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Wang Y, Cheng S, Fleishman JS, Chen J, Tang H, Chen ZS, Chen W, Ding M. Targeting anoikis resistance as a strategy for cancer therapy. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 75:101099. [PMID: 38850692 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Anoikis, known as matrix detachment-induced apoptosis or detachment-induced cell death, is crucial for tissue development and homeostasis. Cancer cells develop means to evade anoikis, e.g. anoikis resistance, thereby allowing for cells to survive under anchorage-independent conditions. Uncovering the mechanisms of anoikis resistance will provide details about cancer metastasis, and potential strategies against cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. Here, we summarize the principal elements and core molecular mechanisms of anoikis and anoikis resistance. We discuss the latest progress of how anoikis and anoikis resistance are regulated in cancers. Furthermore, we summarize emerging data on selective compounds and nanomedicines, explaining how inhibiting anoikis resistance can serve as a meaningful treatment modality against cancers. Finally, we discuss the key limitations of this therapeutic paradigm and possible strategies to overcome them. In this review, we suggest that pharmacological modulation of anoikis and anoikis resistance by bioactive compounds could surmount anoikis resistance, highlighting a promising therapeutic regimen that could be used to overcome anoikis resistance in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Sihang Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Wenkuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Mingchao Ding
- Department of Peripheral Vascular Intervention, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100049, China.
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Zhang B, Zhu Q, Qu D, Zhao M, Du J, Zhang H, Wang H, Jiang L, Yi X, Guo S, Wang H, Yang Y, Guo W. ACSS2 enables melanoma cell survival and tumor metastasis by negatively regulating the Hippo pathway. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1423795. [PMID: 38887280 PMCID: PMC11180738 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1423795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2), one of the enzymes that catalyze the conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA, has been proved to be an oncogene in various cancers. However, the function of ACSS2 is still largely a black box in melanoma. Methods The ACSS2 expression was detected in melanoma cells and melanocytes at both protein and mRNA levels. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were investigated after ACSS2 knockdown. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes caused by ACSS2 knockdown, which were then verified by immunoblotting analysis. Animal experiments were further performed to investigate the influence of ACSS2 on tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Results Firstly, we found that ACSS2 was upregulated in most melanoma cell lines compared with melanocytes. In addition, ACSS2 knockdown dramatically suppressed melanoma cell migration and invasion, whereas promoted cell apoptosis in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, tumor growth and metastasis were dramatically suppressed by ACSS2 knockdown in vivo. RNA-Seq suggested that the Hippo pathway was activated by ACSS2 knockdown, which was forwardly confirmed by Western blotting and rescue experiments. Taken together, we demonstrated that ACSS2 enables melanoma cell survival and tumor metastasis via the regulation of the Hippo pathway. Discussion In summary, this study demonstrated that ACSS2 may promote the growth and metastasis of melanoma by negatively regulating the Hippo pathway. Targeting ACSS2 may be a promising target for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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D'Aguanno S, Brignone M, Scalera S, Chiacchiarini M, Di Martile M, Valentini E, De Nicola F, Ricci A, Pelle F, Botti C, Maugeri-Saccà M, Del Bufalo D. Bcl-2 dependent modulation of Hippo pathway in cancer cells. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:277. [PMID: 38755629 PMCID: PMC11097437 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01647-1] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL are the most studied anti-apoptotic members of Bcl-2 family proteins. We previously characterized both of them, not only for their role in regulating apoptosis and resistance to therapy in cancer cells, but also for their non-canonical functions, mainly including promotion of cancer progression, metastatization, angiogenesis, and involvement in the crosstalk among cancer cells and components of the tumor microenvironment. Our goal was to identify transcriptional signature and novel cellular pathways specifically modulated by Bcl-2. METHODS We performed RNAseq analysis of siRNA-mediated transient knockdown of Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL in human melanoma cells and gene ontology analysis to identify a specific Bcl-2 transcriptional signature. Expression of genes modulated by Bcl-2 and associated to Hippo pathway were validated in human melanoma, breast adenocarcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer cell lines by qRT-PCR. Western blotting analysis were performed to analyse protein expression of upstream regulators of YAP and in relation to different level of Bcl-2 protein. The effects of YAP silencing in Bcl-2 overexpressing cancer cells were evaluated in migration and cell viability assays in relation to different stiffness conditions. In vitro wound healing assays and co-cultures were used to evaluate cancer-specific Bcl-2 ability to activate fibroblasts. RESULTS We demonstrated the Bcl-2-dependent modulation of Hippo Pathway in cancer cell lines from different tumor types by acting on upstream YAP regulators. YAP inhibition abolished the ability of Bcl-2 to increase tumor cell migration and proliferation on high stiffness condition of culture, to stimulate in vitro fibroblasts migration and to induce fibroblasts activation. CONCLUSIONS We discovered that Bcl-2 regulates the Hippo pathway in different tumor types, promoting cell migration, adaptation to higher stiffness culture condition and fibroblast activation. Our data indicate that Bcl-2 inhibitors should be further investigated to counteract cancer-promoting mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona D'Aguanno
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy.
| | - Matteo Brignone
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Stefano Scalera
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Martina Chiacchiarini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Valentini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Ricci
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Fabio Pelle
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Claudio Botti
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Marcello Maugeri-Saccà
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
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Provance OK, Oria VO, Tran TT, Caulfield JI, Zito CR, Aguirre-Ducler A, Schalper KA, Kluger HM, Jilaveanu LB. Vascular mimicry as a facilitator of melanoma brain metastasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:188. [PMID: 38635031 PMCID: PMC11026261 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05217-z] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma has the highest propensity among solid tumors to metastasize to the brain. Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are a leading cause of death in melanoma and affect 40-60% of patients with late-stage disease. Therefore, uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind MBM is necessary to enhance therapeutic interventions. Vascular mimicry (VM) is a form of neovascularization linked to invasion, increased risk of metastasis, and poor prognosis in many tumor types, but its significance in MBM remains poorly understood. We found that VM density is elevated in MBM compared to paired extracranial specimens and is associated with tumor volume and CNS edema. In addition, our studies indicate a relevant role of YAP and TAZ, two transcriptional co-factors scarcely studied in melanoma, in tumor cell-vasculogenesis and in brain metastasis. We recently demonstrated activation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway and increased degradation of its downstream targets YAP and TAZ in a metastasis impaired cell line model. In the current study we establish the utility of anti-YAP/TAZ therapy in mouse models of metastatic melanoma whereby treatment effectively inhibits VM and prolongs survival of mice with MBM. The data presented herein suggest that VM may be an important and targetable mechanism in melanoma and that VM inhibition might be useful for treating MBM, an area of high unmet clinical need, thus having important implications for future treatment regimens for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K Provance
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Victor O Oria
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thuy T Tran
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jasmine I Caulfield
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Christopher R Zito
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Adam Aguirre-Ducler
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kurt A Schalper
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harriet M Kluger
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lucia B Jilaveanu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Zhang H, Tu L, Ma Z, Lin Y, Tan Q. Inhibition of TAZ impairs the migration ability of melanoma cells. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220633. [PMID: 37360787 PMCID: PMC10290279 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0633] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is characterized by rapid growth, frequent metastasis, and high mortality. Targeted therapy for MM is still a research hotspot due to the increasing understanding of the hippo pathway. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in MM tumorigenesis. Based on the database analysis, we found that the median mRNA expression of TAZ (5.4) was found to be similar to that of YAP (5.5) in 473 human melanoma specimens. However, in 63 MM cell lines, the median expression of TAZ (10.8) was expressed at a higher level than that of YAP (9.5), which was then validated in A375. TAZ down-regulation by siRNA decreased the migration (72%) and invasion (74%) abilities of A375. Furthermore, the down-regulation of TAZ inhibited the proliferation of A375 without affecting apoptosis. We subsequently blocked hippo signaling with verteporfin and found that verteporfin application decreased the number of migrating (63%) and invading (69%) cells, respectively. We further found that Cyr61 declined following TAZ down-regulation. Moreover, TAZ negatively correlates with melanoma patient's overall survival. Our data proved that TAZ contributed to MM metastasis, which might be a potential therapeutic target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Leijing Tu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhouji Ma
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Qian Tan
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing210008, China
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Nepali PR, Kyprianou N. Anoikis in phenotypic reprogramming of the prostate tumor microenvironment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1160267. [PMID: 37091854 PMCID: PMC10113530 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1160267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in males wherein 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime. The urgency to find novel therapeutic interventions is associated with high treatment resistance and mortality rates associated with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Anoikis is an apoptotic phenomenon for normal epithelial or endothelial cells that have lost their attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Tumor cells that lose their connection to the ECM can die via apoptosis or survive via anoikis resistance and thus escaping to distant organs for metastatic progression. This review discusses the recent advances made in our understanding of the signaling effectors of anoikis in prostate cancer and the approaches to translate these mechanistic insights into therapeutic benefits for reducing lethal disease outcomes (by overcoming anoikis resistance). The prostate tumor microenvironment is a highly dynamic landscape wherein the balance between androgen signaling, cell lineage changes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix interactions, actin cytoskeleton remodeling as well as metabolic changes, confer anoikis resistance and metastatic spread. Thus, these mechanisms also offer unique molecular treatment signatures, exploitation of which can prime prostate tumors to anoikis induction with a high translational significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna R. Nepali
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Natasha Kyprianou
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Natasha Kyprianou,
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Koinis F, Chantzara E, Samarinas M, Xagara A, Kratiras Z, Leontopoulou V, Kotsakis A. Emerging Role of YAP and the Hippo Pathway in Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2834. [PMID: 36359354 PMCID: PMC9687800 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway regulates and contributes to several hallmarks of prostate cancer (PCa). Although the elucidation of YAP function in PCa is in its infancy, emerging studies have shed light on the role of aberrant Hippo pathway signaling in PCa development and progression. YAP overexpression and nuclear localization has been linked to poor prognosis and resistance to treatment, highlighting a therapeutic potential that may suggest innovative strategies to treat cancer. This review aimed to summarize available data on the biological function of the dysregulated Hippo pathway in PCa and identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for optimizing the development of YAP-targeted treatment strategies in patients likely to benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Koinis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Evangelia Chantzara
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Michael Samarinas
- Department of Urology, General Hospital “Koutlibanio”, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Anastasia Xagara
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Zisis Kratiras
- 3rd Urology Department University of Athens, “Attikon” University General Hospital, 12462 Chaidari, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Leontopoulou
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
- Laboratory of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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Ferroptosis Induction and YAP Inhibition as New Therapeutic Targets in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205050. [PMID: 36291834 PMCID: PMC9599726 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
GISTs are sarcomas of the gastrointestinal tract often associated with gain-of-function mutations in KIT or PDGFRA receptor genes. While most GISTs initially respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, relapses due to acquired resistance frequently occur. The induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death, emerged as a novel therapeutic approach in cancers and remains poorly characterized in GISTs. We studied hallmarks of ferroptosis, i.e., lipid peroxidation, iron and glutathione content, and GPX4 protein expression in imatinib-sensitive (GIST882) and -resistant (GIST48) GIST cell lines. GIST cells were highly sensitive to the induction of ferroptosis by RSL3, which was reversed by liproxstatin and deferoxamine. Lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis were mediated by VP and CA3 in GIST cells through a significant decrease in antioxidant defenses. Moreover, VP, but surprisingly not CA3, inhibited a series of target genes downstream of YAP in GIST cells. The ferroptosis marker TFRC was also investigated by immunohistochemistry in GIST tissue arrays. TFRC expression was observed in all samples. High TFRC expression was positively correlated with high-risk GISTs, elevated mitotic count, and YAP nuclear localization, reflecting YAP activation. This study highlights ferroptosis as a novel cell death mechanism in GISTs, and a potential therapeutic target to overcome resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Targeting GPCRs and Their Signaling as a Therapeutic Option in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030706. [PMID: 35158973 PMCID: PMC8833576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sixteen G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been involved in melanogenesis or melanomagenesis. Here, we review these GPCRs, their associated signaling, and therapies. Abstract G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) serve prominent roles in melanocyte lineage physiology, with an impact at all stages of development, as well as on mature melanocyte functions. GPCR ligands are present in the skin and regulate melanocyte homeostasis, including pigmentation. The role of GPCRs in the regulation of pigmentation and, consequently, protection against external aggression, such as ultraviolet radiation, has long been established. However, evidence of new functions of GPCRs directly in melanomagenesis has been highlighted in recent years. GPCRs are coupled, through their intracellular domains, to heterotrimeric G-proteins, which induce cellular signaling through various pathways. Such signaling modulates numerous essential cellular processes that occur during melanomagenesis, including proliferation and migration. GPCR-associated signaling in melanoma can be activated by the binding of paracrine factors to their receptors or directly by activating mutations. In this review, we present melanoma-associated alterations of GPCRs and their downstream signaling and discuss the various preclinical models used to evaluate new therapeutic approaches against GPCR activity in melanoma. Recent striking advances in our understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of GPCRs will undoubtedly broaden melanoma treatment options in the future.
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Lui JW, Moore SP, Huang L, Ogomori K, Li Y, Lang D. YAP facilitates melanoma migration through regulation of actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 5 (ARPC5). Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2022; 35:52-65. [PMID: 34468072 PMCID: PMC8958630 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13013] [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: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators that have been implicated in driving metastasis and progression in many cancers, mainly through their transcriptional regulation of downstream targets. Although YAP and TAZ have shown redundancy in many contexts, it is still unknown whether or not this is true in melanoma. Here, we show that while both YAP and TAZ are expressed in a panel of melanoma cell lines, depletion of YAP results in decreased cell numbers, focal adhesions, and the ability to invade matrigel. Using non-biased RNA-sequencing analysis, we find that melanoma cells depleted of YAP, TAZ, or YAP/TAZ exhibit drastically different transcriptomes. We further uncover the ARP2/3 subunit ARPC5 as a specific target of YAP but not TAZ and that ARPC5 is essential for YAP-dependent maintenance of melanoma cell focal adhesion numbers. Our findings suggest that in melanoma, YAP drives melanoma progression, survival, and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W. Lui
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University, Boston MA, 02118,Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago Il, 60637,These authors contributed equally
| | - Stephen P.G. Moore
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University, Boston MA, 02118,These authors contributed equally
| | - Lee Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University, Boston MA, 02118
| | - Kelsey Ogomori
- Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago Il, 60637
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago Il, 60637
| | - Deborah Lang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University, Boston MA, 02118
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Cherepakhin OS, Argenyi ZB, Moshiri AS. Genomic and Transcriptomic Underpinnings of Melanoma Genesis, Progression, and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:123. [PMID: 35008286 PMCID: PMC8750021 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer with rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. The discovery of the genetic drivers of melanomagenesis in the last decade has led the World Health Organization to reclassify melanoma subtypes by their molecular pathways rather than traditional clinical and histopathologic features. Despite this significant advance, the genomic and transcriptomic drivers of metastatic progression are less well characterized. This review describes the known molecular pathways of cutaneous and uveal melanoma progression, highlights recently identified pathways and mediators of metastasis, and touches on the influence of the tumor microenvironment on metastatic progression and treatment resistance. While targeted therapies and immune checkpoint blockade have significantly aided in the treatment of advanced disease, acquired drug resistance remains an unfortunately common problem, and there is still a great need to identify potential prognostic markers and novel therapeutic targets to aid in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zsolt B. Argenyi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Ata S. Moshiri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Shim J, Goldsmith KC. A New Player in Neuroblastoma: YAP and Its Role in the Neuroblastoma Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184650. [PMID: 34572875 PMCID: PMC8472533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor that accounts for more than 15% of childhood cancer-related deaths. High risk neuroblastomas that recur during or after intense multimodal therapy have a <5% chance at a second sustained remission or cure. The solid tumor microenvironment (TME) has been increasingly recognized to play a critical role in cancer progression and resistance to therapy, including in neuroblastoma. The Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) in the Hippo pathway can regulate cancer proliferation, tumor initiation, and therapy response in many cancer types and as such, its role in the TME has gained interest. In this review, we focus on YAP and its role in neuroblastoma and further describe its demonstrated and potential effects on the neuroblastoma TME. We also discuss the therapeutic strategies for inhibiting YAP in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kelly C. Goldsmith
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-404-727-2655
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Xia S, Wu J, Zhou W, Zhang M, Zhao K, Tian D, Liu J, Liao J. HRC promotes anoikis resistance and metastasis by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3112-3124. [PMID: 34400882 PMCID: PMC8364458 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.60610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Histidine-rich calcium binding protein (HRC) is markedly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is significantly correlated with metastasis. Anoikis resistance and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may have a critical effect on survival before metastasis. However, the potential functions of HRC in anoikis resistance in HCC remain unknown. Here, we uncovered the clinical value of HRC and its functional significance on anoikis in HCC. The positive expression of HRC was observably correlated with tumor size, tumor encapsulation, and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. The expression of HRC increased in HCC cells cultured in suspension. HRC enhanced the anoikis resistance of HCC, and promoted the HCC metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, the anoikis resistance was probably dependent on endoplasmic reticulum stress. Modulating HRC level changed the ERS to affect anoikis resistance by acting protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)-eIF2a-ATF4-CHOP signaling axis. In conclusion, we define HRC as a novel candidate oncogene involved in anoikis resistance and HCC metastasis, and provide a new potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhong Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jingwen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wangdong Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jingmei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiazhi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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Morciano G, Vezzani B, Missiroli S, Boncompagni C, Pinton P, Giorgi C. An Updated Understanding of the Role of YAP in Driving Oncogenic Responses. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123100. [PMID: 34205830 PMCID: PMC8234554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In 2020, the global cancer database GLOBOCAN estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases worldwide. The discovery of targeted therapies may help prognosis and outcome of the patients affected, but the understanding of the plethora of highly interconnected pathways that modulate cell transformation, proliferation, invasion, migration and survival remains an ambitious goal. Here we propose an updated state of the art of YAP as the key protein driving oncogenic response via promoting all those steps at multiple levels. Of interest, the role of YAP in immunosuppression is a field of evolving research and growing interest and this summary about the current pharmacological therapies impacting YAP serves as starting point for future studies. Abstract Yes-associated protein (YAP) has emerged as a key component in cancer signaling and is considered a potent oncogene. As such, nuclear YAP participates in complex and only partially understood molecular cascades that are responsible for the oncogenic response by regulating multiple processes, including cell transformation, tumor growth, migration, and metastasis, and by acting as an important mediator of immune and cancer cell interactions. YAP is finely regulated at multiple levels, and its localization in cells in terms of cytoplasm–nucleus shuttling (and vice versa) sheds light on interesting novel anticancer treatment opportunities and putative unconventional functions of the protein when retained in the cytosol. This review aims to summarize and present the state of the art knowledge about the role of YAP in cancer signaling, first focusing on how YAP differs from WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1, also named as TAZ) and which upstream factors regulate it; then, this review focuses on the role of YAP in different cancer stages and in the crosstalk between immune and cancer cells as well as growing translational strategies derived from its inhibitory and synergistic effects with existing chemo-, immuno- and radiotherapies.
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