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Markotić A, Omerović J, Marijan S, Režić-Mužinić N, Čikeš Čulić V. Biochemical Pathways Delivering Distinct Glycosphingolipid Patterns in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:10200-10217. [PMID: 39329960 PMCID: PMC11430773 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46090608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex structure of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) supports their important role in cell function as modulators of growth factor receptors and glutamine transporters in plasma membranes. The aberrant composition of clustered GSLs within signaling platforms, so-called lipid rafts, inevitably leads to tumorigenesis due to disturbed growth factor signal transduction and excessive uptake of glutamine and other molecules needed for increased energy and structural molecule cell supply. GSLs are also involved in plasma membrane processes such as cell adhesion, and their transition converts cells from epithelial to mesenchymal with features required for cell migration and metastasis. Glutamine activates the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), resulting in nucleotide synthesis and proliferation. In addition, glutamine contributes to the cancer stem cell GD2 ganglioside-positive phenotype in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivative possesses higher cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 than against MCF-7 cells and induces a shift to aerobic metabolism and a decrease in S(6)nLc4Cer GSL-positive cancer stem cells in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. In this review, we discuss findings in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and other breast cancer cell lines concerning their differences in growth factor receptors and recent knowledge of the main biochemical pathways delivering distinct glycosphingolipid patterns during tumorigenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Markotić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Jasminka Omerović
- Department of Immunology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Sandra Marijan
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Režić-Mužinić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Čikeš Čulić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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2
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Gu X, Wei S, Lv X. Circulating tumor cells: from new biological insights to clinical practice. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:226. [PMID: 39218931 PMCID: PMC11366768 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01938-6] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary reason for high mortality rates among cancer patients is metastasis, where tumor cells migrate through the bloodstream from the original site to other parts of the body. Recent advancements in technology have significantly enhanced our comprehension of the mechanisms behind the bloodborne spread of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). One critical process, DNA methylation, regulates gene expression and chromosome stability, thus maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the body. Global hypomethylation and locus-specific hypermethylation are examples of changes in DNA methylation patterns that are pivotal to carcinogenesis. This comprehensive review first provides an overview of the various processes that contribute to the formation of CTCs, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune surveillance, and colonization. We then conduct an in-depth analysis of how modifications in DNA methylation within CTCs impact each of these critical stages during CTC dissemination. Furthermore, we explored potential clinical implications of changes in DNA methylation in CTCs for patients with cancer. By understanding these epigenetic modifications, we can gain insights into the metastatic process and identify new biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and targeted therapies. This review aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, highlighting the significance of DNA methylation in the context of cancer metastasis and offering new avenues for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyou Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Jia W, Yuan J, Zhang J, Li S, Lin W, Cheng B. Bioactive sphingolipids as emerging targets for signal transduction in cancer development. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189176. [PMID: 39233263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189176] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Sphingolipids, crucial components of cellular membranes, play a vital role in maintaining cellular structure and signaling integrity. Disruptions in sphingolipid metabolism are increasingly implicated in cancer development. Key bioactive sphingolipids, such as ceramides, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), and glycosphingolipids, profoundly impact tumor biology. They influence the behavior of tumor cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, affecting tumor aggressiveness, angiogenesis, immune modulation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Furthermore, abnormal expression of sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes modulates the secretion of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEs), which are key players in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and facilitating oncogenic signaling within in situ tumors and distant pre-metastatic niches (PMNs). Understanding the role of sphingolipids in the biogenesis of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEs) and their bioactive contents can pave the way for new biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis, ultimately enhancing comprehensive tumor treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China
| | - Jiaying Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jinbo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center, Joint Logistics Support Force, Tianjin 300000, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Wanfu Lin
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China.
| | - Binbin Cheng
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China.
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4
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Kamalabadi Farahani M, Farjadmehr M, Atashi A, Momeni A, Behzadifard M. Concise review: breast cancer stems cells and their role in metastases. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:5266-5275. [PMID: 39238997 PMCID: PMC11374310 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000002270] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have been suggested to be responsible for the development of Breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to evaluate BCSCs and the target organs microenvironment immunophenotyping markers in common BC metastases, and therapeutic targets regarding to the mentioned criteria. Material and methods This narrative review involved searching international databases; PubMed, Google Scholar using predetermined keywords including breast cancer, breast cancer stem cells, breast cancer metastases, immunophenotyping, immunohistochemistry and metastases. The search results were assessed based on the title, abstract, and full text of the articles, and relevant findings were included in the review. Results BCSCs express high amounts of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), Ganglioside 2 (GD2), CD44 and CD133 but are negative for CD24 marker. CXCR4 and OPN have high expression in the cells and may contribute in BC metastasis to the bone. Nestin, CK5, prominin-1 (CD133) markers in BCSCs have been reported to correlate with brain metastasis. High expression of CD44 in BCSCs and CXCL12 expression in the liver microenvironment may contribute to BC metastasis to the liver. Aberrantly expressed vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) that binds to collagen and elastin fibers on pulmonary parenchyma, and CXCR4 of BCSCs and CXCL12 in lung microenvironment may promote the cells homing and metastasis to lung. Conclusion As in various types of BC metastases different markers that expressed by the cells and target organ microenvironment are responsible, BCSCs immunophenotyping can be used as target markers to predict the disease prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amir Atashi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences
| | - Alireza Momeni
- Department of hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine
| | - Mahin Behzadifard
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
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5
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Procházková J, Fedr R, Hradilová B, Kvokačková B, Slavík J, Kováč O, Machala M, Fabian P, Navrátil J, Kráčalíková S, Levková M, Ovesná P, Bouchal J, Souček K. Single-cell profiling of surface glycosphingolipids opens a new dimension for deconvolution of breast cancer intratumoral heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100609. [PMID: 39084491 PMCID: PMC11405820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100609] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycosylated sphingolipids (GSLs) are a diverse group of cellular lipids typically reported as being rare in normal mammary tissue. In breast cancer (BCa), GSLs have emerged as noteworthy markers associated with breast cancer stem cells, mediators of phenotypic plasticity, and contributors to cancer cell chemoresistance. GSLs are potential surface markers that can uniquely characterize the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cell subpopulations and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). In this study, mass spectrometry analyses of the total sphingolipidome in breast epithelial cells and their mesenchymal counterparts revealed increased levels of Gb3 in epithelial cells and significantly elevated GD2 levels in the mesenchymal phenotype. To elucidate if GSL-related epitopes on BCa cell surfaces reflect EMP and cancer status, we developed and rigorously validated a 12-color spectral flow cytometry panel. This panel enables the simultaneous detection of native GSL epitopes (Gb3, SSEA1, SSEA3, SSEA4, and GD2), epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (EpCAM, TROP2, and CD9), and lineage markers (CD45, CD31, and CD90) at the single-cell level. Next, the established panel was used for the analysis of BCa primary tumors and revealed surface heterogeneity in SSEA1, SSEA3, SSEA4, GD2, and Gb3, indicative of native epitope presence also on non-tumor cells. These findings further highlighted the phenotype-dependent alterations in GSL surface profiles, with differences between epithelial and stromal cells in the tumor. This study provides novel insights into BCa heterogeneity, shedding light on the potential of native GSL-related epitopes as markers for EMP and cancer status in fresh clinical samples. The developed single-cell approach offers promising avenues for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Radek Fedr
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hradilová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Kvokačková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Slavík
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Kováč
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Fabian
- Breast Cancer Centre, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Prostate Cancer Centre, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Navrátil
- Prostate Cancer Centre, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Kráčalíková
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Levková
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Ovesná
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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6
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King-Lyons ND, Bhati AS, Hu JC, Mandell LM, Shenoy GN, Willison HJ, Connell TD. A Novel Cytotoxic Mechanism for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Induced by the Type II Heat-Labile Enterotoxin LT-IIc through Ganglioside Ligation. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:311. [PMID: 39057951 PMCID: PMC11281474 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16070311] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which constitutes 10-20 percent of all breast cancers, is aggressive, has high metastatic potential, and carries a poor prognosis due to limited treatment options. LT-IIc, a member of the type II subfamily of ADP-ribosylating-heat-labile enterotoxins that bind to a distinctive set of cell-surface ganglioside receptors-is cytotoxic toward TNBC cell lines, but has no cytotoxic activity for non-transformed breast epithelial cells. Here, primary TNBC cells, isolated from resected human tumors, showed an enhanced cytotoxic response specifically toward LT-IIc, in contrast to other enterotoxins that were tested. MDA-MB-231 cells, a model for TNBC, were used to evaluate potential mechanisms of cytotoxicity by LT-IIc, which induced elevated intracellular cAMP and stimulated the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. To dissect the role of ADP-ribosylation, cAMP induction, and ganglioside ligation in the cytotoxic response, MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to wild-type LT-IIc, the recombinant B-pentamer of LT-IIc that lacks the ADP-ribosylating A polypeptide, or mutants of LT-IIc with an enzymatically inactivated A1-domain. These experiments revealed that the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of LT-IIc was nonessential for inducing the lethality of MDA-MB-231 cells. In contrast, a mutant LT-IIc with an altered ganglioside binding activity failed to trigger a cytotoxic response in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of ganglioside expression protected MDA-MB-231 cells from the cytotoxic effects of LT-IIc. These data establish that ganglioside ligation, but not the induction of cAMP production nor ADP-ribosyltransferase activity, is essential to initiating the LT-IIc-dependent cell death of MDA-MB-231 cells. These experiments unveiled previously unknown properties of LT-IIc and gangliosides in signal transduction, offering the potential for the targeted treatment of TNBC, an option that is desperately needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie D. King-Lyons
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (N.D.K.-L.); (A.S.B.); (L.M.M.); (G.N.S.)
| | - Aryana S. Bhati
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (N.D.K.-L.); (A.S.B.); (L.M.M.); (G.N.S.)
| | - John C. Hu
- The Witebsky Center for Microbiology and Immunology, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Lorrie M. Mandell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (N.D.K.-L.); (A.S.B.); (L.M.M.); (G.N.S.)
| | - Gautam N. Shenoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (N.D.K.-L.); (A.S.B.); (L.M.M.); (G.N.S.)
- The Witebsky Center for Microbiology and Immunology, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
| | - Hugh J. Willison
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | - Terry D. Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (N.D.K.-L.); (A.S.B.); (L.M.M.); (G.N.S.)
- The Witebsky Center for Microbiology and Immunology, The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
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7
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Bhat AM, Mohapatra BC, Luan H, Mushtaq I, Chakraborty S, Kumar S, Wu W, Nolan B, Dutta S, Storck MD, Schott M, Meza JL, Lele SM, Lin MF, Cook LM, Corey E, Morrissey C, Coulter DW, Rowley MJ, Natarajan A, Datta K, Band V, Band H. GD2 and its biosynthetic enzyme GD3 synthase promote tumorigenesis in prostate cancer by regulating cancer stem cell behavior. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13523. [PMID: 38866755 PMCID: PMC11169677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60052-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
While better management of loco-regional prostate cancer (PC) has greatly improved survival, advanced PC remains a major cause of cancer deaths. Identification of novel targetable pathways that contribute to tumor progression in PC could open new therapeutic options. The di-ganglioside GD2 is a target of FDA-approved antibody therapies in neuroblastoma, but the role of GD2 in PC is unexplored. Here, we show that GD2 is expressed in a small subpopulation of PC cells in a subset of patients and a higher proportion of metastatic tumors. Variable levels of cell surface GD2 expression were seen on many PC cell lines, and the expression was highly upregulated by experimental induction of lineage progression or enzalutamide resistance in CRPC cell models. GD2high cell fraction was enriched upon growth of PC cells as tumorspheres and GD2high fraction was enriched in tumorsphere-forming ability. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (KO) of the rate-limiting GD2 biosynthetic enzyme GD3 Synthase (GD3S) in GD2high CRPC cell models markedly impaired the in vitro oncogenic traits and growth as bone-implanted xenograft tumors and reduced the cancer stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression. Our results support the potential role of GD3S and its product GD2 in promoting PC tumorigenesis by maintaining cancer stem cells and suggest the potential for GD2 targeting in advanced PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaqib M Bhat
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Bhopal C Mohapatra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Haitao Luan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Insha Mushtaq
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Sukanya Chakraborty
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Siddhartha Kumar
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Wangbin Wu
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Ben Nolan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Samikshan Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Matthew D Storck
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Micah Schott
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jane L Meza
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Subodh M Lele
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ming-Fong Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Leah M Cook
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Colm Morrissey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Donald W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - M Jordan Rowley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kaustubh Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vimla Band
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Hamid Band
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, 985805 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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8
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Zhou L, Yu CW. Epigenetic modulations in triple-negative breast cancer: Therapeutic implications for tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107205. [PMID: 38719195 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107205] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and lacks HER2 overexpression. This absence of critical molecular targets poses significant challenges for conventional therapies. Immunotherapy, remarkably immune checkpoint blockade, offers promise for TNBC treatment, but its efficacy remains limited. Epigenetic dysregulation, including altered DNA methylation, histone modifications, and imbalances in regulators such as BET proteins, plays a crucial role in TNBC development and resistance to treatment. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters and the imbalance of histone methyltransferases such as EZH2 and histone deacetylases (HDACs) profoundly influence tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. In addition, epigenetic alterations critically shape the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cell composition, cytokine signaling, and immune checkpoint expression, ultimately contributing to immune evasion. Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms with specific inhibitors such as EZH2 and HDAC inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy represents a compelling strategy to remodel the TME, potentially overcoming immune evasion and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in TNBC. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate the current understanding of epigenetic modulation in TNBC, its influence on the TME, and the potential of combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy to overcome the challenges posed by this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhou
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chen-Wei Yu
- Department of Statistics and Information Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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9
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Verhaar ER, van Keizerswaard WJC, Knoflook A, Balligand T, Ploegh HL. Nanobody-based CAR NK cells for possible immunotherapy of MICA + tumors. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae184. [PMID: 38756234 PMCID: PMC11096969 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The glycoproteins MICA and MICB are upregulated on the surface of cells undergoing stress, for instance due to (viral) infection or malignant transformation. MICA/B are the ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D, found on cytotoxic immune cells like NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells. Upon engagement of NKG2D, these cells are activated to eradicate the MICA/B-positive targets, assisted by the secretion of cytokines. Nanobodies, or VHHs, are derived from the variable regions of camelid heavy-chain only immunoglobulins. Nanobodies are characterized by their small size, ease of production, stability, and specificity of recognition. We generated nanobodies that recognize membrane-bound MICA with high affinity. Here, we use these nanobodies as building blocks for a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to establish VHH-based CAR NK cells. These anti-MICA nanobody-based CAR NK cells recognize and selectively kill MICA-positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. We track localization of the VHH-based CAR NK cells to MICA-positive lung metastases by immuno-positron emission tomography imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha R Verhaar
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anouk Knoflook
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas Balligand
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hidde L Ploegh
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Mikhailov A, Sankai Y. Apoptosis in Postmortal Tissues of Goat Spinal Cords and Survival of Resident Neural Progenitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4683. [PMID: 38731901 PMCID: PMC11083117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094683] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing demand for therapeutic tissue repair recurrently focusses scientists' attention on critical assessment of postmortal collection of live cells, especially stem cells. Our study aimed to assess the survival of neuronal progenitors in postmortal spinal cord and their differentiation potential. Postmortal samples of spinal cords were obtained from human-sized animals (goats) at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 54 h after slaughter. Samples were studied by immunohistology, differentiation assay, Western blot and flow cytometry for the presence and location of GD2-positive neural progenitors and their susceptibility to cell death. TUNEL staining of the goat spinal cord samples over 6-54 h postmortem revealed no difference in the number of positive cells per cross-section. Many TUNEL-positive cells were located in the gray commissure around the central canal of the spinal cord; no increase in TUNEL-positive cells was recorded in either posterior or anterior horns of the gray matter where many GD2-positive neural progenitors can be found. The active caspase 3 amount as measured by Western blot at the same intervals was moderately increasing over time. Neuronal cells were enriched by magnetic separation with antibodies against CD24; among them, the GD2-positive neural progenitor subpopulation did not overlap with apoptotic cells having high pan-caspase activity. Apoptotic cell death events are relatively rare in postmortal spinal cords and are not increased in areas of the neural progenitor cell's location, within measured postmortal intervals, or among the CD24/GD2-positive cells. Data from our study suggest postmortal spinal cords as a valuable source for harvesting highly viable allogenic neural progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Mikhailov
- Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8573, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Sankai
- Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8573, Japan;
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11
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Amorós-Pérez B, Rivas-Pardo B, Gómez del Moral M, Subiza JL, Martínez-Naves E. State of the Art in CAR-T Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors: Is There a Sweeter Future? Cells 2024; 13:725. [PMID: 38727261 PMCID: PMC11083689 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has proven to be a powerful treatment for hematological malignancies. The situation is very different in the case of solid tumors, for which no CAR-T-based therapy has yet been approved. There are many factors contributing to the absence of response in solid tumors to CAR-T cells, such as the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), T cell exhaustion, or the lack of suitable antigen targets, which should have a stable and specific expression on tumor cells. Strategies being developed to improve CAR-T-based therapy for solid tumors include the use of new-generation CARs such as TRUCKs or bi-specific CARs, the combination of CAR therapy with chemo- or radiotherapy, the use of checkpoint inhibitors, and the use of oncolytic viruses. Furthermore, despite the scarcity of targets, a growing number of phase I/II clinical trials are exploring new solid-tumor-associated antigens. Most of these antigens are of a protein nature; however, there is a clear potential in identifying carbohydrate-type antigens associated with tumors, or carbohydrate and proteoglycan antigens that emerge because of aberrant glycosylations occurring in the context of tumor transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Amorós-Pérez
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.A.-P.); (B.R.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Inmunotek S.L., 28805 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Benigno Rivas-Pardo
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.A.-P.); (B.R.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Gómez del Moral
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Eduardo Martínez-Naves
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.A.-P.); (B.R.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Bhat AM, Mohapatra BC, Luan H, Mushtaq I, Chakraborty S, Kumar S, Wu W, Nolan B, Dutta S, Stock MD, Schott M, Meza JL, Lele SM, Lin MF, Cook LM, Corey E, Morrissey C, Coulter DW, Rowley J, Natarajan A, Datta K, Band V, Band H. GD2 and its biosynthetic enzyme GD3 synthase promote tumorigenesis in prostate cancer by regulating cancer stem cell behavior. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.18.533299. [PMID: 36993422 PMCID: PMC10055271 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.18.533299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
While better management of loco-regional prostate cancer (PC) has greatly improved survival, advanced PC remains a major cause of cancer deaths. Identification of novel targetable pathways that contribute to tumor progression in PC could open new therapeutic options. The di-ganglioside GD2 is a target of FDA-approved antibody therapies in neuroblastoma, but the role of GD2 in PC is unexplored. Here, we show that GD2 is expressed in a small subpopulation of PC cells in a subset of patients and a higher proportion of metastatic tumors. Variable levels of cell surface GD2 expression were seen on many PC cell lines, and the expression was highly upregulated by experimental induction of lineage progression or enzalutamide resistance in CRPC cell models. GD2high cell fraction was enriched upon growth of PC cells as tumorspheres and GD2high fraction was enriched in tumorsphere-forming ability. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (KO) of the rate-limiting GD2 biosynthetic enzyme GD3 Synthase (GD3S) in GD2high CRPC cell models markedly impaired the in vitro oncogenic traits and growth as bone-implanted xenograft tumors and reduced the cancer stem cell (CSC) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. Our results support the potential role of GD3S and its product GD2 in promoting PC tumorigenesis by maintaining cancer stem cells and suggest the potential for GD2 targeting in advanced PC.
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13
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Che-Hsing L, Sharma S, Heczey AA, Steffin DH, Louis CU, Grilley BJ, Thakkar SG, Wu M, Wang T, Rooney CM, Brenner MK, Heslop HE. Eighteen-year survival after GD2-directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified Immune Effector Cell Treatment for Neuroblastoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4232549. [PMID: 38659815 PMCID: PMC11042400 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4232549/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
We report long-term outcomes up to 18 years of a clinical trial treating children with neuroblastoma with EBV-specific T lymphocytes and CD3-activated T cells - each expressing a first-generation chimeric antigen receptor targeting GD2 with barcoded transgenes to allow tracking of each population. Of 11 patients with active disease at infusion, three patients achieved a complete response that was sustained in 2, one for 8 years until lost to follow up and one for 18+ years. Of eight patients with a history of relapse or at high risk of recurrence, five are disease-free at their last follow-up between 10-14 years post-infusion. Intermittent low levels of transgene were detected during the follow up period with significantly greater persistence in those who were long-term survivors. In conclusion, patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma achieved long-term disease control after receiving GD2 CAR-T cell therapy including one patient now in remission of relapsed disease for >18 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Che-Hsing
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Program in Immunology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Sandhya Sharma
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
| | - Andras A. Heczey
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - David H.M. Steffin
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Chrystal U. Louis
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
| | - Bambi J. Grilley
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Sachin G. Thakkar
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
| | - Mengfen Wu
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Tao Wang
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Cliona M. Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Malcolm K. Brenner
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Helen E. Heslop
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston TX
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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14
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Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
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15
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Philippova J, Shevchenko J, Sennikov S. GD2-targeting therapy: a comparative analysis of approaches and promising directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371345. [PMID: 38558810 PMCID: PMC10979305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside GD2 is a promising target for immunotherapy with expression primarily restricted to neuroectodermal and epithelial tumor cells. Although its role in the maintenance and repair of neural tissue is well-established, its functions during normal organism development remain understudied. Meanwhile, studies have shown that GD2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Its functions include proliferation, invasion, motility, and metastasis, and its high expression and ability to transform the tumor microenvironment may be associated with a malignant phenotype. Structurally, GD2 is a glycosphingolipid that is stably expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making it a suitable candidate for targeting by antibodies or chimeric antigen receptors. Based on mouse monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and humanized antibodies and their combinations with cytokines, toxins, drugs, radionuclides, nanoparticles as well as chimeric antigen receptor have been developed. Furthermore, vaccines and photoimmunotherapy are being used to treat GD2-positive tumors, and GD2 aptamers can be used for targeting. In the field of cell therapy, allogeneic immunocompetent cells are also being utilized to enhance GD2 therapy. Efforts are currently being made to optimize the chimeric antigen receptor by modifying its design or by transducing not only αβ T cells, but also γδ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophages. In addition, immunotherapy can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic methods, allowing for early detection of disease and minimal residual disease. This review discusses each immunotherapy method and strategy, its advantages and disadvantages, and highlights future directions for GD2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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16
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Dalal S, Shan KS, Thaw Dar NN, Hussein A, Ergle A. Role of Immunotherapy in Sarcomas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1266. [PMID: 38279265 PMCID: PMC10816403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021266] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a group of malignancies of mesenchymal origin with a plethora of subtypes. Given the sheer heterogeneity of various subtypes and the rarity of the disease, the management of sarcomas has been challenging, with poor patient outcomes. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have remained the backbone of treatment in patients with sarcoma. The introduction of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies. In this review, we discuss the basics of immunotherapy and the immune microenvironment in sarcomas; various modalities of immunotherapy, like immune checkpoint blockade, oncolytic viruses, cancer-targeted antibodies, vaccine therapy; and adoptive cell therapies like CAR T-cell therapy, T-cell therapy, and TCR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Dalal
- Memorial Healthcare, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (K.S.S.); (N.N.T.D.); (A.H.); (A.E.)
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17
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Chamorro DF, Somes LK, Hoyos V. Engineered Adoptive T-Cell Therapies for Breast Cancer: Current Progress, Challenges, and Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:124. [PMID: 38201551 PMCID: PMC10778447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010124] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, and novel treatment approaches are critically needed. This review presents an in-depth analysis of engineered adoptive T-cell therapies (E-ACTs), an innovative frontier in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on their application in breast cancer. We explore the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies, highlighting their potential and challenges in targeting breast cancer. The review addresses key obstacles such as target antigen selection, the complex breast cancer tumor microenvironment, and the persistence of engineered T-cells. We discuss the advances in overcoming these barriers, including strategies to enhance T-cell efficacy. Finally, our comprehensive analysis of the current clinical trials in this area provides insights into the future possibilities and directions of E-ACTs in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Chamorro
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Lauren K. Somes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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18
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Anayyat U, Ahad F, Muluh TA, Zaidi SAA, Usmani F, Yang H, Li M, Hassan HA, Wang X. Immunotherapy: Constructive Approach for Breast Cancer Treatment. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2023; 15:925-951. [PMID: 38116189 PMCID: PMC10729681 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s424624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
A novel and rapid therapeutic approach is the treatment of human breast cancer by enhancing the host's immune system. In initial findings, program death one (PD-1) and program cell death ligand one (PD-L1) showed positive results towards solid tumors, but tumor relapse and drug resistance are the major concerns. Breast cancer therapy has been transformed by the advent of immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs). Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) have exhibited enduring responses to clinical usage of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICBs) like atezolizumab and pembrolizumab. Nonetheless, a notable proportion of individuals with TNBC do not experience advantages from these treatments, and there is limited comprehension of the resistance mechanisms. Another approach to overcome resistance is cancer stem cells (CSCs), as these cells are crucial for the initiation and growth of tumors in the body. Various cancer vaccines are created using stem cells (dendritic, whole cell, bacterial) and focus primarily on targeting tumor-related antigens. The ultimate objective of cancer vaccines is to immunize the patients by active artificial immunity against cancer, though. In this review, we primarily focused on existing immunotherapeutic options, immune checkpoint blockers, the latest progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICBs), advanced strategies to overcome resistance to ICBs, cancer stem cell antigens and molecular markers, ongoing clinical trials for BCs and cancer vaccines for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umer Anayyat
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Faiza Ahad
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tobias Achu Muluh
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Syed Aqib Ali Zaidi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Faiza Usmani
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengqing Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hammad Ali Hassan
- Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Tang Y, Xu Z, Xu F, Ye J, Chen J, He J, Chen Y, Qi C, Huang H, Liu R, Shan H, Xiao F. B4GALNT1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma stemness and progression via integrin α2β1-mediated FAK and AKT activation. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100903. [PMID: 37965158 PMCID: PMC10641234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims β-1,4-N-Acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1) has been reported to contribute to the development of human malignancies. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncharacterised. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC stemness and progression. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate B4GALNT1 expression in HCC tissues and adjacent normal liver tissues. Flow cytometry analysis and sphere formation analysis were performed to investigate the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC stemness. Colony formation, Incucyte, wound-healing, Transwell migration, and invasion assays, and an animal model were used to study the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC progression. RNA-sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the downstream targets of B4GALNT1. Results B4GALNT1 was upregulated in HCC and associated with poor clinical outcome of patients with the disease. Moreover, B4GALNT1 promoted HCC stemness, migration, invasion, and growth. Mechanistically, B4GALNT1 not only promoted the expression of the integrin α2β1 ligand THBS4, but also directly interacted with the β subunit of integrin α2β1 ITGB1 to inhibit its ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation, resulting in activation of FAK and AKT. Ophiopogonin D inhibited HCC stemness and progression by reducing ITGB1 and THBS4 expression and inhibiting FAK and AKT activation. Conclusions Our study suggests the B4GALNT1/integrin α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT axis as a therapeutic target for the inhibition of HCC stemness and tumour progression. Impact and implications The role and regulatory mechanism of B4GALNT1 in HCC have not been studied previously. Here, we reveal that B4GALNT1 has a crucial role in HCC stemness and progression by activating the integrin α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT axis, providing a potential target for HCC therapy. In addition, we find Ophiopogonin D as a potential therapeutic drug for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Fuyuan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianxu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianzhong He
- Department of Pathology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingchun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhui Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbin Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiyang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Shan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Center for Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Kashi Guangdong Institute of Science and Technology, the First People’s Hospital of Kashi, Kashi 844000, Xinjiang, China
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20
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Schengrund CL. The Ying and Yang of Ganglioside Function in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5362. [PMID: 38001622 PMCID: PMC10670608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The plethora of information about the expression of cancer cell-associated gangliosides, their role(s) in signal transduction, and their potential usefulness in the development of cancer treatments makes this an appropriate time to review these enigmatic glycosphingolipids. Evidence, reflecting the work of many, indicates that (1) expression of specific gangliosides, not generally found in high concentrations in most normal human cells, can be linked to certain types of cancer. (2) Gangliosides can affect the ability of cells to interact either directly or indirectly with growth factor receptors, thereby changing such things as a cell's mobility, rate of proliferation, and metastatic ability. (3) Anti-ganglioside antibodies have been tested, with some success, as potential treatments for certain cancers. (4) Cancer-associated gangliosides shed into the circulation can (a) affect immune cell responsiveness either positively or negatively, (b) be considered as diagnostic markers, and (c) be used to look for recurrence. (5) Cancer registries enable investigators to evaluate data from sufficient numbers of patients to obtain information about potential therapies. Despite advances that have been made, a discussion of possible approaches to identifying additional treatment strategies to inhibit metastasis, responsible for the majority of deaths of cancer patients, as well as for treating therapy-resistant tumors, is included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara-Lynne Schengrund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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21
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Nejatie A, Yee SS, Jeter A, Saragovi HU. The cancer glycocode as a family of diagnostic biomarkers, exemplified by tumor-associated gangliosides. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1261090. [PMID: 37954075 PMCID: PMC10637394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1261090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode).A class of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs) are presented here as potential diagnostics for detecting cancer, especially at early stages, as the biological function of TMGs makes them etiological. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention. Diagnosis is critical to reducing cancer mortality but many cancers lack efficient and effective diagnostic tests, especially for early stage disease. Ideal diagnostic biomarkers are etiological, samples are preferably obtained via non-invasive methods (e.g. liquid biopsy of blood or urine), and are quantitated using assays that yield high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for efficient diagnosis, prognosis, or predicting response to therapy. Validated biomarkers with these features are rare. While the advent of proteomics and genomics has led to the identification of a multitude of proteins and nucleic acid sequences as cancer biomarkers, relatively few have been approved for clinical use. The use of multiplex arrays and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms offer the option of combining data of known biomarkers; however, for most, the sensitivity and the specificity are below acceptable criteria, and clinical validation has proven difficult. One strategic solution to this problem is to expand the biomarker families beyond those currently exploited. One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode). Here, we focus on a family of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs). We discuss the diagnostic potential of TMGs for detecting cancer, especially at early stages. We include prior studies from the literature to summarize findings for ganglioside quantification, expression, detection, and biological function and its role in various cancers. We highlight the examples of TMGs exhibiting ideal properties of cancer diagnostic biomarkers, and the application of GD2 and GD3 for diagnosis of early stage cancers with high sensitivity and specificity. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nejatie
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha S. Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Horacio Uri Saragovi
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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22
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Lodewijk I, Dueñas M, Paramio JM, Rubio C. CD44v6, STn & O-GD2: promising tumor associated antigens paving the way for new targeted cancer therapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1272681. [PMID: 37854601 PMCID: PMC10579806 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1272681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are the state of the art in oncology today, and every year new Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are developed for preclinical research and clinical trials, but few of them really change the therapeutic scenario. Difficulties, either to find antigens that are solely expressed in tumors or the generation of good binders to these antigens, represent a major bottleneck. Specialized cellular mechanisms, such as differential splicing and glycosylation processes, are a good source of neo-antigen expression. Changes in these processes generate surface proteins that, instead of showing decreased or increased antigen expression driven by enhanced mRNA processing, are aberrant in nature and therefore more specific targets to elicit a precise anti-tumor therapy. Here, we present promising TAAs demonstrated to be potential targets for cancer monitoring, targeted therapy and the generation of new immunotherapy tools, such as recombinant antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T) or Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Natural Killer (CAR-NK) for specific tumor killing, in a wide variety of tumor types. Specifically, this review is a detailed update on TAAs CD44v6, STn and O-GD2, describing their origin as well as their current and potential use as disease biomarker and therapeutic target in a diversity of tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Lodewijk
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Dueñas
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesus M. Paramio
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Rubio
- Biomedical Research Institute I+12, University Hospital “12 de Octubre”, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology-CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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23
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van der Haar Àvila I, Windhouwer B, van Vliet SJ. Current state-of-the-art on ganglioside-mediated immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:941-958. [PMID: 37266839 PMCID: PMC10584724 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10108-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Gangliosides are sialylated glycolipids, mainly present at the cell surface membrane, involved in a variety of cellular signaling events. During malignant transformation, the composition of these glycosphingolipids is altered, leading to structural and functional changes, which are often negatively correlated to patient survival. Cancer cells have the ability to shed gangliosides into the tumor microenvironment, where they have a strong impact on anti-tumor immunity and promote tumor progression. Since most ganglioside species show prominent immunosuppressive activities, they might be considered checkpoint molecules released to counteract ongoing immunosurveillance. In this review, we highlight the current state-of-the-art on the ganglioside-mediated immunomodulation, specified for the different immune cells and individual gangliosides. In addition, we address the dual role that certain gangliosides play in the tumor microenvironment. Even though some ganglioside species have been more extensively studied than others, they are proven to contribute to the defense mechanisms of the tumor and should be regarded as promising therapeutic targets for inclusion in future immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene van der Haar Àvila
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Britt Windhouwer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra J van Vliet
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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24
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Machy P, Mortier E, Birklé S. Biology of GD2 ganglioside: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249929. [PMID: 37670947 PMCID: PMC10475612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the broader glycosphingolipid family, gangliosides are composed of a ceramide bound to a sialic acid-containing glycan chain, and locate at the plasma membrane. Gangliosides are produced through sequential steps of glycosylation and sialylation. This diversity of composition is reflected in differences in expression patterns and functions of the various gangliosides. Ganglioside GD2 designates different subspecies following a basic structure containing three carbohydrate residues and two sialic acids. GD2 expression, usually restrained to limited tissues, is frequently altered in various neuroectoderm-derived cancers. While GD2 is of evident interest, its glycolipid nature has rendered research challenging. Physiological GD2 expression has been linked to developmental processes. Passing this stage, varying levels of GD2, physiologically expressed mainly in the central nervous system, affect composition and formation of membrane microdomains involved in surface receptor signaling. Overexpressed in cancer, GD2 has been shown to enhance cell survival and invasion. Furthermore, binding of antibodies leads to immune-independent cell death mechanisms. In addition, GD2 contributes to T-cell dysfunction, and functions as an immune checkpoint. Given the cancer-associated functions, GD2 has been a source of interest for immunotherapy. As a potential biomarker, methods are being developed to quantify GD2 from patients' samples. In addition, various therapeutic strategies are tested. Based on initial success with antibodies, derivates such as bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines have been developed, engaging patient immune system. Cytotoxic effectors or payloads may be redirected based on anti-GD2 antibodies. Finally, vaccines can be used to mount an immune response in patients. We review here the pertinent biological information on GD2 which may be of use for optimizing current immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stéphane Birklé
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
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25
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Jin X, Yang GY. Pathophysiological roles and applications of glycosphingolipids in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer diseases. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 91:101241. [PMID: 37524133 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are major amphiphilic glycolipids present on the surface of living cell membranes. They have important biological functions, including maintaining plasma membrane stability, regulating signal transduction, and mediating cell recognition and adhesion. Specific GSLs and related enzymes are abnormally expressed in many cancer diseases and affect the malignant characteristics of tumors. The regulatory roles of GSLs in signaling pathways suggest that they are involved in tumor pathogenesis. GSLs have therefore been widely studied as diagnostic markers of cancer diseases and important targets of immunotherapy. This review describes the tumor-related biological functions of GSLs and systematically introduces recent progress in using diverse GSLs and related enzymes to diagnose and treat tumor diseases. Development of drugs and biomarkers for personalized cancer therapy based on GSL structure is also discussed. These advances, combined with recent progress in the preparation of GSLs derivatives through synthetic biology technologies, suggest a strong future for the use of customized GSL libraries in treating human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Guang-Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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26
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Yamaguchi E, Komura N, Tanaka HN, Imamura A, Ishida H, Groux-Degroote S, Mühlenhoff M, Suzuki KGN, Ando H. Fluorescent GD2 analog for single-molecule imaging. Glycoconj J 2023; 40:247-257. [PMID: 36701103 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-023-10102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Ganglioside GD2 is associated with the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. However, the precise role of GD2 is unclear because its tendency to form dynamic and transient domains in cell plasma membranes (PMs), called lipid rafts, makes it difficult to observe. Previously, we developed fluorescent analogs of gangliosides (e.g., GM3 and GM1), which enabled the observation of lipid raft formation for the first time using single-molecule imaging. In this report, we describe the first chemical synthesis of a fluorescent ganglioside, GD2. A biophysical analysis of the synthesized analog revealed its raft-philic character, suggesting its potential to aid single-molecule imaging-based investigations into raft-associated interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Yamaguchi
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
| | - Naoko Komura
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan.
| | - Hide-Nori Tanaka
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akihiro Imamura
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideharu Ishida
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
| | - Sophie Groux-Degroote
- UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, CNRS, Université de Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Martina Mühlenhoff
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, 30623, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kenichi G N Suzuki
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan.
| | - Hiromune Ando
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1193, Gifu, Japan.
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27
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Yesmin F, Furukawa K, Kambe M, Ohmi Y, Bhuiyan RH, Hasnat MA, Mizutani M, Tajima O, Hashimoto N, Tsuchida A, Kaneko K, Furukawa K. Extracellular vesicles released from ganglioside GD2-expressing melanoma cells enhance the malignant properties of GD2-negative melanomas. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4987. [PMID: 36973292 PMCID: PMC10042834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31216-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes (small extracellular vesicles: EVs) have attracted increasing attention from basic scientists and clinicians since they play important roles in cell-to-cell communication in various biological processes. Various features of EVs have been elucidated regarding their contents, generation and secretion mechanisms, and functions in inflammation, regeneration, and cancers. These vesicles are reported to contain proteins, RNAs, microRNAs, DNAs, and lipids. Although the roles of individual components have been rigorously studied, the presence and roles of glycans in EVs have rarely been reported. In particular, glycosphingolipids in EVs have not been investigated to date. In this study, the expression and function of a representative cancer-associated ganglioside, GD2, in malignant melanomas was investigated. Generally, cancer-associated gangliosides have been shown to enhance malignant properties and signals in cancers. Notably, EVs derived from GD2-expressing melanomas enhanced the malignant phenotypes of GD2-negative melanomas, such as cell growth, invasion, and cell adhesion, in a dose-dependent manner. The EVs also induced increased phosphorylation of signaling molecules such as EGF receptor and focal adhesion kinase. These results suggest that EVs released from cancer-associated ganglioside-expressing cells exert many functions that have been reported as a function of these gangliosides and regulate microenvironments, including total aggravation of heterogeneous cancer tissues, leading to more malignant and advanced cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Yesmin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Keiko Furukawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Mariko Kambe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Yuhsuke Ohmi
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Robiul Hasan Bhuiyan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, 4331, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Abul Hasnat
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Momoka Mizutani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Orie Tajima
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Noboru Hashimoto
- Department of Tissue Regeneration, Tokushima University School of Dentistry, Kuramoto-Cho 3, Tokushima, 770-8504, Japan
| | - Akiko Tsuchida
- Laboratory of Glyco- Bioengineering, The Noguchi Institute, Itabashi, 173-0003, Japan
| | - Kei Kaneko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Koichi Furukawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University College of Life and Health Sciences, Matsumoto 1200, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan.
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28
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Possible regulation of ganglioside GD3 synthase gene expression with DNA methylation in human glioma cells. Glycoconj J 2023; 40:323-332. [PMID: 36897478 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-023-10108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Gangliosides are expressed in nervous systems and some neuroectoderm-derived tumors at high levels and play pivotal roles. However, mechanisms for the regulation of glycosyltransferase genes responsible for the ganglioside synthesis are not well understood. In this study, we analyzed DNA methylation patterns of promoter regions of GD3 synthase (ST8SIA1) as well as mRNA levels and ganglioside expression using human glioma cell lines. Among 5 cell lines examined, 4 lines showed changes in the expression levels of related genes after treatment with 5-aza-dC. LN319 showed up-regulation of St8sia1 and increased b-series gangliosides after 5-aza-dC treatment, and an astrocytoma cell line, AS showed high expression of ST8SIA1 and b-series gangliosides persistently before and after 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment. Using these 2 cell lines, DNA methylation patterns of the promoter regions of the gene were analyzed by bisulfite-sequencing. Consequently, 2 regions that were methylated before 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment were demethylated in LN319 after the treatment, while those regions were persistently demethylated in AS. These 2 regions corresponded with sites defined as promoter regions by Luciferase assay. Taken together, it was suggested that ST8SIA1 gene is regulated by DNA methylation at the promoter regions, leading to the regulation of tumor phenotypes.
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29
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Cao S, Hu X, Ren S, Wang Y, Shao Y, Wu K, Yang Z, Yang W, He G, Li X. The biological role and immunotherapy of gangliosides and GD3 synthase in cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076862. [PMID: 36824365 PMCID: PMC9941352 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides are a large subfamily of glycosphingolipids that broadly exist in the nervous system and interact with signaling molecules in the lipid rafts. GD3 and GD2 are two types of disialogangliosides (GDs) that include two sialic acid residues. The expression of GD3 and GD2 in various cancers is mostly upregulated and is involved in tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune responses. GD3 synthase (GD3S, ST8SiaI), a subclass of sialyltransferases, regulates the biosynthesis of GD3 and GD2. GD3S is also upregulated in most tumors and plays an important role in the development and progression of tumors. Many clinical trials targeting GD2 are ongoing and various immunotherapy studies targeting gangliosides and GD3S are gradually attracting much interest and attention. This review summarizes the function, molecular mechanisms, and ongoing clinical applications of GD3, GD2, and GD3S in abundant types of tumors, which aims to provide novel targets for future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangqi Cao
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Hu
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shangqing Ren
- 2Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial Peoples Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanxiang Shao
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kan Wu
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- 3Department of Urology, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Weixiao Yang
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gu He
- 4State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Gu He, ; Xiang Li,
| | - Xiang Li
- 1Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Gu He, ; Xiang Li,
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30
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Huang Z, Dewanjee S, Chakraborty P, Jha NK, Dey A, Gangopadhyay M, Chen XY, Wang J, Jha SK. CAR T cells: engineered immune cells to treat brain cancers and beyond. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:22. [PMID: 36721153 PMCID: PMC9890802 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors rank among the most challenging type of malignancies to manage. The current treatment protocol commonly entails surgery followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, however, the median patient survival rate is poor. Recent developments in immunotherapy for a variety of tumor types spark optimism that immunological strategies may help patients with brain cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells exploit the tumor-targeting specificity of antibodies or receptor ligands to direct the cytolytic capacity of T cells. Several molecules have been discovered as potential targets for immunotherapy-based targeting, including but not limited to EGFRvIII, IL13Rα2, and HER2. The outstanding clinical responses to CAR T cell-based treatments in patients with hematological malignancies have generated interest in using this approach to treat solid tumors. Research results to date support the astounding clinical response rates of CD19-targeted CAR T cells, early clinical experiences in brain tumors demonstrating safety and evidence for disease-modifying activity, and the promise for further advances to ultimately assist patients clinically. However, several variable factors seem to slow down the progress rate regarding treating brain cancers utilizing CAR T cells. The current study offers a thorough analysis of CAR T cells' promise in treating brain cancer, including design and delivery considerations, current strides in clinical and preclinical research, issues encountered, and potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoufang Huang
- grid.452437.3Department of Hematology, Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- grid.216499.10000 0001 0722 3459Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032 India
| | - Pratik Chakraborty
- grid.216499.10000 0001 0722 3459Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032 India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- grid.412552.50000 0004 1764 278XDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310 India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- grid.412537.60000 0004 1768 2925Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032 India
| | - Moumita Gangopadhyay
- grid.502979.00000 0004 6087 8632Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126 India
| | - Xuan-Yu Chen
- grid.264091.80000 0001 1954 7928Institute for Biotechnology, St. John’s University, Queens, New York, 11439 USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Jiangyin People’s Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, 214400 China
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- grid.412552.50000 0004 1764 278XDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310 India ,grid.448792.40000 0004 4678 9721Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413 India ,grid.449906.60000 0004 4659 5193Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007 India
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Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells: A Complex Liaison in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032337. [PMID: 36768660 PMCID: PMC9916789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review we focus on the role of glutamine in control of cancer stem cell (CSC) fate. We first provide an overview of glutamine metabolism, and then summarize relevant studies investigating how glutamine metabolism modulates the CSC compartment, concentrating on solid tumors. We schematically describe how glutamine in CSC contributes to several metabolic pathways, such as redox metabolic pathways, ATP production, non-essential aminoacids and nucleotides biosynthesis, and ammonia production. Furthermore, we show that glutamine metabolism is a key regulator of epigenetic modifications in CSC. Finally, we briefly discuss how cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, and senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment may indirectly influence CSC fate by modulating glutamine availability. We aim to highlight the complexity of glutamine's role in CSC, which supports our knowledge about metabolic heterogeneity within the CSC population.
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Hořejší K, Jin C, Vaňková Z, Jirásko R, Strouhal O, Melichar B, Teneberg S, Holčapek M. Comprehensive characterization of complex glycosphingolipids in human pancreatic cancer tissues. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102923. [PMID: 36681125 PMCID: PMC9976472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for 90% of primary pancreatic tumors with an average 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. PDAC exhibits aggressive biology, which, together with late detection, results in most PDAC patients presenting with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic disease. In-depth lipid profiling and screening of potential biomarkers currently appear to be a promising approach for early detection of PDAC or other cancers. Here, we isolated and characterized complex glycosphingolipids (GSL) from normal and tumor pancreatic tissues of patients with PDAC using a combination of TLC, chemical staining, carbohydrate-recognized ligand-binding assay, and LC/ESI-MS2. The major neutral GSL identified were GSL with the terminal blood groups A, B, H, Lea, Leb, Lex, Ley, P1, and PX2 determinants together with globo- (Gb3 and Gb4) and neolacto-series GSL (nLc4 and nLc6). We also revealed that the neutral GSL profiles and their relative amounts differ between normal and tumor tissues. Additionally, the normal and tumor pancreatic tissues differ in type 1/2 core chains. Sulfatides and GM3 gangliosides were the predominant acidic GSL along with the minor sialyl-nLc4/nLc6 and sialyl-Lea/Lex. The comprehensive analysis of GSL in human PDAC tissues extends the GSL coverage and provides an important platform for further studies of GSL alterations; therefore, it could contribute to the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Hořejší
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Chunsheng Jin
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Proteomics Core Facility, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Zuzana Vaňková
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Jirásko
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Strouhal
- Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistryand University Hospital, Department of Oncology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Bohuslav Melichar
- Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistryand University Hospital, Department of Oncology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Susann Teneberg
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Michal Holčapek
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic.
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Liu Z, Zhou J, Yang X, Liu Y, Zou C, Lv W, Chen C, Cheng KKY, Chen T, Chang LJ, Wu D, Mao J. Safety and antitumor activity of GD2-Specific 4SCAR-T cells in patients with glioblastoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:3. [PMID: 36617554 PMCID: PMC9827625 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01711-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to validate whether infusion of GD2-specific fourth-generation safety-designed chimeric antigen receptor (4SCAR)-T cells is safe and whether CAR-T cells exert anti-glioblastoma (GBM) activity. METHODS A total of eight patients with GD2-positive GBM were enrolled and infused with autologous GD2-specific 4SCAR-T cells, either through intravenous administration alone or intravenous combined with intracavitary administration. RESULTS 4SCAR-T cells expanded for 1-3 weeks and persisted at a low frequency in peripheral blood. Of the eight evaluable patients, four showed a partial response for 3 to 24 months, three had progressive disease for 6 to 23 months, and one had stable disease for 4 months after infusion. For the entire cohort, the median overall survival was 10 months from the infusion. GD2 antigen loss and infiltrated T cells were observed in the tumor resected after infusion. CONCLUSION Both single and combined infusions of GD2-specific 4SCAR-T cells in targeting GBM were safe and well tolerated, with no severe adverse events. In addition, GD2-specific 4SCAR-T cells partially mediate antigen loss and activate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Validation of our findings in a larger prospective trial is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03170141 . Registered 30 May 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohao Liu
- grid.488521.2Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, The Clinical Innovation & Research Centre, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.440218.b0000 0004 1759 7210Present Address: Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, The Clinical Innovation & Research Centre, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Xinzhi Yang
- grid.488521.2Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.440218.b0000 0004 1759 7210Present Address: Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- grid.489184.8Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Chang Zou
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Medicine, Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Wen Lv
- grid.440218.b0000 0004 1759 7210Present Address: Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Cheng Chen
- grid.440218.b0000 0004 1759 7210Present Address: Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Kenneth King-yip Cheng
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Chen
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, The Clinical Innovation & Research Centre, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Lung-Ji Chang
- grid.489184.8Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Dinglan Wu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, The Clinical Innovation & Research Centre, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Jie Mao
- grid.440218.b0000 0004 1759 7210Present Address: Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong China
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Zhang L, Chen W, Liu S, Chen C. Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:552-570. [PMID: 36632469 PMCID: PMC9830502 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential roles of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in tumor initiation and recurrence have been recognized for many decades. Due to their strong capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, BCSCs are the major reasons for poor clinical outcomes and low therapeutic response. Several hypotheses on the origin of cancer stem cells have been proposed, including critical gene mutations in stem cells, dedifferentiation of somatic cells, and cell plasticity remodeling by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment, including cellular components and cytokines, modulates the self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of BCSCs. Small molecules, antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells targeting BCSCs have been developed, and their applications in combination with conventional therapies are undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the features of BCSCs, emphasize the major factors and tumor environment that regulate the stemness of BCSCs, and discuss potential BCSC-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenmin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Kunming College of Life Sciences, the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
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Yang J, Han L, Sha Y, Jin Y, Li Z, Gong B, Li J, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao Q. A novel ganglioside-related risk signature can reveal the distinct immune landscape of neuroblastoma and predict the immunotherapeutic response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1061814. [PMID: 36605200 PMCID: PMC9807785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1061814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gangliosides play an essential role in cancer development and progression. However, the involvement of gangliosides in the prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME) of neuroblastoma is not entirely understood. Methods Consensus clustering analysis was performed to identify ganglioside-mediated molecular subtypes. LASSO-Cox analysis was conducted to identify independent prognostic genes, and a novel risk signature was constructed. The risk signature was validated internally and externally. We further explored the independent prognosis value, immune landscape, drug susceptibility, and tumor dedifferentiation of the risk signature. The role of the signature gene B3GALT4 in neuroblastoma was explored in vitro. Results Seventeen ganglioside-related genes were differentially expressed between INSS stage 4 and other stages, and two ganglioside-related clusters with distinct prognoses were identified. A novel risk signature integrating ten ganglioside-related prognostic genes was established. Across the train set and external validation sets, the risk signature presented high predictive accuracy and discrimination. The risk signature was an independent prognostic factor and constructed a nomogram combining multiple clinical characteristics. In the high-score group, the deficiency in antigen processing and presenting machinery, lack of immune cell infiltration, and escaping NK cells contributed substantially to immune escape. The low-score group was more responsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, while the high-score group showed substantial sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Besides, the risk score was significantly positively correlated with the stemness index and reduced considerably in all-trans retinoic acid-treated neuroblastoma cell lines, indicating high dedifferentiation in the high-score group. Additionally, neuroblastoma cells with downregulation of B3GALT4 present with increased proliferation, invasion, and metastasis abilities in vitro. Conclusion The novel ganglioside-related risk signature highlights the role of ganglioside in neuroblastoma prognosis and immune landscape and helps optimize chemotherapy and immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Yang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Core, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongliang Sha
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongyuan Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Baocheng Gong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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Santilli F, Fabrizi J, Pulcini F, Santacroce C, Sorice M, Delle Monache S, Mattei V. Gangliosides and Their Role in Multilineage Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123112. [PMID: 36551867 PMCID: PMC9775755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides (GGs) are a glycolipid class present on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) surfaces with a critical appearance role in stem cell differentiation, even though their mechanistic role in signaling and differentiation remains largely unknown. This review aims to carry out a critical analysis of the predictive role of gangliosides as specific markers of the cellular state of undifferentiated and differentiated MSCs, towards the osteogenic, chondrogenic, neurogenic, and adipogenic lineage. For this reason, we analyzed the role of GGs during multilineage differentiation processes of several types of MSCs such as Umbilical Cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), Bone Marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), Dental Pulp derived MSCs (DPSCs), and Adipose derived MSCs (ADSCs). Moreover, we examined the possible role of GGs as specific cell surface markers to identify or isolate specific stem cell isotypes and their potential use as additional markers for quality control of cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Santilli
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Jessica Fabrizi
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fanny Pulcini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Costantino Santacroce
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Delle Monache
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, Angelo Maria Ricci 35A, 02100 Rieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (V.M.)
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Nag S, Mandal A, Joshi A, Jain N, Srivastava RS, Singh S, Khattri A. Sialyltransferases and Neuraminidases: Potential Targets for Cancer Treatment. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10040114. [PMID: 36547200 PMCID: PMC9777960 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are the leading cause of death, causing around 10 million deaths annually by 2020. The most common cancers are those affecting the breast, lungs, colon, and rectum. However, it has been noted that cancer metastasis is more lethal than just cancer incidence and accounts for more than 90% of cancer deaths. Thus, early detection and prevention of cancer metastasis have the capability to save millions of lives. Finding novel biomarkers and targets for screening, determination of prognosis, targeted therapies, etc., are ways of doing so. In this review, we propose various sialyltransferases and neuraminidases as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of the most common cancers, along with a few rare ones, on the basis of existing experimental and in silico data. This compilation of available cancer studies aiming at sialyltransferases and neuraminidases will serve as a guide for scientists and researchers working on possible targets for various cancers and will also provide data about the existing drugs which inhibit the action of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagorika Nag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Abhimanyu Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Aryaman Joshi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Neeraj Jain
- Division of Cancer Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Ravi Shanker Srivastava
- Department of Pharmacology, Career Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Lucknow 226020, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Arun Khattri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-70-6811-1755
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Nasiri F, Kazemi M, Mirarefin SMJ, Mahboubi Kancha M, Ahmadi Najafabadi M, Salem F, Dashti Shokoohi S, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P. CAR-T cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer: Hunting the invisible devil. Front Immunol 2022; 13. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as the most intricate and hard-to-treat subtype of breast cancer. TNBC cells do not express the well-known estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressed by other breast cancer subtypes. This phenomenon leaves no room for novel treatment approaches including endocrine and HER2-specific antibody therapies. To date, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy remain the principal therapy options for TNBC treatment. However, in numerous cases, these approaches either result in minimal clinical benefit or are nonfunctional, resulting in disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Nowadays, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is becoming more established as an option for the treatment of various types of hematologic malignancies. CAR-Ts are genetically engineered T lymphocytes that employ the body’s immune system mechanisms to selectively recognize cancer cells expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) of interest and efficiently eliminate them. However, despite the clinical triumph of CAR-T therapy in hematologic neoplasms, CAR-T therapy of solid tumors, including TNBC, has been much more challenging. In this review, we will discuss the success of CAR-T therapy in hematological neoplasms and its caveats in solid tumors, and then we summarize the potential CAR-T targetable TAAs in TNBC studied in different investigational stages.
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Nasiri F, Kazemi M, Mirarefin SMJ, Mahboubi Kancha M, Ahmadi Najafabadi M, Salem F, Dashti Shokoohi S, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P. CAR-T cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer: Hunting the invisible devil. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018786. [PMID: 36483567 PMCID: PMC9722775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as the most intricate and hard-to-treat subtype of breast cancer. TNBC cells do not express the well-known estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressed by other breast cancer subtypes. This phenomenon leaves no room for novel treatment approaches including endocrine and HER2-specific antibody therapies. To date, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy remain the principal therapy options for TNBC treatment. However, in numerous cases, these approaches either result in minimal clinical benefit or are nonfunctional, resulting in disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Nowadays, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is becoming more established as an option for the treatment of various types of hematologic malignancies. CAR-Ts are genetically engineered T lymphocytes that employ the body's immune system mechanisms to selectively recognize cancer cells expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) of interest and efficiently eliminate them. However, despite the clinical triumph of CAR-T therapy in hematologic neoplasms, CAR-T therapy of solid tumors, including TNBC, has been much more challenging. In this review, we will discuss the success of CAR-T therapy in hematological neoplasms and its caveats in solid tumors, and then we summarize the potential CAR-T targetable TAAs in TNBC studied in different investigational stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Nasiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mehrasa Kazemi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Thalassemia Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Maral Mahboubi Kancha
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Milad Ahmadi Najafabadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faeze Salem
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Dashti Shokoohi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Evazi Bakhshi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pouya Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Inagaki FF, Kato T, Furusawa A, Okada R, Wakiyama H, Furumoto H, Okuyama S, Choyke PL, Kobayashi H. Disialoganglioside GD2-Targeted Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) in Tumors of Neuroectodermal Origin. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2037. [PMID: 36297471 PMCID: PMC9612122 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside (GD2) is a subtype of glycolipids that is highly expressed in tumors of neuroectodermal origins, such as neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. Its limited expression in normal tissues makes GD2 a potential target for precision therapy. Several anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies are currently in clinical use and have had moderate success. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a cancer therapy that arms antibodies with IRDye700DX (IR700) and then exposes this antibody-dye conjugate (ADC) to NIR light at a wavelength of 690 nm. NIR light irradiation induces a profound photochemical response in IR700, resulting in protein aggregates that lead to cell membrane damage and death. In this study, we examined the feasibility of GD2-targeted NIR-PIT. Although GD2, like other glycolipids, is only located in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, the aggregates formation exerted sufficient physical force to disrupt the cell membrane and kill target cells in vitro. In in vivo studies, tumor growth was significantly inhibited after GD2-targeted NIR-PIT, resulting in prolonged survival. Following GD2-targeted NIR-PIT, activation of host immunity was observed. In conclusion, GD2-targeted NIR-PIT was similarly effective to the conventional protein-targeted NIR-PIT. This study demonstrates that membrane glycolipid can be a new target of NIR-PIT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hisataka Kobayashi
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Glycosphingolipids are mediators of cancer plasticity through independent signaling pathways. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111181. [PMID: 35977490 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular repertoire promoting cancer cell plasticity is not fully elucidated. Here, we propose that glycosphingolipids (GSLs), specifically the globo and ganglio series, correlate and promote the transition between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The epithelial character of ovarian cancer remains stable throughout disease progression, and spatial glycosphingolipidomics reveals elevated globosides in the tumor compartment compared with the ganglioside-rich stroma. CRISPR-Cas9 knockin mediated truncation of endogenous E-cadherin induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and decreases globosides. The transcriptomics analysis identifies the ganglioside-synthesizing enzyme ST8SIA1 to be consistently elevated in mesenchymal-like samples, predicting poor outcome. Subsequent deletion of ST8SIA1 induces epithelial cell features through mTORS2448 phosphorylation, whereas loss of globosides in ΔA4GALT cells, resulting in EMT, is accompanied by increased ERKY202/T204 and AKTS124. The GSL composition dynamics corroborate cancer cell plasticity, and further evidence suggests that mesenchymal cells are maintained through ganglioside-dependent, calcium-mediated mechanisms.
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Xu H, Zhang F, Gao X, Zhou Q, Zhu L. Fate decisions of breast cancer stem cells in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968306. [PMID: 36046046 PMCID: PMC9420991 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has a marked recurrence and metastatic trait and is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women’s health worldwide. Tumor initiation and progression begin after the cell goes from a quiescent to an activated state and requires different mechanisms to act in concert to regulate t a specific set of spectral genes for expression. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proven to initiate and drive tumorigenesis due to their capability of self-renew and differentiate. In addition, CSCs are believed to be capable of causing resistance to anti-tumor drugs, recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, exploring the origin, regulatory mechanisms and ultimate fate decision of CSCs in breast cancer outcomes has far-reaching clinical implications for the development of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-targeted therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will highlight the contribution of BCSCs to breast cancer and explore the internal and external factors that regulate the fate of BCSCs.
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Cecchi M, Mannini A, Lapucci A, Silvano A, Lulli M, Luceri C, D’Ambrosio M, Chiarugi A, Eid AH, Parenti A. Dexamethasone Promotes a Stem-Like Phenotype in Human Melanoma Cells via Tryptophan 2,3 Dioxygenase. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:911019. [PMID: 35847038 PMCID: PMC9280025 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.911019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its well-established immunosuppressive actions, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) appears to elicit direct effects on tumor cell function. Although TDO has been associated with cancer stemness, its involvement in melanoma stem cell biology remains largely unknown. Since we showed that by upregulating TDO, dexamethasone (dex) promotes proliferation and migration of SK-Mel-28 human melanoma cells, we sought to investigate dex effects on melanoma spherogenesis and stemness, and whether these events are mediated by TDO. We demonstrate here that dex significantly upregulates TDO in A375, a more aggressive melanoma cell line, confirming that dex effects are not limited to SK-Mel-28 cells. Moreover, dex stimulates spherogenesis of both cell lines, which is mediated by TDO, evident by its suppression with 680C91, a TDO inhibitor. The formed melanospheres appear to be enriched with embryonic stem cell marker mRNAs, the expression of which is potentiated by dex. Expression of cancer stem cell markers (CD133, CD44, ganglioside GD2) was significantly increased in A375 spheres, as detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, our results suggest that TDO could represent a promising target in the management of melanoma and that dex, routinely used as a co-medication also in advanced melanoma, may stimulate melanoma cell function/tumor-supporting properties, a rather debilitating and undesired side effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cecchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Mannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lapucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Luceri
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario D’Ambrosio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Chiarugi
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Qatar University, QU Health, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Ali H. Eid, ; Astrid Parenti,
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ali H. Eid, ; Astrid Parenti,
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Pal AK, Sharma P, Zia A, Siwan D, Nandave D, Nandave M, Gautam RK. Metabolomics and EMT Markers of Breast Cancer: A Crosstalk and Future Perspective. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2022; 29:200-222. [PMID: 35736645 PMCID: PMC9230911 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo transient EMT and MET phenomena or vice versa, along with the parallel interplay of various markers, often correlated as the determining factor in decoding metabolic profiling of breast cancers. Moreover, various cancer signaling pathways and metabolic changes occurring in breast cancer cells modulate the expression of such markers to varying extents. The existing research completed so far considers the expression of such markers as determinants regulating the invasiveness and survival of breast cancer cells. Therefore, this manuscript is crosstalk among the expression levels of such markers and their correlation in regulating the aggressiveness and invasiveness of breast cancer. We also attempted to cover the possible EMT-based metabolic targets to retard migration and invasion of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Pal
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Prateek Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Alishan Zia
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Deepali Siwan
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Dipali Nandave
- Department of Dravyaguna, Karmavir V. T. Randhir Ayurved College, Boradi 425428, India;
| | - Mukesh Nandave
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.N.); (R.K.G.)
| | - Rupesh K. Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, MM School of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala 134007, India
- Correspondence: (M.N.); (R.K.G.)
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Xie X, Lee J, Iwase T, Kai M, Ueno NT. Emerging drug targets for triple-negative breast cancer: A guided tour of the preclinical landscape. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:405-425. [PMID: 35574694 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2077188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most fatal molecular subtype of breast cancer because of its aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy. FDA-approved therapies for TNBC are limited to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate. Therefore, developing a novel effective targeted therapy for TNBC is an urgent unmet need. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we discuss emerging targets for TNBC treatment discovered in early translational studies. We focus on cancer cell membrane molecules, hyperactive intracellular signaling pathways, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) based on their druggability, therapeutic potency, specificity to TNBC, and application in immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION The significant challenges in the identification and validation of TNBC-associated targets are 1) application of appropriate genetic, molecular, and immunological approaches for modulating the target, 2) establishment of a proper mouse model that accurately represents the human immune TME, 3) TNBC molecular heterogeneity, and 4) failure translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice. To overcome those difficulties, future research needs to apply novel technology, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase sequencing, and humanized mouse models. Further, combination treatment targeting multiple pathways in both the TNBC tumor and its TME is essential for effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xie
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Toshiaki Iwase
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Megumi Kai
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Glycosphingolipids in human embryonic stem cells and breast cancer stem cells, and potential cancer therapy strategies based on their structures and functions. Glycoconj J 2022; 39:177-195. [PMID: 35267131 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-10032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Expression profiles of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines and their differentiated embryoid body (EB) outgrowth cells, consisting of three germ layers, were surveyed systematically. Several globo- and lacto-series GSLs were identified in undifferentiated hESCs and during differentiation of hESCs to EB outgrowth cells, and core structure switching of these GSLs to gangliosides was observed. Such switching was attributable to altered expression of key glycosyltransferases (GTs) in GSL biosynthetic pathways, reflecting the unique stage-specific transitions and mechanisms characteristic of the differentiation process. Lineage-specific differentiation of hESCs was associated with further GSL alterations. During differentiation of undifferentiated hESCs to neural progenitor cells, core structure switching from globo- and lacto-series to primarily gangliosides (particularly GD3) was again observed. During differentiation to endodermal cells, alterations of GSL profiles were distinct from those in differentiation to EB outgrowth or neural progenitor cells, with high expression of Gb4Cer and low expression of stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-3, -4, or GD3 in endodermal cells. Again, such profile changes resulted from alterations of key GTs in GSL biosynthetic pathways. Novel glycan structures identified on hESCs and their differentiated counterparts presumably play functional roles in hESCs and related cancer or cancer stem cells, and will be useful as surface biomarkers. We also examined GSL expression profiles in breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), using a model of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced human breast CSCs. We found that GD2 and GD3, together with their common upstream GTs, GD3 synthase (GD3S) and GD2/GM2 synthase, maintained stem cell phenotype in breast CSCs. Subsequent studies showed that GD3 was associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and activated EGFR signaling in breast CSCs and breast cancer cell lines. GD3S knockdown enhanced cytotoxicity of gefitinib (an EGFR kinase inhibitor) in resistant MDA-MB468 cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that GD3S contributes to gefitinib resistance in EGFR-positive breast cancer cells, and is a potentially useful therapeutic target in drug-resistant breast cancers.
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Jaggupilli A, Ly S, Nguyen K, Anand V, Yuan B, El-Dana F, Yan Y, Arvanitis Z, Piyarathna DWB, Putluri N, Piwnica-Worms H, Manning HC, Andreeff M, Battula VL. Metabolic stress induces GD2 + cancer stem cell-like phenotype in triple-negative breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:615-627. [PMID: 34811508 PMCID: PMC8854435 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic stress resulting from nutrient deficiency is one of the hallmarks of a growing tumour. Here, we tested the hypothesis that metabolic stress induces breast cancer stem-like cell (BCSC) phenotype in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS Flow cytometry for GD2 expression, mass spectrometry and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis for metabolomics, bioinformatics, in vitro tumorigenesis and in vivo models were used. RESULTS Serum/glucose deprivation not only increased stress markers but also enhanced GD2+ BCSC phenotype and function in TNBC cells. Global metabolomics profiling identified upregulation of glutathione biosynthesis in GD2high cells, suggesting a role of glutamine in the BCSC phenotype. Cueing from the upregulation of the glutamine transporters in primary breast tumours, inhibition of glutamine uptake using small-molecule inhibitor V9302 reduced GD2+ cells by 70-80% and BCSC characteristics in TNBC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed inhibition of the mTOR pathway and induction of ferroptosis by V9302 in TNBC cells. Finally, inhibition of glutamine uptake significantly reduced in vivo tumour growth in a TNBC patient-derived xenograft model using NSG (non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency with a complete null allele of the IL-2 receptor common gamma chain) mice. CONCLUSION Here, we show metabolic stress results in GD2+ BCSC phenotype in TNBC and glutamine contributes to GD2+ phenotype, and targeting the glutamine transporters could complement conventional chemotherapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Appalaraju Jaggupilli
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Stanley Ly
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Khoa Nguyen
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Vivek Anand
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Bin Yuan
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Fouad El-Dana
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Yuanqing Yan
- grid.468222.8Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Zoe Arvanitis
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | | | - Nagireddy Putluri
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Helen Piwnica-Worms
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Henry Charles Manning
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Center for Molecular Probes, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Michael Andreeff
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - V. Lokesh Battula
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
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Kasprowicz A, Sophie GD, Lagadec C, Delannoy P. Role of GD3 Synthase ST8Sia I in Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051299. [PMID: 35267607 PMCID: PMC8909605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The carbohydrate moiety of cell surface glycolipids is modified in cancers of neuro–ectoderm origin, leading to the expression of more complex structures with two or more sialic acid residues. These alterations result from the upregulation of the ST8SIA1 gene that encodes GD3 synthase, the enzyme controlling the biosynthesis of complex gangliosides, and are usually associated with a more aggressive phenotype and a poor outcome for patients, making GD3 synthase an interesting target for cancer therapy. This review reports our general knowledge of GD3 synthase gene expression and regulation, its role in both epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression, and the different approaches targeting GD3S expression in cancers. Abstract GD3 synthase controls the biosynthesis of complex gangliosides, bearing two or more sialic acid residues. Disialylated gangliosides GD3 and GD2 are tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACA) in neuro–ectoderm-derived cancers, and are directly involved in cell malignant properties, i.e., migration, invasion, stemness, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Since GD3 and GD2 levels are directly linked to GD3 synthase expression and activity, targeting GD3 synthase appears to be a promising strategy through which to interfere with ganglioside-associated malignant properties. We review here the current knowledge on GD3 synthase expression and regulation in cancers, and the consequences of complex ganglioside expression on cancer cell signaling and properties, highlighting the relationships between GD3 synthase expression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition and stemness. Different strategies were used to modulate GD3 synthase expression in cancer cells in vitro and in animal models, such as inhibitors or siRNA/lncRNA, which efficiently reduced cancer cell malignant properties and the proportion of GD2 positive cancer stem cells, which are associated with high metastatic properties, resistance to therapy, and cancer relapse. These data show the relevance of targeting GD3 synthase in association with conventional therapies, to decrease the number of cancer stem cells in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Kasprowicz
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycosylation Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Groux-Degroote Sophie
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycosylation Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France;
- Correspondence: (G.-D.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Chann Lagadec
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Philippe Delannoy
- University of Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycosylation Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France;
- Correspondence: (G.-D.S.); (P.D.)
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The combination phenotype of B-cell specific Moloney murine leukaemia virus integration site 1 (BMI1) and CD44+/CD24−/low associates with poor clinicopathological features in African patients with breast cancer. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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50
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Proskurina AS, Kupina VV, Efremov YR, Dolgova EV, Ruzanova VS, Ritter GS, Potter EA, Kirikovich SS, Levites EV, Ostanin AA, Chernykh ER, Babaeva OG, Sidorov SV, Bogachev SS. Karanahan: A Potential New Treatment Option for Human Breast Cancer and Its Validation in a Clinical Setting. BREAST CANCER: BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2022; 16:11782234211059931. [PMID: 35185333 PMCID: PMC8851498 DOI: 10.1177/11782234211059931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Karanahan, a cancer treatment technology aimed at eradicating tumor-initiating stem cells, has already proven effective in 7 tumor models. Karanahan comprises the following procedures: (1) collecting surgical specimens, (2) determining the duration of the DNA repair process in tumor cells exposed to a cross-linking cytostatic agent, and (3) determining the time point, when cells, including tumor-initiating stem cells, are synchronized in the certain phase of the cell cycle after triple exposure to the cytostatic, becoming vulnerable for the terminal treatment, which is supposed to completely eliminate the rest of survived tumor-initiating stem cells. Determining these basic tumor properties allows to design the schedule for the administration of a cross-linking cytostatic and a complex composite DNA preparation. Being conducted in accordance with the schedule designed, Karanahan results in the large-scale apoptosis of tumor cells with elimination of tumor-initiating stem cells. Methods: Breast tumor specimens were obtained from patients, and basic tumor properties essential for conducting Karanahan therapy were determined. Results: We report the first use of Karanahan in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Technical details of handling surgical specimens for determining the essential Karanahan parameters (tumor volume, cell number, cell proliferation status, etc) have been worked out. The terminally ill patient, who was undergoing palliative treatment and whose tumor specimen matched the required criteria, received a complete course of Karanahan. Conclusions: The results of the treatment conducted indicate that Karanahan technology has a therapeutic potency and can be used as a breast cancer treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia S Proskurina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Yaroslav R Efremov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk National Research State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Evgenia V Dolgova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vera S Ruzanova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk National Research State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Genrikh S Ritter
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Potter
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Svetlana S Kirikovich
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Evgeniy V Levites
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexandr A Ostanin
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena R Chernykh
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oksana G Babaeva
- Oncology Department, Municipal Hospital No 1, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey V Sidorov
- Novosibirsk National Research State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Oncology Department, Municipal Hospital No 1, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey S Bogachev
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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