using R language. We analysed the correlation between SLC7A11 and chemotactic factors (CFs) and chemokine receptors using the TISIDB database. SLC7A11 is overexpressed in many tumours, including LUAD. The 5-year overall survival of patients in the SLC7A11-high group was lower than in the SLC7A11-low group. KEGG analysis found that the DEGs were enriched in ferroptosis signaling pathways. GSEA analysis found that the survival-related signaling pathways were enriched in the SLC7A11-low group. The SLC7A11-low group had higher immune scores and immune checkpoint expression. SLC7A11 was negatively correlated with many immune cells (CD8+ T cells, immature dendritic cells), CFs, chemokine receptors (such as CCL17/19/22/23, CXCL9/10/11/14, CCR4/6, CX3CR1, CXCR3) and MHCs (major histocompatibility complex). SLC7A11 may regulate tumour immunity and could be a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Shan
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangke Li
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qunying Li
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqing Shi
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengying Hu
- Department of Respiration, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No. 18, Wangxiang North Road, High-Tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
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7
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Ruiu R, Cossu C, Iacoviello A, Conti L, Bolli E, Ponzone L, Magri J, Rumandla A, Calautti E, Cavallo F. Cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT deficiency reduces metastasis without impairing immune system function in breast cancer mouse models. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:254. [PMID: 37770957 PMCID: PMC10540318 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02830-x] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The upregulation of antioxidant mechanisms is a common occurrence in cancer cells, as they strive to maintain balanced redox state and prevent oxidative damage. This includes the upregulation of the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT, which plays a crucial role in protecting cancer cells from oxidative stress. Consequently, targeting xCT has become an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. However, xCT is also expressed by several types of immune cells where it has a role in proliferation and effector functions. In light of these observations, a comprehensive understanding of the specific role of xCT in the initiation and progression of cancer, as well as its potential impact on the immune system within the tumor microenvironment and the anti-tumor response, require further investigation. METHODS We generated xCTnull BALB/c mice to investigate the role of xCT in the immune system and xCTnull/Erbb2-transgenic BALB-neuT mice to study the role of xCT in a mammary cancer-prone model. We also used mammary cancer cells derived from BALB-neuT/xCTnull mice and xCTKO 4T1 cells to test the contribution of xCT to malignant properties in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS xCT depletion in BALB-neuT/xCTnull mice does not alter autochthonous tumor initiation, but tumor cells isolated from these mice display proliferation and redox balance defects in vitro. Although xCT disruption sensitizes 4T1 cells to oxidative stress, it does not prevent transplantable tumor growth, but reduces cell migration in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. This is accompanied by an altered immune cell recruitment in the pre-metastatic niche. Finally, systemic depletion of xCT in host mice does not affect transplantable tumor growth and metastasis nor impair the proper mounting of both humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo. CONCLUSIONS xCT is dispensable for proper immune system function, thus supporting the safety of xCT targeting in oncology. Nevertheless, xCT is involved in several processes required for the metastatic seeding of mammary cancer cells, thus broadening the scope of xCT-targeting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Chiara Cossu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Antonella Iacoviello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Luca Ponzone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Signaling, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Jolanda Magri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, IIGM - Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alekya Rumandla
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb R&D Center, Bommasandra Jigani Link Road, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560099, India
| | - Enzo Calautti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Signaling, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy.
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8
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Park SC, Conti L, Franceschi V, Oh B, Yang MS, Ham G, Di Lorenzo A, Bolli E, Cavallo F, Kim B, Donofrio G. Assessment of BoHV-4-based vector vaccine intranasally administered in a hamster challenge model of lung disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197649. [PMID: 37483612 PMCID: PMC10358724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is a bovine Rhadinovirus not associated with a specific pathological lesion or disease and experimentally employed as a viral vector vaccine. BoHV-4-based vector (BoHV-4-BV) has been shown to be effective in immunizing and protecting several animal species when systemically administrated through intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, or intraperitoneal routes. However, whether BoHV-4-BV affords respiratory disease protection when administered intranasally has never been tested. Methods In the present study, recombinant BoHV-4, BoHV-4-A-S-ΔRS-HA-ΔTK, was constructed to deliver an expression cassette for the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, and its immunogenicity, as well as its capability to transduce cells of the respiratory tract, were tested in mice. The well-established COVID-19/Syrian hamster model was adopted to test the efficacy of intranasally administered BoHV-4-A-S-ΔRS-HA-ΔTK in protecting against a SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Results The intranasal administration of BoHV-4-A-S-ΔRS-HA-ΔTK elicited protection against SARS-CoV-2, with improved clinical signs, including significant reductions in body weight loss, significant reductions in viral load in the trachea and lungs, and significant reductions in histopathologic lung lesions compared to BoHV-4-A-S-ΔRS-HA-ΔTK administered intramuscularly. Discussion These results suggested that intranasal immunization with BoHV-4-BV induced protective immunity and that BoHV-4-BV could be a potential vaccine platform for the protection of other animal species against respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Chan Park
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Byungkwan Oh
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeon-Sik Yang
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Gaeul Ham
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Antonino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Bumseok Kim
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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9
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Di Gregorio E, Romiti C, Di Lorenzo A, Cavallo F, Ferrauto G, Conti L. RGD_PLGA Nanoparticles with Docetaxel: A Route for Improving Drug Efficiency and Reducing Toxicity in Breast Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010008. [PMID: 36612006 PMCID: PMC9817983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Although many therapeutic approaches are available, systemic chemotherapy remains the primary choice, especially for triple-negative and advanced breast cancers. Unfortunately, systemic chemotherapy causes serious side effects and requires high doses to achieve an effective concentration in the tumor. Thus, the use of nanosystems for drug delivery may overcome these limitations. Herein, we formulated Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) containing Docetaxel, a fluorescent probe, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe. The cyclic RGD tripeptide was linked to the PLGA surface to actively target αvβ3 integrins, which are overexpressed in breast cancer. PLGA-NPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, fast field-cycling 1H-relaxometry, and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Their therapeutic effects were assessed both in vitro in triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancer cells, and in vivo in murine models. In vivo MRI and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of excised tumors revealed a stronger accumulation of PLGA-NPs in the RGD_PLGA group. Targeted PLGAs have improved therapeutic efficacy and strongly reduced cardiac side effects compared to free Docetaxel. In conclusion, RGD-PLGA is a promising system for breast cancer treatment, with positive outcome in terms of therapeutic efficiency and reduction in side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enza Di Gregorio
- Correspondence: (E.D.G.); (A.D.L.); Tel.: +39-011-6708459 (E.D.G.); +39-011-6706458 (A.D.L.)
| | | | - Antonino Di Lorenzo
- Correspondence: (E.D.G.); (A.D.L.); Tel.: +39-011-6708459 (E.D.G.); +39-011-6706458 (A.D.L.)
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10
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Ishii T, Mimura I, Nagaoka K, Naito A, Sugasawa T, Kuroda R, Yamada D, Kanki Y, Kume H, Ushiku T, Kakimi K, Tanaka T, Nangaku M. Effect of M2-like macrophages of the injured-kidney cortex on kidney cancer progression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:480. [PMID: 36470862 PMCID: PMC9722672 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects kidney cancer patients' mortality. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. M2-like macrophages have pro-tumor functions, also exist in injured kidney, and promote kidney fibrosis. Thus, it is suspected that M2-like macrophages in injured kidney induce the pro-tumor microenvironment leading to kidney cancer progression. We found that M2-like macrophages present in the injured kidney promoted kidney cancer progression and induced resistance to anti-PD1 antibody through its pro-tumor function and inhibition of CD8+ T cell infiltration. RNA-seq revealed Slc7a11 was upregulated in M2-like macrophages. Inhibition of Slc7a11 with sulfasalazine inhibited the pro-tumor function of M2-like macrophages and synergized with anti-PD1 antibody. Moreover, SLC7A11-positive macrophages were associated with poor prognosis among kidney cancer patients. Collectively, this study dissects the characteristic microenvironment in the injured kidney that contributed to kidney cancer progression and anti-PD1 antibody resistance. This insight offers promising combination therapy with anti-PD1 antibody and macrophage targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Ishii
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDivision of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Imari Mimura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDivision of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Koji Nagaoka
- grid.412708.80000 0004 1764 7572Department of Immunotherapeutics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Akihiro Naito
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDivision of Urology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Takehito Sugasawa
- grid.20515.330000 0001 2369 4728Laboratory of Clinical Examination/Sports Medicine, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3058577 Japan
| | - Ryohei Kuroda
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Pathology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamada
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDivision of Urology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Yasuharu Kanki
- grid.20515.330000 0001 2369 4728Laboratory of Clinical Examination/Sports Medicine, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 3058577 Japan
| | - Haruki Kume
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDivision of Urology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Pathology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kakimi
- grid.412708.80000 0004 1764 7572Department of Immunotherapeutics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Tanaka
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDivision of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 9808574 Japan
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDivision of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 1138655 Japan
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Barutello G, Di Lorenzo A, Gasparetto A, Galiazzi C, Bolli E, Conti L, Cavallo F. Immunotherapy against the Cystine/Glutamate Antiporter xCT Improves the Efficacy of APR-246 in Preclinical Breast Cancer Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2843. [PMID: 36359363 PMCID: PMC9688020 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women. Despite recent clinical advances, new therapeutic approaches are still required. The cystine-glutamate antiporter xCT, encoded by the SLC7A11 gene, which imports cystine in exchange with glutamate, is a potentially new target for breast cancer therapy, being involved in tumor cell redox balance and resistance to therapies. xCT expression is regulated by the oncosuppressor p53, which is mutated in many breast cancers. Indeed, mutant p53 (mut-p53) can induce xCT post-transcriptional down modulation, rendering mut-p53 tumors susceptible to oxidative damage. Interestingly, the drug APR-246, developed to restore the wild-type function of p53 in tumors harboring its mutation, alters the cell redox balance in a p53-independent way, possibly rendering the cells more sensitive to xCT inhibition. Here, we propose a combinatorial treatment based on xCT immunetargeting and APR-246 treatment as a strategy for tackling breast cancer. We demonstrate that combining the inhibition of xCT with the APR-246 drug significantly decreased breast cancer cell viability in vitro and induced apoptosis and affected cancer stem cells' self-renewal compared to the single treatments. Moreover, the immunetargeting of xCT through DNA vaccination in combination with APR-246 treatment synergistically hinders tumor progression and prevents lung metastasis formation in vivo. These effects can be mediated by the production of anti-xCT antibodies that are able to induce the antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity of tumor cells. Overall, we demonstrate that DNA vaccination against xCT can synergize with APR-246 treatment and enhance its therapeutic effect. Thus, APR-246 treatment in combination with xCT immunetargeting may open new perspectives in the management of breast cancer.
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12
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The amino acid transporter SLC7A11-mediated crosstalk implicated in cancer therapy and the tumor microenvironment. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 205:115241. [PMID: 36084707 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), an amino acid transporter protein is frequently overexpressed in human malignancies. The expression and activity of SLC7A11 is finely regulated by oncogenes and tumor suppressors in tumor cells through various mechanisms and is highly specific for cystine and glutamate. Cystine is mainly transported intracellularly by SLC7A11 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and is involved in GSH synthesis, which leads to ferroptosis resistance in tumor cells and promotes tumorigenesis and progression. The downregulation of SLC7A11 presents a unique drug discovery opportunity for ferroptosis-related diseases. Experimental work has shown that the combination of targeting SLC7A11 and tumor immunotherapy triggers ferroptosis more potently. Moreover, immunotargeting of SLC7A11 increases the chemosensitivity of cancer stem cells to doxorubicin, suggesting that it may act as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. Thus, SLC7A11 could be a promising target to overcome resistance mechanisms in conventional cancer treatments. This review provides an overview of the regulatory network of SLC7A11 in the TME and progress in the development of SLC7A11 inhibitors. In addition, we summarize the cytotoxic effects of blocking SLC7A11 in cancer cells, cancer stem cells and immune cells.
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13
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HER2-Displaying M13 Bacteriophages induce Therapeutic Immunity against Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164054. [PMID: 36011047 PMCID: PMC9406369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The high incidence and death rates of breast cancer make the development of new therapies an urgent need. The introduction into the clinic of the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab considerably improved the overall survival and time-to-disease progression of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. However, many patients do not benefit from it because of resistance to therapy. Cancer vaccines, by inducing into the patient an anti-cancer specific immunity, might represent an alternative immunotherapeutic approach, but despite promises, so far no anti-HER2 cancer vaccine has been approved for human use. In this study, we propose therapeutic phage-based vaccines, against HER2 and its aggressive isoform Δ16HER2, able to elicit a protective immunity and potentially capable of preventing relapse in HER2-positive breast cancer patients, even in those who develop trastuzumab resistance. Abstract The advent of trastuzumab has significantly improved the prognosis of HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer patients; nevertheless, drug resistance limits its clinical benefit. Anti-HER2 active immunotherapy represents an attractive alternative strategy, but effective immunization needs to overcome the patient’s immune tolerance against the self-HER2. Phage display technology, taking advantage of phage intrinsic immunogenicity, permits one to generate effective cancer vaccines able to break immune tolerance to self-antigens. In this study, we demonstrate that both preventive and therapeutic vaccination with M13 bacteriophages, displaying the extracellular (EC) and transmembrane (TM) domains of human HER2 or its Δ16HER2 splice variant on their surface (ECTM and Δ16ECTM phages), delayed mammary tumor onset and reduced tumor growth rate and multiplicity in ∆16HER2 transgenic mice, which are tolerant to human ∆16HER2. This antitumor protection correlated with anti-HER2 antibody production. The molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of vaccine-elicited anti-HER2 antibodies were analyzed in vitro against BT-474 human breast cancer cells, sensitive or resistant to trastuzumab. Immunoglobulins (IgG) purified from immune sera reduced cell viability mainly by impairing ERK phosphorylation and reactivating retinoblastoma protein function in both trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant BT-474 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that phage-based HER2 vaccines impair mammary cancer onset and progression, opening new perspectives for HER2+ breast cancer treatment.
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14
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Di Lorenzo A, Bolli E, Ruiu R, Ferrauto G, Di Gregorio E, Avalle L, Savino A, Poggio P, Merighi IF, Riccardo F, Brancaccio M, Quaglino E, Cavallo F, Conti L. Toll-like receptor 2 promotes breast cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2086752. [PMID: 35756841 PMCID: PMC9225225 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2086752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main drivers of disease progression and chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer. Tumor progression and chemoresistance might then be prevented by CSC-targeted therapies. We previously demonstrated that Toll-like Receptor (TLR)2 is overexpressed in CSCs and fuels their self-renewal. Here, we show that high TLR2 expression is linked to poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, therefore representing a candidate target for breast cancer treatment. By using a novel mammary cancer-prone TLR2KO mouse model, we demonstrate that TLR2 is required for CSC pool maintenance and for regulatory T cell induction. Accordingly, cancer-prone TLR2KO mice display delayed tumor onset and increased survival. Transplantation of TLR2WT and TLR2KO cancer cells in either TLR2WT or TLR2KO hosts shows that tumor initiation is mostly sustained by TLR2 expression in cancer cells. TLR2 host deficiency partially impairs cancer cell growth, implying a pro-tumorigenic effect of TLR2 expression in immune cells. Finally, we demonstrate that doxorubicin-induced release of HMGB1 activates TLR2 signaling in cancer cells, leading to a chemotherapy-resistant phenotype. Unprecedented use of TLR2 inhibitors in vivo reduces tumor growth and potentiates doxorubicin efficacy with no negative impact on the host immune system, opening new perspectives for the treatment of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferrauto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enza Di Gregorio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Poggio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Fiore Merighi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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15
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Riccardo F, Tarone L, Camerino M, Giacobino D, Iussich S, Barutello G, Arigoni M, Conti L, Bolli E, Quaglino E, Merighi IF, Morello E, Dentini A, Ferrone S, Buracco P, Cavallo F. Antigen mimicry as an effective strategy to induce CSPG4-targeted immunity in dogs with oral melanoma: a veterinary trial. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004007. [PMID: 35580930 PMCID: PMC9114861 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer in humans. Conventional therapies have limited efficacy, and overall response is still unsatisfactory considering that immune checkpoint inhibitors induce lasting clinical responses only in a low percentage of patients. This has prompted us to develop a vaccination strategy employing the tumor antigen chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)4 as a target. METHODS To overcome the host's unresponsiveness to the self-antigen CSPG4, we have taken advantage of the conservation of CSPG4 sequence through phylogenetic evolution, so we have used a vaccine, based on a chimeric DNA molecule encompassing both human (Hu) and dog (Do) portions of CSPG4 (HuDo-CSPG4). We have tested its safety and immunogenicity (primary objectives), along with its therapeutic efficacy (secondary outcome), in a prospective, non-randomized, veterinary clinical trial enrolling 80 client-owned dogs with surgically resected, CSPG4-positive, stage II-IV oral melanoma. RESULTS Vaccinated dogs developed anti-Do-CSPG4 and Hu-CSPG4 immune response. Interestingly, the antibody titer in vaccinated dogs was significantly associated with the overall survival. Our data suggest that there may be a contribution of the HuDo-CSPG4 vaccination to the improvement of survival of vaccinated dogs as compared with controls treated with conventional therapies alone. CONCLUSIONS HuDo-CSPG4 adjuvant vaccination was safe and immunogenic in dogs with oral melanoma, with potential beneficial effects on the course of the disease. Thanks to the power of naturally occurring canine tumors as predictive models for cancer immunotherapy response, these data may represent a basis for the translation of this approach to the treatment of human patients with CSPG4-positive melanoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Davide Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Fiore Merighi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Morello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Ruiu R, Di Lorenzo A, Cavallo F, Conti L. Are Cancer Stem Cells a Suitable Target for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy? Front Oncol 2022; 12:877384. [PMID: 35530300 PMCID: PMC9069673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.877384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is substantial evidence to suggest that complete tumor eradication relies on the effective elimination of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been widely described as mediators of resistance to conventional therapies, including chemo- and radiotherapy, as well as of tumor metastasization and relapse in different tumor types, including breast cancer. However, the resistant phenotype of CSCs makes their targeting a tough task, and immunotherapy may therefore be an interesting option. Nevertheless, although immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment have generated great enthusiasm due to recent success in clinics, breast cancer treatment mostly relies on standard approaches. In this context, we review the existing literature on the immunological properties of breast CSC and immunotherapeutic approaches to them. We will thus attempt to clarify whether there is room for the immunotargeting of breast CSCs in the current landscape of breast cancer therapies. Finally, we will provide our opinion on the CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies that could prospectively be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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17
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Macagno M, Bandini S, Bolli E, Bello A, Riccardo F, Barutello G, Merighi IF, Forni G, Lamolinara A, Del Pizzo F, Iezzi M, Cavallo F, Conti L, Quaglino E. Role of ADCC, CDC, and CDCC in Vaccine-Mediated Protection against Her2 Mammary Carcinogenesis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020230. [PMID: 35203439 PMCID: PMC8869482 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Amplification or mutation of the Her2 oncoantigen in human mammary glands leads to the development of an aggressive breast carcinoma. Several features of this breast carcinoma are reproduced in mammary carcinomas that spontaneously arise in female transgenic mice bearing the activated rat Her2 oncogene under transcriptional control of the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter-BALB-neuT (neuT) mice. We previously demonstrated that carcinoma progression in neuT mice can be prevented by DNA vaccination with RHuT, a plasmid coding for a chimeric rat/human Her2 protein. RHuT vaccination exerts an antitumor effect, mostly mediated by the induction of a strong anti-rat Her2 antibody response. IgG induced by RHuT vaccine mainly acts by blocking Her2 signaling, thus impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, but other indirect effector mechanisms could be involved in the antibody-mediated protection. The recruitment of cells with perforin-dependent cytotoxic activity, able to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, has already been investigated. Less is known about the role of the complement system in sustaining antitumor response through complement-dependent cytotoxicity and cellular cytotoxicity in vaccinated mice. This work highlights that the weight of such mechanisms in RHuT-induced cancer protection is different in transplantable versus autochthonous Her2+ tumor models. These results may shed new light on the effector mechanisms involved in antibody-dependent anti-cancer responses, which might be exploited to ameliorate the therapy of Her2+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Macagno
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Silvio Bandini
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Amanda Bello
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Irene Fiore Merighi
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Guido Forni
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- CAST-Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.L.); (F.D.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Francesco Del Pizzo
- CAST-Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.L.); (F.D.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- CAST-Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.L.); (F.D.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (L.C.); (E.Q.)
| | - Laura Conti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (L.C.); (E.Q.)
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.M.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (A.B.); (F.R.); (G.B.); (I.F.M.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (L.C.); (E.Q.)
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18
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Tang X, Chen W, Liu H, Liu N, Chen D, Tian D, Wang J. Research progress on SLC7A11 in the regulation of cystine/cysteine metabolism in tumors. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:47. [PMID: 34992680 PMCID: PMC8721856 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) is a major transporter regulating cysteine metabolism and is widely expressed in a variety of tumor cells. SLC7A11 plays an important role in the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of tumors by regulating the transport of cysteine in the tumor microenvironment. SLC7A11 is expected to become a new therapeutic target and prognostic indicator for the individualized treatment of patients. According to relevant research reports, SLC7A11 can predict the stages and metastasis of liver, breast and lung cancer. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of the role of SLC7A11 in tumors may be important for the screening, early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with tumors. The current review summarizes the research progress on SLC7A11 in liver cancer, lung cancer and other tumors on the basis of previous primary studies. In addition, the present review systematically elaborates on the three main aspects of SLC7A11 pathways in some tumors, the cancer-promoting mechanisms, and the therapeutic relationship between SLC7A11 and tumors. Finally, the present review aims to provide a reference for assessing whether SLC7A11 can be used as a prognostic indicator and treatment target for tumor patients, and the future research direction with regard to SLC7A11 in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Tang
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
| | - Na Liu
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Deyu Chen
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Dalong Tian
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
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19
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Parida PK, Marquez-Palencia M, Nair V, Kaushik AK, Kim K, Sudderth J, Quesada-Diaz E, Cajigas A, Vemireddy V, Gonzalez-Ericsson PI, Sanders ME, Mobley BC, Huffman K, Sahoo S, Alluri P, Lewis C, Peng Y, Bachoo RM, Arteaga CL, Hanker AB, DeBerardinis RJ, Malladi S. Metabolic diversity within breast cancer brain-tropic cells determines metastatic fitness. Cell Metab 2022; 34:90-105.e7. [PMID: 34986341 PMCID: PMC9307073 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
HER2+ breast cancer patients are presented with either synchronous (S-BM), latent (Lat), or metachronous (M-BM) brain metastases. However, the basis for disparate metastatic fitness among disseminated tumor cells of similar oncotype within a distal organ remains unknown. Here, employing brain metastatic models, we show that metabolic diversity and plasticity within brain-tropic cells determine metastatic fitness. Lactate secreted by aggressive metastatic cells or lactate supplementation to mice bearing Lat cells limits innate immunosurveillance and triggers overt metastasis. Attenuating lactate metabolism in S-BM impedes metastasis, while M-BM adapt and survive as residual disease. In contrast to S-BM, Lat and M-BM survive in equilibrium with innate immunosurveillance, oxidize glutamine, and maintain cellular redox homeostasis through the anionic amino acid transporter xCT. Moreover, xCT expression is significantly higher in matched M-BM brain metastatic samples compared to primary tumors from HER2+ breast cancer patients. Inhibiting xCT function attenuates residual disease and recurrence in these preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravat Kumar Parida
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mauricio Marquez-Palencia
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vidhya Nair
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Akash K Kaushik
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kangsan Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jessica Sudderth
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Quesada-Diaz
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ambar Cajigas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vamsidhara Vemireddy
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Paula I Gonzalez-Ericsson
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Melinda E Sanders
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bret C Mobley
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kenneth Huffman
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sunati Sahoo
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Prasanna Alluri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cheryl Lewis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Robert M Bachoo
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Carlos L Arteaga
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ariella B Hanker
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ralph J DeBerardinis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Srinivas Malladi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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20
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Flow Cytometry for Beginners: Hints and Tips for Approaching the Very First Single-Cell Technique. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2386:27-41. [PMID: 34766263 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1771-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While many single-cell proteomics techniques have been rapidly developed over the past decade, flow cytometry still remains the pillar of single-cell protein analysis, as it allows to rapidly analyze and characterize protein expression in millions of cells.In this chapter, we will describe the main steps to prepare and acquire samples for flow cytometry, with particular focus on the setup of the right controls that are instrumental in analyzing and interpreting the results.
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21
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Butler M, van der Meer LT, van Leeuwen FN. Amino Acid Depletion Therapies: Starving Cancer Cells to Death. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:367-381. [PMID: 33795176 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Targeting tumor cell metabolism is an attractive form of therapy, as it may enhance treatment response in therapy resistant cancers as well as mitigate treatment-related toxicities by reducing the need for genotoxic agents. To meet their increased demand for biomass accumulation and energy production and to maintain redox homeostasis, tumor cells undergo profound changes in their metabolism. In addition to the diversion of glucose metabolism, this is achieved by upregulation of amino acid metabolism. Interfering with amino acid availability can be selectively lethal to tumor cells and has proven to be a cancer specific Achilles' heel. Here we review the biology behind such cancer specific amino acid dependencies and discuss how these vulnerabilities can be exploited to improve cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Butler
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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22
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Yang T, Yang Y, Wang Y. Predictive biomarkers and potential drug combinations of epi-drugs in cancer therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:113. [PMID: 34001246 PMCID: PMC8130364 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics studies heritable genomic modifications that occur with the participation of epigenetic modifying enzymes but without alterations of the nucleotide structure. Small-molecule inhibitors of these epigenetic modifying enzymes are known as epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs), which can cause programmed death of tumor cells by affecting the cell cycle, angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration. Epi-drugs include histone methylation inhibitors, histone demethylation inhibitors, histone deacetylation inhibitors, and DNA methylation inhibitors. Currently, epi-drugs undergo extensive development, research, and application. Although epi-drugs have convincing anti-tumor effects, the patient's sensitivity to epi-drug application is also a fundamental clinical issue. The development and research of biomarkers for epi-drugs provide a promising direction for screening drug-sensitive patients. Here, we review the predictive biomarkers of 12 epi-drugs as well as the progress of combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs or immunotherapy. Further, we discuss the improvement in the development of natural ingredients with low toxicity and low side effects as epi-drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yunkai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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23
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Endogenous hydrogen sulfide regulates xCT stability through persulfidation of OTUB1 at cysteine 91 in colon cancer cells. Neoplasia 2021; 23:461-472. [PMID: 33878705 PMCID: PMC8081877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased xCT and transsulfuration pathway has been associated with metabolic reprogramming of colorectal cancer. However, the correlation between these 2 events and the underlying molecular mechanism remains obscure. xCT expression was determined in tissue microarrays of colorectal cancer. RNA sequencing and functional assays in vitro was adopted to delineate the involvement of transsulfuration pathway in the proper function of xCT in maintaining the chemoresistant phenotype. The synthetic lethality of blocking xCT and the transsulfuration pathway was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The up-regulation of the transsulfuration pathway after inhibiting xCT in colon cancer cells was evident and exogenous H2S partially reversed the loss of chemoresistance phenotype after inhibiting xCT. Mechanistically, CTH derived H2S increased the stability of xCT through persulfidation of OTU domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein 1 at cysteine 91. AOAA and Erastin resulted in synthetic lethality both in vitro and in vivo, which was mediated through increased ferroptosis and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that a reciprocal regulation exists between xCT and the transsulfuration pathway, which is a targetable metabolic vulnerability. Mechanistically, CTH derived H2S increased the stability of xCT through persulfidation of OTU domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein 1 at cysteine 91.
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24
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Salemme V, Centonze G, Cavallo F, Defilippi P, Conti L. The Crosstalk Between Tumor Cells and the Immune Microenvironment in Breast Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:610303. [PMID: 33777750 PMCID: PMC7991834 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.610303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer progression is a complex process controlled by genetic and epigenetic factors that coordinate the crosstalk between tumor cells and the components of tumor microenvironment (TME). Among those, the immune cells play a dual role during cancer onset and progression, as they can protect from tumor progression by killing immunogenic neoplastic cells, but in the meanwhile can also shape tumor immunogenicity, contributing to tumor escape. The complex interplay between cancer and the immune TME influences the outcome of immunotherapy and of many other anti-cancer therapies. Herein, we present an updated view of the pro- and anti-tumor activities of the main immune cell populations present in breast TME, such as T and NK cells, myeloid cells, innate lymphoid cells, mast cells and eosinophils, and of the underlying cytokine-, cell–cell contact- and microvesicle-based mechanisms. Moreover, current and novel therapeutic options that can revert the immunosuppressive activity of breast TME will be discussed. To this end, clinical trials assessing the efficacy of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells, cancer vaccination, immunogenic cell death-inducing chemotherapy, DNA methyl transferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors, cytokines or their inhibitors and other immunotherapies in breast cancer patients will be reviewed. The knowledge of the complex interplay that elapses between tumor and immune cells, and of the experimental therapies targeting it, would help to develop new combination treatments able to overcome tumor immune evasion mechanisms and optimize clinical benefit of current immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Salemme
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Centonze
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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25
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Nooraei S, Bahrulolum H, Hoseini ZS, Katalani C, Hajizade A, Easton AJ, Ahmadian G. Virus-like particles: preparation, immunogenicity and their roles as nanovaccines and drug nanocarriers. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:59. [PMID: 33632278 PMCID: PMC7905985 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are virus-derived structures made up of one or more different molecules with the ability to self-assemble, mimicking the form and size of a virus particle but lacking the genetic material so they are not capable of infecting the host cell. Expression and self-assembly of the viral structural proteins can take place in various living or cell-free expression systems after which the viral structures can be assembled and reconstructed. VLPs are gaining in popularity in the field of preventive medicine and to date, a wide range of VLP-based candidate vaccines have been developed for immunization against various infectious agents, the latest of which is the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the efficacy of which is being evaluated. VLPs are highly immunogenic and are able to elicit both the antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses by pathways different from those elicited by conventional inactivated viral vaccines. However, there are still many challenges to this surface display system that need to be addressed in the future. VLPs that are classified as subunit vaccines are subdivided into enveloped and non- enveloped subtypes both of which are discussed in this review article. VLPs have also recently received attention for their successful applications in targeted drug delivery and for use in gene therapy. The development of more effective and targeted forms of VLP by modification of the surface of the particles in such a way that they can be introduced into specific cells or tissues or increase their half-life in the host is likely to expand their use in the future. Recent advances in the production and fabrication of VLPs including the exploration of different types of expression systems for their development, as well as their applications as vaccines in the prevention of infectious diseases and cancers resulting from their interaction with, and mechanism of activation of, the humoral and cellular immune systems are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghi Nooraei
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Howra Bahrulolum
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Zakieh Sadat Hoseini
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Camellia Katalani
- Sari Agriculture Science and Natural Resource University (SANRU), Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajizade
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrew J Easton
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Gholamreza Ahmadian
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran.
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26
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Magri J, Gasparetto A, Conti L, Calautti E, Cossu C, Ruiu R, Barutello G, Cavallo F. Tumor-Associated Antigen xCT and Mutant-p53 as Molecular Targets for New Combinatorial Antitumor Strategies. Cells 2021; 10:108. [PMID: 33430127 PMCID: PMC7827209 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT is a tumor-associated antigen that has been newly identified in many cancer types. By participating in glutathione biosynthesis, xCT protects cancer cells from oxidative stress conditions and ferroptosis, and contributes to metabolic reprogramming, thus promoting tumor progression and chemoresistance. Moreover, xCT is overexpressed in cancer stem cells. These features render xCT a promising target for cancer therapy, as has been widely reported in the literature and in our work on its immunotargeting. Interestingly, studies on the TP53 gene have revealed that both wild-type and mutant p53 induce the post-transcriptional down modulation of xCT, contributing to ferroptosis. Moreover, APR-246, a small molecule drug that can restore wild-type p53 function in cancer cells, has been described as an indirect modulator of xCT expression in tumors with mutant p53 accumulation, and is thus a promising drug to use in combination with xCT inhibition. This review summarizes the current knowledge of xCT and its regulation by p53, with a focus on the crosstalk of these two molecules in ferroptosis, and also considers some possible combinatorial strategies that can make use of APR-246 treatment in combination with anti-xCT immunotargeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-011-670-6458 (G.B.); +39-011-670-6457 (F.C.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-011-670-6458 (G.B.); +39-011-670-6457 (F.C.)
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Toll-Like Receptor 2 at the Crossroad between Cancer Cells, the Immune System, and the Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249418. [PMID: 33321934 PMCID: PMC7763461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expressed on myeloid cells mediates the recognition of harmful molecules belonging to invading pathogens or host damaged tissues, leading to inflammation. For this ability to activate immune responses, TLR2 has been considered a player in anti-cancer immunity. Therefore, TLR2 agonists have been used as adjuvants for anti-cancer immunotherapies. However, TLR2 is also expressed on neoplastic cells from different malignancies and promotes their proliferation through activation of the myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway. Furthermore, its activation on regulatory immune cells may contribute to the generation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and of the pre-metastatic niche, promoting cancer progression. Thus, TLR2 represents a double-edge sword, whose role in cancer needs to be carefully understood for the setup of effective therapies. In this review, we discuss the divergent effects induced by TLR2 activation in different immune cell populations, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells. Moreover, we analyze the stimuli that lead to its activation in the tumor microenvironment, addressing the role of danger, pathogen, and microbiota-associated molecular patterns and their modulation during cancer treatments. This information will contribute to the scientific debate on the use of TLR2 agonists or antagonists in cancer treatment and pave the way for new therapeutic avenues.
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28
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Quaglino E, Cavallo F, Conti L. Cancer stem cell antigens as targets for new combined anti-cancer therapies. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 129:105861. [PMID: 33031926 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has ushered in a new, golden age for cancer immunotherapy. However, their clinical success remains limited in several solid cancer types because of the low intrinsic immunogenicity of tumors and the development of immune escape mechanisms. Cancer stem cells (CSC), a small population of cancer cells that are responsible for tumor onset, metastatic spread and relapse after treatment, play a pivotal role in resistance to ICIs. The development of novel therapies that can target CSCs would thus improve the outcomes of current immunotherapy regimens. In this light, vaccines that target CSCs are a promising strategy. This paper briefly describes the immunologic properties of CSCs and their antigenic profile, and reviews current preclinical and clinical approaches that combine CSC-targeting vaccines with different synergistic therapies for the development of more effective antineoplastic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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