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Targeting breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2): Functional inhibitors and expression modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114346. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Repurposing Niclosamide for Targeting Pancreatic Cancer by Inhibiting Hh/Gli Non-Canonical Axis of Gsk3β. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133105. [PMID: 34206370 PMCID: PMC8269055 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The current obstacles for discovering new drugs for cancer therapy have necessitated the development of the alternative strategy of drug repurposing, the identification of new uses for approved or investigational drugs for new therapeutic purposes. Niclosamide (Nic) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-helminthic drug, reported to have anti-cancer effects, and is being assessed in various clinical trials. In the current study, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of Nic on pancreatic cancer (PC) in vitro. Our results revealed mitochondrial stress and mTORC1-dependent autophagy as the predominant players of Nic-induced PC cell death. This study provided a novel mechanistic insight for anti-cancer efficacy of Nic by increasing p-Gsk3β that modulates molecular signaling(s), including inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) signaling-mediated cellular proliferation and increased apoptosis through mTORC1-dependent autophagy may prove helpful for the development of novel PC therapies. Abstract Niclosamide (Nic), an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug, is reported to have anti-cancer efficacy and is being assessed in clinical trials for various solid tumors. Based on its ability to target multiple signaling pathways, in the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Nic on pancreatic cancer (PC) in vitro. We observed an anti-cancerous effect of this drug as shown by the G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, inhibition of PC cell viability, colony formation, and migration. Our results revealed the involvement of mitochondrial stress and mTORC1-dependent autophagy as the predominant players of Nic-induced PC cell death. Significant reduction of Nic-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death in the presence of a selective autophagy inhibitor spautin-1 demonstrated autophagy as a major contributor to Nic-mediated cell death. Mechanistically, Nic inhibited the interaction between BCL2 and Beclin-1 that supported the crosstalk of autophagy and apoptosis. Further, Nic treatment resulted in Gsk3β inactivation by phosphorylating its Ser-9 residue leading to upregulation of Sufu and Gli3, thereby negatively impacting hedgehog signaling and cell survival. Nic induced autophagic cell death, and p-Gsk3b mediated Sufu/Gli3 cascade was further confirmed by Gsk3β activator, LY-294002, by rescuing inactivation of Hh signaling upon Nic treatment. These results suggested the involvement of a non-canonical mechanism of Hh signaling, where p-Gsk3β acts as a negative regulator of Hh/Gli1 cascade and a positive regulator of autophagy-mediated cell death. Overall, this study established the therapeutic efficacy of Nic for PC by targeting p-Gsk3β mediated non-canonical Hh signaling and promoting mTORC1-dependent autophagy and cell death.
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Melendez-Zajgla J, Maldonado V. The Role of lncRNAs in the Stem Phenotype of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6374. [PMID: 34203589 PMCID: PMC8232220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest tumors. This neoplasia is characterized by an important cellular and phenotypic heterogeneity. In particular, it has been shown that at least two subtypes can be found: basal-like, which presents stem-like properties, and classical. Cancer stem cells have been isolated and characterized from these tumors, showing their dependance on general and tissue-specific stem transcription factors and signaling pathways. Nevertheless, little is known about their tissue microenvironment and cell non-autonomous regulators, such as long-non-coding RNAs. (lncRNAs). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the positive and negative effects of lncRNAs in the stemness phenotype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica, Periferico Sur 4809, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14610, Mexico;
| | - Vilma Maldonado
- Epigenomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica, Periferico Sur 4809, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14610, Mexico
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Diltiazem potentiates the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil in PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells through inhibition of P-glycoprotein. Life Sci 2020; 262:118518. [PMID: 33011221 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive tumors with dismal survival and a high death rate due to chemotherapeutic failure. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a pivotal role in PC response to gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, is a P-gp inhibitor. In the current study, we investigated the hypothesis that targeting of P-gp by diltiazem can enhance the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine and 5-FU against human pancreatic cancer cells. MAIN METHODS The cytotoxic effect of diltiazem, gemcitabine, and 5-FU in single and combined forms against PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells were assayed by MTT. Flow cytometric analysis was used for the determination of cell cycle, apoptosis, and stemness markers in PC cells. Besides, immunoblotting was used for assessment of Bax, caspase 3, cyclin D1, and P-gp expressions. KEY FINDINGS Diltiazem co-treatment, either with gemcitabine or 5-FU, synergistically reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest. In addition, diltiazem co-treatment decreased the expressions of stem cell markers CD24 and CD44, increased the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase 3, enhanced DNA fragmentation, and attenuated cyclin D1 and P-gp expressions as compared to cells treated with either gemcitabine or 5-FU alone. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that diltiazem may be potential neoadjuvant therapy to enhance the response of PC to gemcitabine or 5-FU treatment.
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Panelo LC, Machado MS, Rubio MF, Jaworski F, Alvarado CV, Paz LA, Urtreger AJ, Vazquez E, Costas MA. High RAC3 expression levels are required for induction and maintaining of cancer cell stemness. Oncotarget 2018; 9:5848-5860. [PMID: 29464039 PMCID: PMC5814179 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RAC3 is a transcription coactivator, usually overexpressed in several tumors and required to maintain the pluripotency in normal stem cells. In this work we studied the association between RAC3 overexpression on cancer cell stemness and the capacity of this protein to induce cancer stem properties in non tumoral cells. We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using two strategies: by overexpressing RAC3 in the non tumoral cell line HEK293 and by silencing RAC3 in the human colorectal epithelial cell line HCT116 by transfection. Furthermore, we analysed public repository microarrays data from human colorectal tumors in different developmental stages. We found that RAC3 overexpression was mainly associated to CD133+ side-population of colon cancer cells and also to early and advanced stages of colon cancer, involving increased expression of mesenchymal and stem markers. In turn, RAC3 silencing induced diminished tumoral properties and cancer stem cells as determined by Hoechst efflux, tumorspheres and clonogenic growth, which correlated with decreased Nanog and OCT4 expression. In non tumoral cells, RAC3 overexpression induced tumoral transformation; mesenchymal phenotype and stem markers expression. Moreover, these transformed cells generated tumors in vivo. Our results demonstrate that RAC3 is required for maintaining and induction of cancer cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Panelo
- Laboratorio de Biología Moleculary Apoptosis, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Alfredo Lanari, IDIM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1427ARO Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mileni Soares Machado
- Laboratorio de Biología Moleculary Apoptosis, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Alfredo Lanari, IDIM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1427ARO Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Rubio
- Laboratorio de Biología Moleculary Apoptosis, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Alfredo Lanari, IDIM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1427ARO Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cancer, IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), C1425FQB Godoy Cruz (CABA), República Argentina
| | - Felipe Jaworski
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cancer, IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia V Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Biología Moleculary Apoptosis, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Alfredo Lanari, IDIM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1427ARO Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo A Paz
- Laboratorio de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Alfredo Lanari, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1427ARO Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro J Urtreger
- Laboratorio de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Alfredo Lanari, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1427ARO Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Oncología "Angel H Roffo", Area de Investigación, C1417DTB Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), C1425FQB Godoy Cruz (CABA), República Argentina
| | - Elba Vazquez
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cancer, IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), C1425FQB Godoy Cruz (CABA), República Argentina
| | - Mónica A Costas
- Laboratorio de Biología Moleculary Apoptosis, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Alfredo Lanari, IDIM-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1427ARO Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Argentine National Research Council (CONICET), C1425FQB Godoy Cruz (CABA), República Argentina
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Jia J, Qin Y, Zhang L, Guo C, Wang Y, Yue X, Qian J. Sijunzi decoction-treated rat serum induces apoptosis of side population cells in gastric carcinoma. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:1718-1727. [PMID: 29399136 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Previous studies have indicated that SJZD exhibits antitumor activity. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. To explore the antitumor mechanism of SJZD, the effects of serum from rats treated with SJZD on the proliferation of MKN-28 and HGC-27 gastric carcinoma cell lines were systematically investigated. It was found that SJZD-treated rat serum significantly inhibited the growth of MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells in vitro. The results obtained from a colony formation assay showed that SJZD-treated rat serum decreased the colony formation ability of MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells. The apoptosis rate in MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells was also increased following treatment with SJZD-treated rat serum. Flow cytometry with cell sorting revealed the presence of side population (SP) cells in MKN-28 and HGC-27 cells though Hoechst 33342 staining, and verapamil reduced the SP percentage. Further analysis showed that SJZD-treated rat serum promoted the apoptosis of SP cells in MKN-28 and HGC-27 cell lines by upregulating Bax, caspase-3 and PARP and downregulating bcl-2. These data revealed the therapeutic effect of SJZD-treated rat serum on gastric carcinoma. Following the preliminary identification of the inhibitory effect on the growth of gastric cancer cells in vitro, the growth inhibitory effect of SJZD-treated rat serum on SP cells was confirmed, and this inhibition particularly involved the induction of cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguang Jia
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233003, P.R. China
| | - Yiyu Qin
- Department of Science and Technology, Jiading Central Hospital, Shanghai 201800, P.R. China.,Department of Science and Technology, Yancheng Institute of Health Sciences, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224005, P.R. China
| | - Ligong Zhang
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233003, P.R. China
| | - Chenxu Guo
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233003, P.R. China
| | - Yaguo Wang
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233003, P.R. China
| | - Xicheng Yue
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233003, P.R. China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233003, P.R. China
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Santamaria S, Delgado M, Kremer L, Garcia-Sanz JA. Will a mAb-Based Immunotherapy Directed against Cancer Stem Cells Be Feasible? Front Immunol 2017; 8:1509. [PMID: 29170667 PMCID: PMC5684111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis suggests that within a tumor, there is a small subpopulation of cells with stem cell properties responsible for tumor maintenance and metastasis generation. This hypothesis also implies that new antitumor drugs, rather than targeting the bulk of the tumor mass, would be more effective if they directly targeted the CSC subpopulation. The CSCs from several types of tumors have been identified with mAbs recognizing surface antigens in these cells; however, antigens specifically or exclusively expressed in the CSC population have not yet been identified. Thus, questioning the possibility of using therapeutic antibodies directed against the CSCs. Here, we review the possibilities of using antibodies directly targeting the CSCs as therapeutic agents in the form of naked antibodies, antibodies conjugated to nanoparticles, or antibody cocktails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Santamaria
- Cancer Genetics and Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Delgado
- Cancer Genetics and Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Kremer
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia, Department of Immunology and Oncology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A Garcia-Sanz
- Cancer Genetics and Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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López-Gómez M, Casado E, Muñoz M, Alcalá S, Moreno-Rubio J, D'Errico G, Jiménez-Gordo AM, Salinas S, Sainz B. Current evidence for cancer stem cells in gastrointestinal tumors and future research perspectives. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 107:54-71. [PMID: 27823652 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a very heterogeneous subpopulation of "stem-like" cancer cells that have been identified in many cancers, including leukemias and solid tumors. It is believed that CSCs drive tumor growth, malignant behavior and are responsible for the initiation of metastatic spread. In addition, CSCs have been implicated in chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance. Current evidence supports the theory that CSCs share at least two main features of normal stem cells: self-renewal and differentiation, properties that contribute to tumor survival even in the presence of aggressive chemotherapy; however, the mechanism(s) governing the unique biology of CSCs remain unclear. In the field of gastrointestinal cancer, where we face very low survival rates across different tumor types, unraveling the role of CSCs in gastrointestinal tumors should improve our knowledge of cancer biology and chemoresistance, ultimately benefiting patient survival. Towards this end, much effort is being invested in the characterization of CSCs as a means of overcoming drug resistance and controlling metastatic spread. In this review we will cover the concept of CSCs, the current evidence for CSCs in gastrointestinal tumors and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam López-Gómez
- Medical Oncology Department, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S. Reyes, Madrid, Spain; Precision Oncology Laboratory, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S. Reyes, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Enrique Casado
- Medical Oncology Department, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S. Reyes, Madrid, Spain; Precision Oncology Laboratory, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S. Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Muñoz
- Pathological Anatomy Department, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Alcalá
- Department of Biochemistry, Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Cancer Biology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain; Enfermedades Crónicas y Cáncer Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Moreno-Rubio
- Precision Oncology Laboratory, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S. Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriele D'Errico
- Department of Biochemistry, Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana María Jiménez-Gordo
- Medical Oncology Department, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S. Reyes, Madrid, Spain; Precision Oncology Laboratory, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S. Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Salinas
- Pathological Anatomy Department, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, S.S Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Biochemistry, Autónoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Cancer Biology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain; Enfermedades Crónicas y Cáncer Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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Zhao L, Zhao Y, Schwarz B, Mysliwietz J, Hartig R, Camaj P, Bao Q, Jauch KW, Guba M, Ellwart JW, Nelson PJ, Bruns CJ. Verapamil inhibits tumor progression of chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer side population cells. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:99-110. [PMID: 27177126 PMCID: PMC4902079 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor side population (SP) cells display stem-like properties that can be modulated by treatment with the calcium channel blocker verapamil. Verapamil can enhance the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and multi-drug resistance by targeting the transport function of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp). This study focused on the therapeutic potential of verapamil on stem-like SP tumor cells, and further investigated its chemosensitizing effects using L3.6pl and AsPC-1 pancreatic carcinoma models. As compared to parental L3.6pl cells (0.9±0.22%), L3.6pl gemcitabine-resistant cells (L3.6plGres) showed a significantly higher percentage of SP cells (5.38±0.99%) as detected by Hoechst 33342/FACS assays. The L3.6plGres SP cells showed stable gemcitabine resistance, enhanced colony formation ability and increased tumorigenicity. Verapamil effectively inhibited L3.6plGres and AsPC-1 SP cell proliferation in vitro. A pro-apoptotic effect of verapamil was observed in L3.6pl cells, but not in L3.6plGres cells, which was linked to their differential expression of P-gp and equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (ENT-1). In an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model, both low and high dose verapamil was shown to substantially reduce L3.6plGres-SP cell tumor growth and metastasis, enhance tumor apoptosis, and reduce microvascular density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Schwarz
- Department of Surgery, Munich Medical Center, Campus Grosshadern, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Josef Mysliwietz
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environment and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Hartig
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Camaj
- Department of Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Qi Bao
- Department of Surgery, Munich Medical Center, Campus Grosshadern, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Karl-Walter Jauch
- Department of Surgery, Munich Medical Center, Campus Grosshadern, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Makus Guba
- Department of Surgery, Munich Medical Center, Campus Grosshadern, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Walter Ellwart
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center for Environment and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Jon Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Medical Clinic and Policlinic IV, Munich Medical Center, Campus Innenstadt, LMU, Munich, Germany
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Sancho P, Alcala S, Usachov V, Hermann PC, Sainz B. The ever-changing landscape of pancreatic cancer stem cells. Pancreatology 2016; 16:489-96. [PMID: 27161173 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the cancer stem cell (CSC) concept in solid tumors has gained enormous momentum as an attractive model to explain tumor heterogeneity. The model proposes that tumors contain a subpopulation of rare cancer cells with stem-like properties that maintain the hierarchy of the tumor and drive tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. The identification and subsequent isolation of CSCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in 2007 provided enormous insight into this extremely metastatic and chemoresistant tumor and renewed hope for developing more specific therapies against this disease. Unfortunately, we have made only marginal advances in applying the knowledge learned to the development of new and more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer. The latter has been partly due to the lack of adequate in vitro and in vivo systems compounded by the use of markers that do not reproducibly nor exclusively select for an enriched CSC population. Thus, attempts to define a pancreatic CSC-specific genetic, epigenetic or proteomic signature has been challenging. Fortunately recent advances in the CSC field have overcome many of these challenges and have opened up new opportunities for developing therapies that target the CSC population. In this review, we discuss these current advances, specifically new methods for the identification and isolation of pancreatic CSCs, new insights into the metabolic profile of CSCs at the level of mitochondrial respiration, and the utility of genetically engineered mouse models as surrogate systems to both study CSC biology and evaluate CSC-specific targeted therapies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Sancho
- Stem Cells in Cancer & Ageing, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Sonia Alcala
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain; Enfermedades Crónicas y Cáncer Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain; Enfermedades Crónicas y Cáncer Area, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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Chai X, Chu H, Yang X, Meng Y, Shi P, Gou S. Metformin Increases Sensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine by Reducing CD133+ Cell Populations and Suppressing ERK/P70S6K Signaling. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14404. [PMID: 26391180 PMCID: PMC4585731 DOI: 10.1038/srep14404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains dismal, with little advance in chemotherapy because of its high frequency of chemoresistance. Metformin is widely used to treat type II diabetes, and was shown recently to inhibit pancreatic cancer stem cell proliferation. In the present study, we investigated the role of metformin in chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, and its possible cellular and molecular mechanisms. Metformin increases sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. The mechanism involves, at least in part, the inhibition of CD133+ cells proliferation and suppression of P70S6K signaling activation via inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. Studies of primary tumor samples revealed a relationship between P70S6K signaling activation and the malignancy of pancreatic cancer. Analysis of clinical data revealed a trend of the benefit of metformin for pancreatic cancer patients with diabetes. The results suggested that metformin has a potential clinical use in overcoming chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinqun Chai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Hongpeng Chu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Xuan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Yuanpu Meng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Pengfei Shi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan
| | - Shanmiao Gou
- Pancreatic Disease Institute, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
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Cojoc M, Mäbert K, Muders MH, Dubrovska A. A role for cancer stem cells in therapy resistance: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 31:16-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Zhao Y, Zhao L, Ischenko I, Bao Q, Schwarz B, Nieß H, Wang Y, Renner A, Mysliwietz J, Jauch KW, Nelson PJ, Ellwart JW, Bruns CJ, Camaj P. Antisense inhibition of microRNA-21 and microRNA-221 in tumor-initiating stem-like cells modulates tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. Target Oncol 2015; 10:535-48. [PMID: 25639539 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-015-0360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our preliminary studies identified a small population side population (SP) cells in pancreatic cancer cells with stem cell-like properties, which were able to induce fast and aggressive tumor formation in nude mice. Gene expression analysis showed a significant difference in the expression of more than 1,300 genes in SP cells, among which a highly significant difference in microRNA expression of miR-21 and miR-221 between SP and NSP cells was identified. SP cells were identified and characterized by flow cytometry using Hoechst 33342 dye staining from a highly metastatic human pancreatic cancer cell line (L3.6pl). Antagomir transfection was performed using miRNA-21 and miRNA-221 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and followed by detection of cell apoptosis, cell cycle progression, chemosensitivity, and invasion. Sorted SP cells from gemcitabine-resistant L3.6pl cells (L3.6pl(Gres)-SP) cells were orthotopically implanted in nude mice with or without miRNA-21 and miRNA-221 ASOs mono- and combination therapy. The administration of antagomir-21 and antagomir-221 significantly reduced the SP cell fraction, decreased SP cell differentiation, and downstream gene regulation, and thereby induced reduction of L3.6pl cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance against gemcitabine and 5-Fluorouracil. Combination of ASOs therapy against miRNA-21 and miRNA-221 significantly inhibited primary tumor growth and metastasis compared to single antagomir treatment, especially, in L3.6plGres-SP-induced pancreatic tumor growth in vivo. These findings further indicate that the inhibition of miR-21 and miR-221 appear particularly suitable to target stem-like subpopulations and address their specific biological function to promote tumor progression in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Ivan Ischenko
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Qi Bao
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Schwarz
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Hanno Nieß
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Renner
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Josef Mysliwietz
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karl-Walter Jauch
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim W Ellwart
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Camaj
- Department of General, Visceral und Vascular Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Miranda-Lorenzo I, Dorado J, Lonardo E, Alcala S, Serrano AG, Clausell-Tormos J, Cioffi M, Megias D, Zagorac S, Balic A, Hidalgo M, Erkan M, Kleeff J, Scarpa A, Sainz B, Heeschen C. Intracellular autofluorescence: a biomarker for epithelial cancer stem cells. Nat Methods 2014; 11:1161-9. [PMID: 25262208 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to drive tumor growth, metastasis and chemoresistance. Although surface markers such as CD133 and CD44 have been successfully used to isolate CSCs, their expression is not exclusively linked to the CSC phenotype and is prone to environmental alteration. We identified cells with an autofluorescent subcellular compartment that exclusively showed CSC features across different human tumor types. Primary tumor-derived autofluorescent cells did not overlap with side-population (SP) cells, were enriched in sphere culture and during chemotherapy, strongly expressed pluripotency-associated genes, were highly metastatic and showed long-term in vivo tumorigenicity, even at the single-cell level. Autofluorescence was due to riboflavin accumulation in membrane-bounded cytoplasmic structures bearing ATP-dependent ABCG2 transporters. In summary, we identified and characterized an intrinsic autofluorescent phenotype in CSCs of diverse epithelial cancers and used this marker to isolate and characterize these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Miranda-Lorenzo
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Dorado
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Enza Lonardo
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Alcala
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia G Serrano
- Melanoma Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, CNIO, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jenifer Clausell-Tormos
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Michele Cioffi
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Megias
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, Biotechnology Programme, CNIO, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sladjana Zagorac
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anamaria Balic
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Clinical Research Programme, CNIO, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mert Erkan
- Chirurgische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Joerg Kleeff
- Chirurgische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Università degli Studi di Verona, Centro Ricerca Applicata ARC-NET, Verona, Italy
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- 1] Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain. [2] Centre for Stem Cells in Cancer &Ageing, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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16
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Qi W, Zhao C, Zhao L, Liu N, Li X, Yu W, Wei L. Sorting and identification of side population cells in the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa. Cancer Cell Int 2014; 14:3. [PMID: 24418020 PMCID: PMC3907367 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-14-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several reports have revealed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) exist in many types of solid tumors. Some studies have demonstrated that side population (SP) cells isolated from diverse cancer lines harbor cancer stem-like properties, but there are few reports examining the characteristic of SP cells in human cervical cancer. The aim of this study is 1) to find out a feasible way to detect the tumor stem-like cells in cervical cancer, and 2) to analyze the properties of the SP cells being sorted. Methods Isolated SP and non-SP cells from human cervical cancer cell line Hela by Hoechst 33342 dying method and flow cytometry analysis. Observing morphology of SP and non-SP cells. The expression of various biomarkers putatively related to cancer stem cells were investigated by immucytochemistry of SP and non-SP cells. We also analyzed cell cycle and cell apoptosis for sorted cells. The oncogenicity of the SP and non-SP cells were analyzed by tumor formation in nonobesediabeti- c/severe combined immune- deficient (NOD/SCID) mice. The drug-resistant and radiation-resistant index between SP, non-SP and Hela cells was estimated by MTS assay. Results The fraction of SP cells in Hela was approximately 1.07 ± 0.32%. SP cells were smaller and rounder in shape than non-SP cells, and mostly showed colony-like growth. Immunocytochemistry showed that stem cell makers (Oct3/4, CD133, BCRP) were highly expressed in SP cells. Moreover, the number of apoptotic cells among non-SP cells (17.6 ± 3.7%) was significantly higher compared with that among SP cells (4.4 ± 1.2%). The HE staining of in vivo grown tumors result from SP cells showed more poor differentiation, though no significant differences were shown between SP and non-SP cells in NOD/SCID mice tumorigenicity. Furthermore, SP cells demonstrated a higher degree of drug resistance against trichostatin A (TSA) compared with that of non-SP and Hela cells. SP cells were also found to be more resistant against radiotherapy. Conclusions SP cells possess some characteristics of CSCs, namely high proliferation ability, chemoresistance and radioresistance, which may be helpful to elucidate novel targets for effective clinical treatments of cervical cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Lijun Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, 33 Haidian South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Weidong Yu
- Central Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Lihui Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
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Side population cells as prototype of chemoresistant, tumor-initiating cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:517237. [PMID: 24294611 PMCID: PMC3834974 DOI: 10.1155/2013/517237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Classically, isolation of CSCs from tumors exploits the detection of cell surface markers associated with normal stem cells. Invariable expression of these cell surface markers in almost all proliferating tumor cells that albeit impart specific functionality, the universality, and clinical credibility of CSC phenotype based on markers is still dubious. Side Population (SP) cells, as defined by Hoechst dye exclusion in flow cytometry, have been identified in many solid tumors and cell lines and the SP phenotype can be considered as an enriched source of stem cells as well as an alternative source for the isolation of cancer stem cells especially when molecular markers for stem cells are unknown. SP cells may be responsible for the maintenance and propagation of tumors and the proportion of SP cells may be a predictor of patient outcome. Several of these markers used in cell sorting have emerged as prognostic markers of disease progression though it is seen that the development of new CSC-targeted strategies is often hindered by poor understanding of their regulatory networks and functions. This review intends to appraise the experimental progress towards enhanced isolation and drug screening based on property of acquired chemoresistance of cancer stem cells.
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Van den broeck A, Vankelecom H, Van Delm W, Gremeaux L, Wouters J, Allemeersch J, Govaere O, Roskams T, Topal B. Human pancreatic cancer contains a side population expressing cancer stem cell-associated and prognostic genes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73968. [PMID: 24069258 PMCID: PMC3775803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In many types of cancers, a side population (SP) has been identified based on high efflux capacity, thereby enriching for chemoresistant cells as well as for candidate cancer stem cells (CSC). Here, we explored whether human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) contains a SP, and whether its gene expression profile is associated with chemoresistance, CSC and prognosis. After dispersion into single cells and incubation with Hoechst dye, we analyzed human PDAC resections specimens using flow cytometry (FACS). We identified a SP and main population (MP) in all human PDAC resection specimens (n = 52) analyzed, but detected immune (CD45+) and endothelial (CD31+) cells in this fraction together with tumor cells. The SP and MP cells, or more purified fractions depleted from CD31+/CD45+ cells (pSP and pMP), were sorted by FACS and subjected to whole-genome expression analysis. This revealed upregulation of genes associated with therapy resistance and of markers identified before in putative pancreatic CSC. pSP gene signatures of 32 or 10 up- or downregulated genes were developed and tested for discriminatory competence between pSP and pMP in different sets of PDAC samples. The prognostic value of the pSP genes was validated in a large independent series of PDAC patients (n = 78) using nCounter analysis of expression (in tumor versus surrounding pancreatic tissue) and Cox regression for disease-free and overall survival. Of these genes, expression levels of ABCB1 and CXCR4 were correlated with worse patient survival. Thus, our study for the first time demonstrates that human PDAC contains a SP. This tumor subpopulation may represent a valuable therapeutic target given its chemoresistance- and CSC-associated gene expression characteristics with potential prognostic value.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/genetics
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/metabolism
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/mortality
- Case-Control Studies
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/mortality
- Prognosis
- Receptors, CXCR4/genetics
- Receptors, CXCR4/metabolism
- Side-Population Cells/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Van den broeck
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity, Research Unit of Embryo and Stem Cells, Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity, Research Unit of Embryo and Stem Cells, Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Delm
- VIB Nucleomics Core, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Gremeaux
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity, Research Unit of Embryo and Stem Cells, Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jasper Wouters
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity, Research Unit of Embryo and Stem Cells, Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joke Allemeersch
- VIB Nucleomics Core, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olivier Govaere
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Roskams
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Baki Topal
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Concomitant targeting of multiple key transcription factors effectively disrupts cancer stem cells enriched in side population of human pancreatic cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73942. [PMID: 24040121 PMCID: PMC3770686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A major challenge in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the failure of chemotherapy, which is likely due to the presence of the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Objective To identify side population (SP) cells and characterize s-like properties in human pancreatic cancer cell lines (h-PCCLs) and to exploit the efficacy of concomitant targeting of multiple key transcription factors governing the stemness of pancreatic CSCs in suppressing CSC-like phenotypes. Methods Flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 DNA-binding dye efflux assay were used to sort SP and non-SP (NSP) cells from three h-PCCLs: PANC-1, SW1990, and BxPc-3. The self-renewal ability, invasiveness, migration and drug resistance of SP cells were evaluated. Expression of CSC marker genes was analyzed. Tumorigenicity was assessed using a xenograft model in nude mice. Effects of a complex decoy oligonucleotide (cdODN-SCO) designed to simultaneously targeting Sox2, Oct4 and c-Myc were assessed. Results CSCs were enriched in the side proportion (SP) cells contained in the h-PCCLs and they possessed aggressive growth, invasion, migration and drug-resistance properties, compared with NSP cells. SP cells overexpressed stem cell markers CD133 and ALDH1, pluripotency maintaining factors Nanog, Sox2 and Oct4, oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc, signaling molecule Notch1, and drug resistant gene ABCG2. Moreover, SP cells consistently demonstrated significantly greater tumorigenicity than NSP cells in xenograft model of nude mice. CdODN–SOC efficiently suppressed all CSC properties and phenotypes, and minimized the tumorigenic capability of the SP cells and the resistance to chemotherapy. By comparison, the negative control failed to do so. Conclusion The findings indicate that targeting the key genes conferring the stemness of CSCs can efficiently eliminate CSC-like phenotypes, and thus may be considered a new approach for cancer therapy. Specifically, the present study establishes the combination of Sox2/Oct4/c-Myc targeting as a potential anti-pancreatic cancer agent worthy of further studies in preclinical settings.
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Wu CP, Zhou L, Xie M, Du HD, Tian J, Sun S, Li JY. Identification of cancer stem-like side population cells in purified primary cultured human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma epithelia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65750. [PMID: 23776540 PMCID: PMC3679141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells have been identified in many solid tumors; however, most of these investigations are performed using established cancer cell lines. Cancer cells in tumor tissue containing fibroblasts and many other types of cells are much more complex than any cancer cell line. Although SP cells were identified in the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cell line Hep-2 in our pilot study, it is unknown whether the LSCC tissue contains SP cells. In this study, LSCC cells (LSCCs) were primary cultured and purified from a surgically resected LSCC specimen derived from a well-differentiated epiglottic neoplasm of a Chinese male. This was followed by the verification of epithelium-specific characteristics, such as ultrastructure and biomarkers. A distinct SP subpopulation (4.45±1.07%) was isolated by Hoechst 33342 efflux analysis from cultured LSCCs by using a flow cytometer. Cancer stem cell (CSC)-associated assays, including expression of self-renewal and CSC marker genes, proliferation, differentiation, spheroid formation, chemotherapy resistance, and tumorigenicity were then conducted between SP and non-SP (NSP) LSCCs. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed that SP cells manifested preferential expression of self-renewal and CSC marker genes, higher capacity for proliferation, differentiation, and spheroid formation; enhanced resistance to chemotherapy; and greater xenograft tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice compared with NSP cells. These findings suggest that the primary cultured and purified LSCCs contain cancer stem-like SP cells, which may serve as a valuable model for CSC research in LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ping Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Ming Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huai-Dong Du
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Tian
- Central Laboratory, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan Sun
- Central Laboratory, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Yan Li
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Hindriksen S, Bijlsma MF. Cancer Stem Cells, EMT, and Developmental Pathway Activation in Pancreatic Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2012; 4:989-1035. [PMID: 24213498 PMCID: PMC3712732 DOI: 10.3390/cancers4040989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a disease with remarkably poor patient survival rates. The frequent presence of metastases and profound chemoresistance pose a severe problem for the treatment of these tumors. Moreover, cross-talk between the tumor and the local micro-environment contributes to tumorigenicity, metastasis and chemoresistance. Compared to bulk tumor cells, cancer stem cells (CSC) have reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy. CSC are tumor cells with stem-like features that possess the ability to self-renew, but can also give rise to more differentiated progeny. CSC can be identified based on increased in vitro spheroid- or colony formation, enhanced in vivo tumor initiating potential, or expression of cell surface markers. Since CSC are thought to be required for the maintenance of a tumor cell population, these cells could possibly serve as a therapeutic target. There appears to be a causal relationship between CSC and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic tumors. The occurrence of EMT in pancreatic cancer cells is often accompanied by re-activation of developmental pathways, such as the Hedgehog, WNT, NOTCH, and Nodal/Activin pathways. Therapeutics based on CSC markers, EMT, developmental pathways, or tumor micro-environment could potentially be used to target pancreatic CSC. This may lead to a reduction of tumor growth, metastatic events, and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Hindriksen
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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22
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Van den Broeck A, Gremeaux L, Topal B, Vankelecom H. Human pancreatic adenocarcinoma contains a side population resistant to gemcitabine. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:354. [PMID: 22894607 PMCID: PMC3500221 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Therapy resistance remains one of the major challenges to improve the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. Chemoresistant cells, which potentially also display cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics, can be isolated using the side population (SP) technique. Our aim was to search for a SP in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to examine its chemoresistance and CSC(−like) phenotype. Methods Human PDAC samples were expanded in immunodeficient mice and first-generation xenografts analyzed for the presence of a Hoechst dye-effluxing SP using flow cytometry (FACS). To investigate chemoresistance of the SP, mice bearing PDAC xenografts were treated with gemcitabine and SP proportion determined. In addition, the SP and the main tumour cell population (MP) were sorted by FACS for RNA extraction to profile gene expression, and for culturing under sphere-forming conditions. Results A SP was identified in all PDAC samples, analyzed. This SP was more resistant to gemcitabine than the other tumour cells as examined in vivo. Whole-genome expression profiling of the SP revealed upregulation of genes related to therapy resistance, apoptotic regulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, the SP displayed higher tumourigenic (CSC) activity than the MP as analyzed in vitro by sphere-forming capacity. Conclusion We identified a SP in human PDAC and uncovered a chemoresistant and CSC-associated phenotype. This SP may represent a new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00936104
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Van den Broeck
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Xia J, Chen C, Chen Z, Miele L, Sarkar FH, Wang Z. Targeting pancreatic cancer stem cells for cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2012; 1826:385-99. [PMID: 22728049 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death in the United States. Emerging evidence suggests that pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in the development and progression of PC. Recently, there is increasing evidence showing that chemopreventive agents commonly known as nutraceuticals could target and eliminate CSCs that have been proposed as the root of the tumor progression, which could be partly due to attenuating cell signaling pathways involved in CSCs. Therefore, targeting pancreatic CSCs by nutraceuticals for the prevention of tumor progression and treatment of PC may lead to the development of novel strategy for achieving better treatment outcome of PC patients. In this review article, we will summarize the most recent advances in the pancreatic CSC field, with particular emphasis on nutraceuticals that target CSCs, for fighting this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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24
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Current immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2011:267539. [PMID: 21922022 PMCID: PMC3172984 DOI: 10.1155/2011/267539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive and notoriously difficult to treat. As the vast majority of patients are diagnosed at advanced stage of the disease, only a small population is curative by surgical resection. Although gemcitabine-based chemotherapy is typically offered as standard of care, most patients do not survive longer than 6 months. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are needed. Pancreatic cancer cells that develop gemcitabine resistance would still be suitable targets for immunotherapy. Therefore, one promising treatment approach may be immunotherapy that is designed to target pancreatic-cancer-associated antigens. In this paper, we detail recent work in immunotherapy and the advances in concept of combination therapy of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We offer our perspective on how to increase the clinical efficacy of immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer.
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