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Reeder TL, Zarlenga DS, Zeigler AL, Dyer RM. Transcriptional responses consistent with perturbation in dermo-epidermal homeostasis in septic sole ulceration. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00843-9. [PMID: 38825108 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate transcriptional changes in sole epidermis and dermis of bovine claws with septic sole ulceration of the lateral claw. Assessment included changes in transcripts orchestrating epidermal homeostatic processes including epidermal proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and cell signaling. Sole epidermis and dermis was removed from region 4 of lesion-bearing lateral and lesion-free medial claws of pelvic limbs in multiparous, lactating Holstein cows. Control sole epidermis and dermis was obtained from region 4 of lateral claws of normal pelvic limbs. Transcript abundances were evaluated by real-time QPCR and relative expression analyzed by ANOVA. Relative to normal lateral claws, sole epidermis and dermis in ulcer-bearing claws exhibited downregulation of genes associated with growth factors, growth factor receptors, activator protein 1 (AP-1) and proto-oncogene (CMYC) transcription components, cell cycle elements, lateral cell-to-cell signaling elements and structures of early and late keratinocyte differentiation. These changes were accompanied by upregulation of pro-inflammatory transcripts interleukin 1 α (IL1A), interleukin1 β (IL1B), interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL1R1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), the inflammasome components NOD like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), pyrin and caspase recruitment domain (PYCARD), and caspase-1 interleukin converting enzyme (CASPASE), the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9), and anti-inflammatory genes interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) and interleukin1 receptor 2 (IL1R2). Transcript abundance varied across epidermis and dermis from the ulcer center, margin and epidermis and dermis adjacent to the lesion. Sole epidermis and dermis of lesion-free medial claws exhibited changes paralleling those in the adjacent lateral claws in an environment lacking inflammatory transcripts and downregulated IL1A, interleukin 18 (IL18), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA) and NOS2. These data imply perturbations in signal pathways driving epidermal proliferation and differentiation are associated with, but not inevitably linked to epidermis and dermis inflammation. Further work is warranted to better define the role of crushing tissue injury, sepsis, metalloproteinase activity, and inflammation in sole ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Reeder
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19717-1303
| | - D S Zarlenga
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
| | - A L Zeigler
- Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - R M Dyer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19717-1303.
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2
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Chen C, Liu Q, Chen W, Gong Z, Kang B, Sui M, Huang L, Wang YJ. PRODH safeguards human naive pluripotency by limiting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species production. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2015-2044. [PMID: 38480845 PMCID: PMC11014864 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00110-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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Naive human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that resemble the pre-implantation epiblasts are fueled by a combination of aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, but their mitochondrial regulators are poorly understood. Here we report that, proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), a mitochondria-localized proline metabolism enzyme, is dramatically upregulated in naive hESCs compared to their primed counterparts. The upregulation of PRODH is induced by a reduction in c-Myc expression that is dependent on PD0325901, a MEK inhibitor routinely present in naive hESC culture media. PRODH knockdown in naive hESCs significantly promoted mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mtOXPHOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that triggered autophagy, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Remarkably, MitoQ, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, effectively restored the pluripotency and proliferation of PRODH-knockdown naive hESCs, indicating that PRODH maintains naive pluripotency by preventing excessive ROS production. Concomitantly, PRODH knockdown significantly slowed down the proteolytic degradation of multiple key mitochondrial electron transport chain complex proteins. Thus, we revealed a crucial role of PRODH in limiting mtOXPHOS and ROS production, and thereby safeguarding naive pluripotency of hESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Qianyu Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Meihua Sui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Liming Huang
- Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China.
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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3
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Li M, Zhang CL, Zhou DS, Chan SH, Liu XQ, Chen SN, Yang ZY, Ju FE, Sang XY, Liu ZX, Zhang QX, Pan YM, Deng SS, Wang XM, Zhong L, Zhang XD, Du X. Identification of COQ2 as a regulator of proliferation and lipid peroxidation through genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screening in myeloma cells. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:1307-1324. [PMID: 38462771 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19375] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common malignant haematological disease with a poor prognosis. The limit therapeutic progress has been made in MM patients with cancer relapse, necessitating deeper research into the molecular mechanisms underlying its occurrence and development. A genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screening was utilized to identify potential therapeutic targets in our research. We revealed that COQ2 plays a crucial role in regulating MM cell proliferation and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Knockout of COQ2 inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and reduced tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, COQ2 promoted the activation of the MEK/ERK cascade, which in turn stabilized and activated MYC protein. Moreover, we found that COQ2-deficient MM cells increased sensitivity to the LPO activator, RSL3. Using an inhibitor targeting COQ2 by 4-CBA enhanced the sensitivity to RSL3 in primary CD138+ myeloma cells and in a xenograft mouse model. Nevertheless, co-treatment of 4-CBA and RSL3 induced cell death in bortezomib-resistant MM cells. Together, our findings suggest that COQ2 promotes cell proliferation and tumour growth through the activation of the MEK/ERK/MYC axis and targeting COQ2 could enhance the sensitivity to ferroptosis in MM cells, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, Scientific Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Gynecology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, Scientific Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Hematology and Shenzhen Bone Marrow Transplantation Public Service Platform, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chang-Lin Zhang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, Scientific Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Gynecology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, Scientific Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Di-Sheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sze-Hoi Chan
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xue-Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shu-Na Chen
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zi-Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fei-Er Ju
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Sang
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiao-Xia Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Shenzhen Bone Marrow Transplantation Public Service Platform, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Ming Pan
- Department of Hematology and Shenzhen Bone Marrow Transplantation Public Service Platform, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Si-Si Deng
- Department of Hematology and Shenzhen Bone Marrow Transplantation Public Service Platform, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Wang
- Department of Hematology and Shenzhen Bone Marrow Transplantation Public Service Platform, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhong
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, Scientific Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Gynecology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, Scientific Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xing-Ding Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Hematological Malignancy Targeted Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Drug Administration, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Hematology and Shenzhen Bone Marrow Transplantation Public Service Platform, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, China
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4
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Ascanelli C, Dahir R, Wilson CH. Manipulating Myc for reparative regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357589. [PMID: 38577503 PMCID: PMC10991803 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357589] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The Myc family of proto-oncogenes is a key node for the signal transduction of external pro-proliferative signals to the cellular processes required for development, tissue homoeostasis maintenance, and regeneration across evolution. The tight regulation of Myc synthesis and activity is essential for restricting its oncogenic potential. In this review, we highlight the central role that Myc plays in regeneration across the animal kingdom (from Cnidaria to echinoderms to Chordata) and how Myc could be employed to unlock the regenerative potential of non-regenerative tissues in humans for therapeutic purposes. Mastering the fine balance of harnessing the ability of Myc to promote transcription without triggering oncogenesis may open the door to many exciting opportunities for therapeutic development across a wide array of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine H. Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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5
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Wang M, Wang M, Li W, Liu Y, Qiu F. Single-cell detection of DMSO promoted HL-60 differentiation toward granulocyte based on DC-iDEP for medicine screening. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300073. [PMID: 37640006 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The most common form of leukemia in adults is acute leukemia. Drug differentiation control is an extremely critical treatment for acute leukemia. Unfortunately, current techniques detecting differentiation control experience long time and complex steps of verification hindering the pace of medicine discovery: flow cytometry and RT-PCR are highly accurate and efficient at a cost of inconvenient fluorescent labeling or a high risk of contamination; conventional staining leads to cell death unavailable for further pharmacological tests. There is a great interest in developing simple, fast, and non-invasive techniques to screen medicine. DC-iDEP is an emerging label-free identification technique taking advantage of the whole cell native biophysical property for sorting cell populations. Here, HL-60 cell line has been used as a model to study the differentiation process toward granulocytes and medicine efficacy. The results showed that DEP succeeded in detecting the DMSO promoted HL-60 differentiation degree by the weighted average characterization factor. This factor is related to the single cell biophysical property, which accumulates to generate differences in each population with distinct constitutions. Furthermore, cichoric acid was investigated to be capable of promoting DMSO-induced differentiation efficiently. Using the change induced by cichoric acid, the HL-60 medicine screening application has been first attempted based on DEP. A rapid, label-free medicine screening method has been established to monitor HL-60 differentiation toward granulocyte and has great potential for medicine screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yameng Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Qiu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- College of Pharmaceutical, Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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6
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Pathak T, Benson JC, Johnson MT, Xin P, Abdelnaby AE, Walter V, Koltun WA, Yochum GS, Hempel N, Trebak M. Loss of STIM2 in colorectal cancer drives growth and metastasis through metabolic reprogramming and PERK-ATF4 endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560521. [PMID: 37873177 PMCID: PMC10592933 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores large amounts of calcium (Ca2+), and the controlled release of ER Ca2+ regulates a myriad of cellular functions. Although altered ER Ca2+ homeostasis is known to induce ER stress, the mechanisms by which ER Ca2+ imbalance activate ER stress pathways are poorly understood. Stromal-interacting molecules STIM1 and STIM2 are two structurally homologous ER-resident Ca2+ sensors that synergistically regulate Ca2+ influx into the cytosol through Orai Ca2+ channels for subsequent signaling to transcription and ER Ca2+ refilling. Here, we demonstrate that reduced STIM2, but not STIM1, in colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with poor patient prognosis. Loss of STIM2 causes SERCA2-dependent increase in ER Ca2+, increased protein translation and transcriptional and metabolic rewiring supporting increased tumor size, invasion, and metastasis. Mechanistically, STIM2 loss activates cMyc and the PERK/ATF4 branch of ER stress in an Orai-independent manner. Therefore, STIM2 and PERK/ATF4 could be exploited for prognosis or in targeted therapies to inhibit CRC tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trayambak Pathak
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - J. Cory Benson
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Martin T. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ping Xin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ahmed Emam Abdelnaby
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Vonn Walter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
- Penn State Cancer Institute. The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, United States
| | - Walter A. Koltun
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, United States
| | - Gregory S. Yochum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, United States
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, United States
| | - Nadine Hempel
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Mohamed Trebak
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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7
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Ma TP, Izrael-Tomasevic A, Mroue R, Budayeva H, Malhotra S, Raisner R, Evangelista M, Rose CM, Kirkpatrick DS, Yu K. AzidoTMT Enables Direct Enrichment and Highly Multiplexed Quantitation of Proteome-Wide Functional Residues. J Proteome Res 2023. [PMID: 37285454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in targeted covalent inhibitors have aroused significant interest for their potential in drug development for difficult therapeutic targets. Proteome-wide profiling of functional residues is an integral step of covalent drug discovery aimed at defining actionable sites and evaluating compound selectivity in cells. A classical workflow for this purpose is called IsoTOP-ABPP, which employs an activity-based probe and two isotopically labeled azide-TEV-biotin tags to mark, enrich, and quantify proteome from two samples. Here we report a novel isobaric 11plex-AzidoTMT reagent and a new workflow, named AT-MAPP, that significantly expands multiplexing power as compared to the original isoTOP-ABPP. We demonstrate its application in identifying cysteine on- and off-targets using a KRAS G12C covalent inhibitor ARS-1620. However, changes in some of these hits can be explained by modulation at the protein and post-translational levels. Thus, it would be crucial to interrogate site-level bona fide changes in concurrence to proteome-level changes for corroboration. In addition, we perform a multiplexed covalent fragment screening using four acrylamide-based compounds as a proof-of-concept. This study identifies a diverse set of liganded cysteine residues in a compound-dependent manner with an average hit rate of 0.07% in intact cell. Lastly, we screened 20 sulfonyl fluoride-based compounds to demonstrate that the AT-MAPP assay is flexible for noncysteine functional residues such as tyrosine and lysine. Overall, we envision that 11plex-AzidoTMT will be a useful addition to the current toolbox for activity-based protein profiling and covalent drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylur P Ma
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | | | - Rana Mroue
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Hanna Budayeva
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | | | - Ryan Raisner
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Marie Evangelista
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christopher M Rose
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Donald S Kirkpatrick
- Interline Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Kebing Yu
- Fuhong Biopharma, Inc., Shanghai 201206, China
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8
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Belyaeva E, Loginova N, Schroeder BA, Goldlust IS, Acharya A, Kumar S, Timashev P, Ulasov I. The spectrum of cell death in sarcoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114683. [PMID: 37031493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance between cell death and cell survival is a highly coordinated process by which cells break down and remove unnecessary or harmful materials in a controlled, highly regulated, and compartmentalized manner. Cell exposure to various stresses, such as oxygen starvation, a lack of nutrients, or exposure to radiation, can initiate autophagy. Autophagy is a carefully orchestrated process with multiple steps, each regulated by specific genes and proteins. Autophagy proteins impact cellular maintenance and cell fate in response to stress, and targeting this process is one of the most promising methods of anti-tumor therapy. It is currently not fully understood how autophagy affects different types of tumor cells, which makes it challenging to predict outcomes when this process is manipulated. In this review, we will explore the mechanisms of autophagy and investigate it as a potential and promising therapeutic target for aggressive sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizaveta Belyaeva
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Nina Loginova
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Brett A Schroeder
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Ian S Goldlust
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Arbind Acharya
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
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9
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Zhan X, Liu Y, Jannu AJ, Huang S, Ye B, Wei W, Pandya PH, Ye X, Pollok KE, Renbarger JL, Huang K, Zhang J. Identify potential driver genes for PAX-FOXO1 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma through frequent gene co-expression network mining. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1080989. [PMID: 36793601 PMCID: PMC9924292 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1080989] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a soft tissue sarcoma usually originated from skeletal muscle. Currently, RMS classification based on PAX-FOXO1 fusion is widely adopted. However, compared to relatively clear understanding of the tumorigenesis in the fusion-positive RMS, little is known for that in fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS). Methods We explored the molecular mechanisms and the driver genes of FN-RMS through frequent gene co-expression network mining (fGCN), differential copy number (CN) and differential expression analyses on multiple RMS transcriptomic datasets. Results We obtained 50 fGCN modules, among which five are differentially expressed between different fusion status. A closer look showed 23% of Module 2 genes are concentrated on several cytobands of chromosome 8. Upstream regulators such as MYC, YAP1, TWIST1 were identified for the fGCN modules. Using in a separate dataset we confirmed that, comparing to FP-RMS, 59 Module 2 genes show consistent CN amplification and mRNA overexpression, among which 28 are on the identified chr8 cytobands. Such CN amplification and nearby MYC (also resides on one of the above cytobands) and other upstream regulators (YAP1, TWIST1) may work together to drive FN-RMS tumorigenesis and progression. Up to 43.1% downstream targets of Yap1 and 45.8% of the targets of Myc are differentially expressed in FN-RMS vs. normal comparisons, which also confirmed the driving force of these regulators. Discussion We discovered that copy number amplification of specific cytobands on chr8 and the upstream regulators MYC, YAP1 and TWIST1 work together to affect the downstream gene co-expression and promote FN-RMS tumorigenesis and progression. Our findings provide new insights for FN-RMS tumorigenesis and offer promising targets for precision therapy. Experimental investigation about the functions of identified potential drivers in FN-RMS are in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yusong Liu
- College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
| | - Asha Jacob Jannu
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Bo Ye
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pankita H Pandya
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Xiufen Ye
- College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
| | - Karen E Pollok
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jamie L Renbarger
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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10
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Carrillo P, Bernal M, Téllez-Quijorna C, Marrero AD, Vidal I, Castilla L, Caro C, Domínguez A, García-Martín ML, Quesada AR, Medina MA, Martínez-Poveda B. The synthetic molecule stauprimide impairs cell growth and migration in triple-negative breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114070. [PMID: 36526536 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114070] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stauprimide, a semi-synthetic derivative of staurosporine, is known mainly for its potent differentiation-enhancing properties in embryonic stem cells. Here, we studied the effects of stauprimide in cell growth and migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro, evaluating its potential antitumoral activity in an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer in vivo. Our results from survival curves, EdU incorporation, cell cycle analysis and annexin-V detection in MDA-MB-231 cells indicated that stauprimide inhibited cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle in G2/M without induction of apoptosis. A decrease in the migratory capability of MDA-MB-231 was also assessed in response to stauprimide. In this work we pointed to a mechanism of action of stauprimide involving the modulation of ERK1/2, Akt and p38 MAPK signalling pathways, and the downregulation of MYC in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, orthotopic MDA-MB-231 xenograft and 4T1 syngeneic models suggested an effect of stauprimide in vivo, increasing the necrotic core of tumors and reducing metastasis in lung and liver of mice. Together, our results point to the promising role of stauprimide as a putative therapeutic agent in triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Carrillo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - M Bernal
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - C Téllez-Quijorna
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - A D Marrero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - I Vidal
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - L Castilla
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - C Caro
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - A Domínguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - M L García-Martín
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - A R Quesada
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Spain
| | - M A Medina
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Spain
| | - B Martínez-Poveda
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid), Spain.
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11
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Hensch NR, Bondra K, Wang L, Sreenivas P, Zhao XR, Modi P, Vaseva AV, Houghton PJ, Ignatius MS. Sensitization to Ionizing Radiation by MEK Inhibition Is Dependent on SNAI2 in Fusion-Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:123-134. [PMID: 36162055 PMCID: PMC10046682 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS), a pediatric malignancy with skeletal muscle characteristics, >90% of high-risk patients have mutations that activate the RAS/MEK signaling pathway. We recently discovered that SNAI2, in addition to blocking myogenic differentiation downstream of MEK signaling in FN-RMS, represses proapoptotic BIM expression to protect RMS tumors from ionizing radiation (IR). As clinically relevant concentrations of the MEK inhibitor trametinib elicit poor responses in preclinical xenograft models, we investigated the utility of low-dose trametinib in combination with IR for the treatment of RAS-mutant FN-RMS. We hypothesized that trametinib would sensitize FN-RMS to IR through its downregulation of SNAI2 expression. While we observed little to no difference in myogenic differentiation or cell survival with trametinib treatment alone, robust differentiation and reduced survival were observed after IR. In addition, IR-induced apoptosis was significantly increased in FN-RMS cells treated concurrently with trametinib, as was increased BIM expression. SNAI2's role in these processes was established using overexpression rescue experiments, where overexpression of SNAI2 prevented IR-induced myogenic differentiation and apoptosis. Moreover, combining MEK inhibitor with IR resulted in complete tumor regression and a 2- to 4-week delay in event-free survival (EFS) in preclinical xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of MEK inhibition and IR results in robust differentiation and apoptosis, due to the reduction of SNAI2, which leads to extended EFS in FN-RMS. SNAI2 thus is a potential biomarker of IR insensitivity and target for future therapies to sensitize aggressive sarcomas to IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R. Hensch
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kathryn Bondra
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Long Wang
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Prethish Sreenivas
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Xiang R. Zhao
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Paulomi Modi
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Angelina V. Vaseva
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Peter J. Houghton
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Myron S. Ignatius
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI), Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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12
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Vaccaro S, Rossetti A, Porrazzo A, Camero S, Cassandri M, Pomella S, Tomaciello M, Macioce G, Pedini F, Barillari G, Marchese C, Rota R, Cenci G, Tombolini M, Newman RA, Yang P, Codenotti S, Fanzani A, Megiorni F, Festuccia C, Minniti G, Gravina GL, Vulcano F, Milazzo L, Marampon F. The botanical drug PBI-05204, a supercritical CO2 extract of Nerium oleander, sensitizes alveolar and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1071176. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1071176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common a soft tissue sarcoma in childhood, provides intensive multimodal therapy, with radiotherapy (RT) playing a critical role for local tumor control. However, since RMS efficiently activates mechanisms of resistance to therapies, despite improvements, the prognosis remains still largely unsatisfactory, mainly in RMS expressing chimeric oncoproteins PAX3/PAX7-FOXO1, and fusion-positive (FP)-RMS. Cardiac glycosides (CGs), plant-derived steroid-like compounds with a selective inhibitory activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump (NKA), have shown antitumor and radio-sensitizing properties. Herein, the therapeutic properties of PBI-05204, an extract from Nerium oleander containing the CG oleandrin already studied in phase I and II clinical trials for cancer patients, were investigated, in vitro and in vivo, against FN- and FP-RMS cancer models. PBI-05204 induced growth arrest in a concentration dependent manner, with FP-RMS being more sensitive than FN-RMS, by differently regulating cell cycle regulators and commonly upregulating cell cycle inhibitors p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27Cip1/Kip1. Furthermore, PBI-05204 concomitantly induced cell death on both RMS types and senescence in FN-RMS. Notably, PBI-05204 counteracted in vitro migration and invasion abilities and suppressed the formation of spheroids enriched in CD133+ cancer stem cells (CSCs). PBI-05204 sensitized both cell types to RT by improving the ability of RT to induce G2 growth arrest and counteracting the RT-induced activation of both Non‐Homologous End‐Joining and homologous recombination DSBs repair pathways. Finally, the antitumor and radio-sensitizing proprieties of PBI-05204 were confirmed in vivo. Notably, both in vitro and in vivo evidence confirmed the higher sensitivity to PBI-05204 of FP-RMS. Thus, PBI-05204 represents a valid radio-sensitizing agent for the treatment of RMS, including the intrinsically radio-resistant FP-RMS.
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13
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DCLK1 Suppresses Tumor-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Function Through Recruitment of MDSCs via the CXCL1-CXCR2 Axis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:463-485. [PMID: 36309200 PMCID: PMC9791173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gastrointestinal cancer stem cell marker doublecortin-like kinase (DCLK1) is strongly associated with poor outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although DCLK1's regulatory effect on the tumor immune microenvironment has been hypothesized, its mode of action has not been shown previously in vivo, which hampers the potential intervention based on this molecule for clinical practice. METHODS To define the immunomodulatory mechanisms of DCLK1 in vivo, we generated DCLK1-/- tumor cells by Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) and developed subcutaneous and intestinal orthotopic transplantation tumor models. Tumor tissues were harvested and subjected to immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cell populations, tumor myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) sorting by isolation kit and then co-culture with spleen T cells, and RNA sequencing for transcriptomic analysis. RESULTS We found that DCLK1-/- tumor cells lose their tumorigenicity under immune surveillance. Failed tumor establishment of DCLK1-/- was associated with an increase in infiltration of CD8+ T cells and effector CD4+ T cells, and reduced numbers of MDSCs in the tumor tissue. Furthermore, DCLK1 promoted the up-regulation of C-X-C motif ligand 1, which recruits MDSCs in CRC through chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 2. The ability of in vivo tumor growth of DCLK1-/- tumor cells was rescued by C-X-C motif ligand 1 overexpression. Collectively, we validated that DCLK1 promotes tumor growth in CRC through recruitment of T-cell-suppressive MDSCs. CONCLUSIONS DCLK1-mediated immune suppression in tumor models allows escaping from the host's antitumor response. Because DCLK1 is one of the most common markers in gastrointestinal tumors, these results identify a precise therapeutic target for related clinical interventions.
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14
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Camero S, Cassandri M, Pomella S, Milazzo L, Vulcano F, Porrazzo A, Barillari G, Marchese C, Codenotti S, Tomaciello M, Rota R, Fanzani A, Megiorni F, Marampon F. Radioresistance in rhabdomyosarcomas: Much more than a question of dose. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1016894. [PMID: 36248991 PMCID: PMC9559533 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1016894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Management of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, frequently accounting the genitourinary tract is complex and requires a multimodal therapy. In particular, as a consequence of the advancement in dose conformity technology, radiation therapy (RT) has now become the standard therapeutic option for patients with RMS. In the clinical practice, dose and timing of RT are adjusted on the basis of patients' risk stratification to reduce late toxicity and side effects on normal tissues. However, despite the substantial improvement in cure rates, local failure and recurrence frequently occur. In this review, we summarize the general principles of the treatment of RMS, focusing on RT, and the main molecular pathways and specific proteins involved into radioresistance in RMS tumors. Specifically, we focused on DNA damage/repair, reactive oxygen species, cancer stem cells, and epigenetic modifications that have been reported in the context of RMS neoplasia in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The precise elucidation of the radioresistance-related molecular mechanisms is of pivotal importance to set up new more effective and tolerable combined therapeutic approaches that can radiosensitize cancer cells to finally ameliorate the overall survival of patients with RMS, especially for the most aggressive subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Camero
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Cassandri
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Milazzo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Vulcano
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Porrazzo
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Units of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Codenotti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Miriam Tomaciello
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fanzani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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15
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Di Rocco A, Camero S, Benedetti A, Lozanoska-Ochser B, Megiorni F, Marchese C, Stramucci L, Ciccarelli C, Bouché M, Bossi G, Marampon F, Zani BM. Anti‑oncogenic and pro‑myogenic action of the MKK6/p38/AKT axis induced by targeting MEK/ERK in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncol Rep 2022; 48:151. [PMID: 35801577 PMCID: PMC9350981 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Insights into the molecular and cellular biology of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), an aggressive paediatric tumour, are required in order to identify new targets for novel treatments that may benefit patients with this disease. The present study examined the functional effects of MKK3 and MKK6, two upstream kinases of p38, and found that the ectopic expression of MKK6 led to rapid p38 activation and the myogenic differentiation of ERMS cells, whereas MKK3 failed to induce differentiation, while maintaining the proliferation state. Myogenin and myosin heavy chain were induced in MKK6‑overexpressing ERMS cells and were inhibited by the p38 inhibitor, SB203580. The expression of Myc and ERK‑PO4 increased under the effect of SB203580, whereas it decreased in MKK6‑overexpressing cells. AKT activation was part of the myogenic program triggered by MKK6 overexpression alone. To the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrates, for the first time, that the endogenous MKK6 pathway may be recovered by MEK/ERK inhibition (U0126 and trametinib) and that it concomitantly induces the reversal of the oncogenic pattern and the induction of the myogenic differentiation of ERMS cell lines. The effects of MEK/ERK inhibitors markedly increase the potential clinical applications in ERMS, particularly on account of the MEK inhibitor‑induced early MKK6/p38 axis activation and of their anti‑oncogenic effects. The findings presented herein lend further support to the antitumour effects of MKK6; MKK6 may thus represent a novel target for advanced personalised treatments against ERMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Di Rocco
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Simona Camero
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Benedetti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (AHFMO), Unit of Histology, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Biliana Lozanoska-Ochser
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (AHFMO), Unit of Histology, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Stramucci
- Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCSS‑Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, I‑00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Ciccarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, I‑67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marina Bouché
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (AHFMO), Unit of Histology, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bossi
- Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCSS‑Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, I‑00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Zani
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (AHFMO), Unit of Histology, Sapienza University of Rome, I‑00161 Rome, Italy
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You Y, Niu Y, Zhang J, Huang S, Ding P, Sun F, Wang X. U0126: Not only a MAPK kinase inhibitor. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927083. [PMID: 36091807 PMCID: PMC9452634 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
U0126, as an inhibitor of the MAPK signaling pathway, is closely related to various biological processes, such as differentiation, cell growth, autophagy, apoptosis, and stress responses. It makes U0126 play an essential role in balancing cellular homeostasis. Although U0126 has been suggested to inhibit various cancers, its complete mechanisms have not been clarified in cancers. This review summarized the most recent and relevant research on the many applications of U0126 and described its role and mechanisms in different cancer cell types. Moreover, some acknowledged functions of U0126 researched in the laboratory were listed in our review. We discussed the probability of using U0126 to restain cancers or suppress the MAPK pathway as a novel way of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie You
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunlian Niu
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiyuan Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengbing Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fengbing Sun, ; Xuhui Wang,
| | - Xuhui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, The Cranial Nerve Disease Center of Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fengbing Sun, ; Xuhui Wang,
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Subtype of Neuroblastoma Cells with High KIT Expression Are Dependent on KIT and Its Knockdown Induces Compensatory Activation of Pro-Survival Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147724. [PMID: 35887076 PMCID: PMC9324519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer with high clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and patients with high-risk tumors have limited treatment options. Receptor tyrosine kinase KIT has been identified as a potential marker of high-risk NB and a promising target for NB treatment. We investigated 19,145 tumor RNA expression and molecular pathway activation profiles for 20 cancer types and detected relatively high levels of KIT expression in NB. Increased KIT expression was associated with activation of cell survival pathways, downregulated apoptosis induction, and cell cycle checkpoint control pathways. KIT knockdown with shRNA encoded by lentiviral vectors in SH-SY5Y cells led to reduced cell proliferation and apoptosis induction up to 50%. Our data suggest that apoptosis induction was caused by mitotic catastrophe, and there was a 2-fold decrease in percentage of G2-M cell cycle phase after KIT knockdown. We found that KIT knockdown in NB cells leads to strong upregulation of other pro-survival growth factor signaling cascades such as EPO, NGF, IL-6, and IGF-1 pathways. NGF, IGF-1 and EPO were able to increase cell proliferation in KIT-depleted cells in an ERK1/2-dependent manner. Overall, we show that KIT is a promising therapeutic target in NB, although such therapy efficiency could be impeded by growth factor signaling activation.
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Marchesi I, Fais M, Fiorentino FP, Bordoni V, Sanna L, Zoroddu S, Bagella L. Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 Provides Novel Insights and Perspectives in Rhabdomyosarcoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073581. [PMID: 35408939 PMCID: PMC8998669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. It is classified into two main subtypes: embryonal (eRMS) and alveolar (aRMS). MYC family proteins are frequently highly expressed in RMS tumors, with the highest levels correlated with poor prognosis. A pharmacological approach to inhibit MYC in cancer cells is represented by Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) protein inhibitors. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of BET inhibitor (+)-JQ1 (JQ1) on the viability of aRMS and eRMS cells. Interestingly, we found that the drug sensitivity of RMS cell lines to JQ1 was directly proportional to the expression of MYC. JQ1 induces G1 arrest in cells with the highest steady-state levels of MYC, whereas apoptosis is associated with MYC downregulation. These findings suggest BET inhibition as an effective strategy for the treatment of RMS alone or in combination with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Marchesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
- Kitos Biotech Srls, Tramariglio, 07041 Alghero, Italy
| | - Milena Fais
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Fiorentino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
- Kitos Biotech Srls, Tramariglio, 07041 Alghero, Italy
| | - Valentina Bordoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Luca Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Stefano Zoroddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
| | - Luigi Bagella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.M.); (M.F.); (F.P.F.); (V.B.); (L.S.); (S.Z.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence:
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19
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Miller KJ, Asim M. Unravelling the Role of Kinases That Underpin Androgen Signalling in Prostate Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060952. [PMID: 35326402 PMCID: PMC8946764 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) signalling pathway is the key driver in most prostate cancers (PCa), and is underpinned by several kinases both upstream and downstream of the AR. Many popular therapies for PCa that target the AR directly, however, have been circumvented by AR mutation, such as androgen receptor variants. Some upstream kinases promote AR signalling, including those which phosphorylate the AR and others that are AR-regulated, and androgen regulated kinase that can also form feed-forward activation circuits to promotes AR function. All of these kinases represent potentially druggable targets for PCa. There has generally been a divide in reviews reporting on pathways upstream of the AR and those reporting on AR-regulated genes despite the overlap that constitutes the promotion of AR signalling and PCa progression. In this review, we aim to elucidate which kinases—both upstream and AR-regulated—may be therapeutic targets and require future investigation and ongoing trials in developing kinase inhibitors for PCa.
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20
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Nakahata K, Simons BW, Pozzo E, Shuck R, Kurenbekova L, Prudowsky Z, Dholakia K, Coarfa C, Patel TD, Donehower LA, Yustein JT. K-Ras and p53 mouse model with molecular characteristics of human rhabdomyosarcoma and translational applications. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274377. [PMID: 35174853 PMCID: PMC8844455 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, with overall long-term survival rates of ∼65-70%. Thus, additional molecular insights and representative models are critical for identifying and evaluating new treatment modalities. Using MyoD-Cre-mediated introduction of mutant K-RasG12D and perturbations in p53, we developed a novel genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) for RMS. The anatomic sites of primary RMS development recapitulated human disease, including tumors in the head, neck, extremities and abdomen. We confirmed RMS histology and diagnosis through Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, and positive immunohistochemical staining for desmin, myogenin, and phosphotungstic acid-Hematoxylin. Cell lines from GEMM tumors were established with the ability to engraft in immunocompetent mice with comparable histological and staining features as the primary tumors. Tail vein injection of cell lines had high metastatic potential to the lungs. Transcriptomic analyses of p53R172H/K-RasG12D GEMM-derived tumors showed evidence of high molecular homology with human RMS. Finally, pre-clinical use of these murine RMS lines showed similar therapeutic responsiveness to chemotherapy and targeted therapies as human RMS cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Nakahata
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brian W Simons
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA, USA
| | - Enrico Pozzo
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Stem Cell Research Institute, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Ryan Shuck
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lyazat Kurenbekova
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zachary Prudowsky
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kshiti Dholakia
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Comprehensive Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tajhal D Patel
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lawrence A Donehower
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Comprehensive Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jason T Yustein
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Comprehensive Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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21
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Tawfeeq N, Jin Y, Lamango NS. Synthetic Optimization and MAPK Pathway Activation Anticancer Mechanism of Polyisoprenylated Cysteinyl Amide Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225757. [PMID: 34830912 PMCID: PMC8616522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary RAS G-protein genes are frequently mutated and drive the progression of about 30% of human cancers. Polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors (PCAIs) offer a novel approach to address the decades-long anti-RAS drug development challenge. This manuscript reports on the continuous development of the PCAIs and their anticancer molecular mechanisms that involve strong activation of MAP kinase pathway enzymes. Abstract Abnormalities of the MAPK pathway play vital roles in cancer initiation and progression. RAS GTPases that are key upstream mediators of the pathway are mutated in 30% of human cancers. Polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors (PCAIs) were designed as potential targeted therapies against the RAS-driven cancers. The current study reports on the optimization of the PCAIs and the determination of their mechanisms of action in KRAS-mutant cancer cells. They display ClogP values ranging from 3.01 to 6.35, suppressing the viabilities of KRAS-mutant MDA-MB-231, A549, MIA PaCa-2, and NCI-H1299 cells in 2D and 3D cultures with EC50 values of 2.2 to 6.8, 2.2 to 7.6, 2.3 to 6.5 and 5.0 to 14 µM, respectively. When A549 cells were treated with the PCAIs, NSL-YHJ-2-27, for 48 h, no significant difference was observed in the levels of total or phosphorylated B- and C-Raf proteins. However, at 5 µM, it stimulated the phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and p90RSK by 84%, 59%, and 160%, respectively, relative to controls. A non-farnesylated analog, NSL-YHJ-2-62, did not elicit similar effects. These data reveal that effects on the RAS-MAPK signaling axis most likely contribute to the anticancer effects of the PCAIs, possibly through the proapoptotic isoforms of p90RSK. The PCAIs may thus have the potential to serve the unmet therapeutic needs of patients with aberrant hyperactive G-protein signaling.
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22
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MS-275 (Entinostat) Promotes Radio-Sensitivity in PAX3-FOXO1 Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910671. [PMID: 34639012 PMCID: PMC8508838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. About 25% of RMS expresses fusion oncoproteins such as PAX3/PAX7-FOXO1 (fusion-positive, FP) while fusion-negative (FN)-RMS harbors RAS mutations. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a crucial role in local control but metastatic RMS is often radio-resistant. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) radio-sensitize different cancer cells types. Thus, we evaluated MS-275 (Entinostat), a Class I and IV HDACi, in combination with RT on RMS cells in vitro and in vivo. MS-275 reversibly hampered cell survival in vitro in FN-RMS RD (RASmut) and irreversibly in FP-RMS RH30 cell lines down-regulating cyclin A, B, and D1, up-regulating p21 and p27 and reducing ERKs activity, and c-Myc expression in RD and PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity and N-Myc expression in RH30 cells. Further, MS-275 and RT combination reduced colony formation ability of RH30 cells. In both cell lines, co-treatment increased DNA damage repair inhibition and reactive oxygen species formation, down-regulated NRF2, SOD, CAT and GPx4 anti-oxidant genes and improved RT ability to induce G2 growth arrest. MS-275 inhibited in vivo growth of RH30 cells and completely prevented the growth of RT-unresponsive RH30 xenografts when combined with radiation. Thus, MS-275 could be considered as a radio-sensitizing agent for the treatment of intrinsically radio-resistant PAX3-FOXO1 RMS.
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23
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Ma H, Han F, Yan X, Qi G, Li Y, Li R, Yan S, Yuan C, Song K, Kong B. PBK promotes aggressive phenotypes of cervical cancer through ERK/c-Myc signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:2767-2781. [PMID: 33184870 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women worldwide. PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) is proven to promote the malignant behaviors of various carcinomas. However, its functional roles and oncogenic mechanisms in cervical cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we reported that PBK was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues. PBK promoted the proliferation, metastasis, and cisplatin resistance of cervical cancer cells. OTS514, a specific PBK inhibitor, could significantly suppress proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in a xenograft model. Besides, OTS514 could enhance cisplatin-based chemosensitivity in cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, PBK promoted the expression and stabilization of c-Myc through phosphorylating ERK1/2. OTS514 suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the transcriptional activity of c-Myc. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK signal pathway by U0126 reversed the increased proliferation and metastasis induced by overexpression of PBK. Exogenous expression of c-Myc counteracted the decreased proliferation and metastasis evoked by knockdown of PBK. In conclusion, PBK promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer through ERK/c-Myc signal pathway. PBK might be a promising molecular target for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Gonghua Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongrong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cunzhong Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kun Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Shadbad MA, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Derakhshani A, Silvestris N, Baghbanzadeh A, Racanelli V, Baradaran B. From Melanoma Development to RNA-Modified Dendritic Cell Vaccines: Highlighting the Lessons From the Past. Front Immunol 2021; 12:623639. [PMID: 33692796 PMCID: PMC7937699 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.623639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although melanoma remains the deadliest skin cancer, the current treatment has not resulted in the desired outcomes. Unlike chemotherapy, immunotherapy has provided more tolerable approaches and revolutionized cancer therapy. Although dendritic cell-based vaccines have minor side effects, the undesirable response rates of traditional approaches have posed questions about their clinical translation. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment can be the underlying reason for their low response rates. Immune checkpoints and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase have been implicated in the induction of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Growing evidence indicates that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein kinase B (PKB) (PI3K/AKT) pathways, as the main oncogenic pathways of melanoma, can upregulate the tumoral immune checkpoints, like programmed death-ligand 1. This study briefly represents the main oncogenic pathways of melanoma and highlights the cross-talk between these oncogenic pathways with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, tumoral immune checkpoints, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Moreover, this study sheds light on a novel tumor antigen on melanoma, which has substantial roles in tumoral immune checkpoints expression, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase secretion, and stimulating the oncogenic pathways. Finally, this review collects the lessons from the previous unsuccessful trials and integrates their lessons with new approaches in RNA-modified dendritic cell vaccines. Unlike traditional approaches, the advances in single-cell RNA-sequencing techniques and RNA-modified dendritic cell vaccines along with combined therapy of the immune checkpoint inhibitors, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitor, and RNA-modified dendritic cell-based vaccine can overcome these auto-inductive loops and pave the way for developing robust dendritic cell-based vaccines with the most favorable response rate and the least side effects.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/adverse effects
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/therapeutic use
- Cancer Vaccines/adverse effects
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Dendritic Cells/transplantation
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Proteins/metabolism
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Melanoma/genetics
- Melanoma/immunology
- Melanoma/metabolism
- Melanoma/therapy
- Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells/immunology
- Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/adverse effects
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/immunology
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Signal Transduction
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/metabolism
- Skin Neoplasms/therapy
- Tumor Escape
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Vaccines, Synthetic/adverse effects
- Vaccines, Synthetic/therapeutic use
- mRNA Vaccines
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Xie G, Zhu A, Gu X. Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition-induced modulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2021; 43:1721-1729. [PMID: 33533173 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression is one of the most notable characteristics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor trametinib has shown efficacy to treat HNSCC; however, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. METHODS HNSCC lines, mouse models, Western blot, and flow cytometry were employed to analyze the anticancer effects of trametinib. RESULTS The JHU-011, JHU-022, and JHU-029 HNSCC cells with different genetic alterations were highly susceptible to trametinib. Trametinib effectively reduced EGFR expression, which was accompanied by the reduction of pro-survival protein MYC, and the increased expression of a MYC-targeted cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1 and pro-apoptotic protein BIM. Trametinib resulted in G1 arrest of the cells, markedly reduced cell numbers in S phase, and significantly increased apoptosis. In mouse models, trametinib strongly inhibited tumors growth. CONCLUSIONS The MAPK-ERK signaling inhibition by trametinib may target EGFR and the downstream proteins against HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqin Xie
- Department of Oral Pathology, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Cancer Center, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ailin Zhu
- Department of Oral Pathology, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xinbin Gu
- Department of Oral Pathology, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Cancer Center, Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington, DC, USA
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26
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Cui N, Li L, Feng Q, Ma HM, Lei D, Zheng PS. Hexokinase 2 Promotes Cell Growth and Tumor Formation Through the Raf/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Cervical Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:581208. [PMID: 33324557 PMCID: PMC7725710 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.581208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hexokinase 2 (HK2) is a member of the hexokinases (HK) that has been reported to be a key regulator during glucose metabolism linked to malignant growth in many types of cancers. In this study, stimulation of HK2 expression was observed in squamous cervical cancer (SCC) tissues, and HK2 expression promoted the proliferation of cervical cancer cells in vitro and tumor formation in vivo by accelerating cell cycle progression, upregulating cyclin A1, and downregulating p27 expression. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that MAPK3 (ERK1) was upregulated in HK2-overexpressing HeLa cells. Further experiments found that the protein levels of p-Raf, p-MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 were increased in HK2 over-expressing SiHa and HeLa cells. When ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 expression was blocked by an inhibitor (FR180204), reduced cyclin A1 expression was observed in HK2 over-expressing cells, with induced p27 expression and inhibited cell growth. Therefore, our data demonstrated that HK2 promoted the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by upregulating cyclin A1 and down-regulating p27 expression through the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong-Mei Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Lei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an, China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an, China
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The Molecular 'Myc-anisms' Behind Myc-Driven Tumorigenesis and the Relevant Myc-Directed Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249486. [PMID: 33322239 PMCID: PMC7764474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC, a well-studied proto-oncogene that is overexpressed in >20% of tumors across all cancers, is classically known as “undruggable” due to its crucial roles in cell processes and its lack of a drug binding pocket. Four decades of research and creativity led to the discovery of a myriad of indirect (and now some direct!) therapeutic strategies targeting Myc. This review explores the various mechanisms in which Myc promotes cancer and highlights five key therapeutic approaches to disrupt Myc, including transcription, Myc-Max dimerization, protein stability, cell cycle regulation, and metabolism, in order to develop more specific Myc-directed therapies.
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Petragnano F, Pietrantoni I, Camero S, Codenotti S, Milazzo L, Vulcano F, Macioce G, Giordani I, Tini P, Cheleschi S, Gravina GL, Festuccia C, Rossetti A, Delle Monache S, Ordinelli A, Ciccarelli C, Mauro A, Barbara B, Antinozzi C, Schiavetti A, Maggio R, Di Luigi L, Polimeni A, Marchese C, Tombolini V, Fanzani A, Bernabò N, Megiorni F, Marampon F. Clinically relevant radioresistant rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines: functional, molecular and immune-related characterization. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:90. [PMID: 32854690 PMCID: PMC7453562 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00683-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The probability of local tumor control after radiotherapy (RT) remains still miserably poor in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible of tumor relapse is essential to identify personalized RT-based strategies. Contrary to what has been done so far, a correct characterization of cellular radioresistance should be performed comparing radioresistant and radiosensitive cells with the same isogenic background. METHODS Clinically relevant radioresistant (RR) embryonal (RD) and alveolar (RH30) RMS cell lines have been developed by irradiating them with clinical-like hypo-fractionated schedule. RMS-RR cells were compared to parental isogenic counterpart (RMS-PR) and studied following the radiobiological concept of the "6Rs", which stand for repair, redistribution, repopulation, reoxygenation, intrinsic radioresistance and radio-immuno-biology. RESULTS RMS-RR cell lines, characterized by a more aggressive and in vitro pro-metastatic phenotype, showed a higher ability to i) detoxify from reactive oxygen species; ii) repair DNA damage by differently activating non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination pathways; iii) counteract RT-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by re-starting growth and repopulating after irradiation; iv) express cancer stem-like profile. Bioinformatic analyses, performed to assess the role of 41 cytokines after RT exposure and their network interactions, suggested TGF-β, MIF, CCL2, CXCL5, CXCL8 and CXCL12 as master regulators of cancer immune escape in RMS tumors. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that RMS could sustain intrinsic and acquire radioresistance by different mechanisms and indicate potential targets for future combined radiosensitizing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petragnano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pietrantoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Simona Camero
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Codenotti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Milazzo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Vulcano
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Macioce
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Giordani
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tini
- Sbarro Health Research Organization, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Unit of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Cheleschi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Rheumatology Unit, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudio Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rossetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Simona Delle Monache
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ordinelli
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Carmela Ciccarelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Barboni Barbara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Cristina Antinozzi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Schiavetti
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luigi Di Luigi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fanzani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Du J, Xu Y, Sasada S, Oo AKK, Hassan G, Mahmud H, Khayrani AC, Alam MJ, Kumon K, Uesaki R, Afify SM, Mansour HM, Nair N, Zahra MH, Seno A, Okada N, Chen L, Yan T, Seno M. Signaling Inhibitors Accelerate the Conversion of mouse iPS Cells into Cancer Stem Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9955. [PMID: 32572057 PMCID: PMC7308356 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66471-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a class of cancer cells characterized by self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenic potential. We previously established a model of CSCs by culturing mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) for four weeks in the presence of a conditioned medium (CM) of cancer cell lines, which functioned as the tumor microenvironment. Based on this methodology of developing CSCs from miPSCs, we assessed the risk of 110 non-mutagenic chemical compounds, most of which are known as inhibitors of cytoplasmic signaling pathways, as potential carcinogens. We treated miPSCs with each compound for one week in the presence of a CM of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. However, one-week period was too short for the CM to convert miPSCs into CSCs. Consequently, PDO325901 (MEK inhibitor), CHIR99021 (GSK-3β inhibitor) and Dasatinib (Abl, Src and c-Kit inhibitor) were found to confer miPSCs with the CSC phenotype in one week. The tumor cells that survived exhibited stemness markers, spheroid formation and tumorigenesis in Balb/c nude mice. Hence, we concluded that the three signal inhibitors accelerated the conversion of miPSCs into CSCs. Similarly to our previous study, we found that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was upregulated in the CSCs. Herein, we focused on the expression of relative genes after the treatment with these three inhibitors. Our results demonstrated an increased expression of pik3ca, pik3cb, pik3r5 and pik3r1 genes indicating class IA PI3K as the responsible signaling pathway. Hence, AKT phosphorylation was found to be up-regulated in the obtained CSCs. Inhibition of Erk1/2, tyrosine kinase, and/or GSK-3β was implied to be involved in the enhancement of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the undifferentiated cells, resulting in the sustained stemness, and subsequent conversion of miPSCs into CSCs in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Du
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yanning Xu
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, 300100, People's Republic of China
| | - Saki Sasada
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Aung Ko Ko Oo
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.,Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, 10769, Syria
| | - Hafizah Mahmud
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Apriliana Cahya Khayrani
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.,Division of Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, Depok, 16424, Indonesia
| | - Md Jahangir Alam
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kumon
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ryo Uesaki
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Said M Afify
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.,Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom-Menoufia, 32511, Shibin el Kom, Egypt
| | - Hager M Mansour
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Neha Nair
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Maram H Zahra
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Akimasa Seno
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.,Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.,Okayama University Research Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering in Detroit, IBio, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Nobuhiro Okada
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, 300100, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Yan
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research on Esophageal Cancer, Shanxi Medical University, 030001, Taiyuan, PR China
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Department of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan. .,Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan. .,Okayama University Research Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering in Detroit, IBio, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA. .,Laboratory of Natural Food & Medicine, Co., Ltd, Okayama University Incubator, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
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Du S, Wang H, Cai J, Ren R, Zhang W, Wei W, Shen X. Apolipoprotein E2 modulates cell cycle function to promote proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells via regulation of the c-Myc–p21Waf1signalling pathway. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 98:191-202. [PMID: 32167787 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E2 (ApoE2) is reportedly critical for cell proliferation and survival, and has been identified as a potential tumour-associated marker in many kinds of cancer. However, studies of the function and mechanisms of ApoE2 in pancreatic cancer proliferation and development are rare. In this study, we performed an analysis to determine the modulatory effects of ApoE2–LRP8 (lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8) pathway on cell cycle and cell proliferation, and explored its mechanisms in pancreatic cancer. High expression levels of ApoE2–LRP8/c-Myc were detected in tumour tissues and cell lines by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. It was also shown that ApoE2–LRP8 induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 to activate c-Myc and contribute to cell-cycle-related protein expression. ApoE2 conditions induced c-Myc binding to target gene sequences in the p21Waf1promoter, resulting in decreased transcription. ERK/c-Myc contributes to the promotion of the expression levels of cyclin D1, cdc2, and cyclin B1, and reduces p21Waf1activity, thereby promoting cell cycle distribution. We demonstrated the function of ApoE2–LRP8 in the activation of the ERK–c-Myc–p21Waf1signalling cascade and the modulation of G1/S and G2/M transition, indicating ApoE2–LRP8’s important role in the cancer cell proliferation. ApoE2 could serve as a diagnostic marker and chemotherapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxia Du
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jun Cai
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Runling Ren
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiaohong Shen
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
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The c-Myc/AKT1/TBX3 Axis Is Important to Target in the Treatment of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020501. [PMID: 32098189 PMCID: PMC7072582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a highly aggressive malignant cancer that arises from skeletal muscle progenitor cells and is the third most common solid tumour in children. Despite significant advances, rhabdomyosarcoma still presents a therapeutic challenge, and while targeted therapy has shown promise, there are limited options because the molecular drivers of rhabdomyosarcoma are poorly understood. We previously reported that the T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3), which has been identified as a druggable target in many cancers, is overexpressed in rhabdomyosarcoma patient samples and cell lines. To identify new molecular therapeutic targets to treat rhabdomyosarcoma, this study investigates the potential oncogenic role(s) for TBX3 and the factors responsible for upregulating it in this cancer. To this end, rhabdomyosarcoma cell culture models in which TBX3 was either stably knocked down or overexpressed were established and the impact on key hallmarks of cancer were examined using growth curves, soft agar and scratch motility assays, as well as tumour-forming ability in nude mice. Our data show that TBX3 promotes substrate-dependent and -independent proliferation, migration and tumour formation. We further reveal that TBX3 is upregulated by c-Myc transcriptionally and AKT1 post-translationally. This study identifies c-Myc/AKT1/TBX3 as an important axis that could be targeted for the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma.
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Lim C, Xu JC, Chen TY, Xu JX, Chen WF, Hu JW, Li QL, Zhang YQ. Ubiquitin-specific peptide 22 acts as an oncogene in gastric cancer in a son of sevenless 1-dependent manner. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:45. [PMID: 32063746 PMCID: PMC7011508 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-1137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant expression of ubiquitin-specific peptide 22 (USP22) has been detected in various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the role of USP22 and the underlying mechanism in human gastric cancer. Methods The expression pattern of USP22 in human gastric cancer was detected in a tissue microarray containing 88 pairs of gastric cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue samples from patients with primary gastric cancer using immunohistochemical staining. The correlation of USP22 expression with clinical characteristics of patients, as well as their prognostic values in the overall survival of patients, were evaluated. USP22-overexpressing SGC7901 and USP22-silencing AGS cells were used to explore the role of USP22 in gastric cancer cell behavior in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to identify differentially expressed genes induced by USP22 overexpression. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the activation of RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling in USP22-overexpressing SGC7901 cells and xenograft tumor tissues. Knockdown of RAS activator son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) was performed to investigate the role of SOS1 in USP22-regulated gastric cancer cell behavior and RAS signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Results USP22 protein expression was significantly increased in human gastric cancer tissues, compared with adjacent normal tissues, and was positively correlated with local tumor stage. Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that USP22 promoted gastric cancer cell growth and cell cycle transition while suppressing apoptosis in vitro. Consistent results were observed in a xenograft mouse model. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that the overexpression of USP22 induced the upregulation of RAS activator son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) in SGC7901 cells. Western blot analysis showed that USP22 overexpression also induced activation of the RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways in SGC7901 cells and xenograft tumor tissues. Furthermore, SOS1 silencing could reverse the effects of USP22 on gastric cancer cell behavior and RAS signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Our results suggest that USP22 acts as an oncogene in gastric cancer in a SOS1-dependent manner, identifying the USP22/SOS1/RAS axis as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChitChoon Lim
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jia-Cheng Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Tian-Yin Chen
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jia-Xin Xu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Wei-Feng Chen
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jian-Wei Hu
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Quan-Lin Li
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yi-Qun Zhang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 FengLin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
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Marampon F, Di Nisio V, Pietrantoni I, Petragnano F, Fasciani I, Scicchitano BM, Ciccarelli C, Gravina GL, Festuccia C, Del Fattore A, Tombolini M, De Felice F, Musio D, Cecconi S, Tini P, Maddalo M, Codenotti S, Fanzani A, Polimeni A, Maggio R, Tombolini V. Pro-differentiating and radiosensitizing effects of inhibiting HDACs by PXD-101 (Belinostat) in in vitro and in vivo models of human rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. Cancer Lett 2019; 461:90-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Schroer AB, Mohamed JS, Willard MD, Setola V, Oestreich E, Siderovski DP. A role for Regulator of G protein Signaling-12 (RGS12) in the balance between myoblast proliferation and differentiation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216167. [PMID: 31408461 PMCID: PMC6691989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of G Protein Signaling (RGS proteins) inhibit G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling by accelerating the GTP hydrolysis rate of activated Gα subunits. Some RGS proteins exert additional signal modulatory functions, and RGS12 is one such protein, with five additional, functional domains: a PDZ domain, a phosphotyrosine-binding domain, two Ras-binding domains, and a Gα·GDP-binding GoLoco motif. RGS12 expression is temporospatially regulated in developing mouse embryos, with notable expression in somites and developing skeletal muscle. We therefore examined whether RGS12 is involved in the skeletal muscle myogenic program. In the adult mouse, RGS12 is expressed in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, and its expression is increased early after cardiotoxin-induced injury, suggesting a role in muscle regeneration. Consistent with a potential role in coordinating myogenic signals, RGS12 is also expressed in primary myoblasts; as these cells undergo differentiation and fusion into myotubes, RGS12 protein abundance is reduced. Myoblasts isolated from mice lacking Rgs12 expression have an impaired ability to differentiate into myotubes ex vivo, suggesting that RGS12 may play a role as a modulator/switch for differentiation. We also assessed the muscle regenerative capacity of mice conditionally deficient in skeletal muscle Rgs12 expression (via Pax7-driven Cre recombinase expression), following cardiotoxin-induced damage to the TA muscle. Eight days post-damage, mice lacking RGS12 in skeletal muscle had attenuated repair of muscle fibers. However, when mice lacking skeletal muscle expression of Rgs12 were cross-bred with mdx mice (a model of human Duchenne muscular dystrophy), no increase in muscle degeneration was observed over time. These data support the hypothesis that RGS12 plays a role in coordinating signals during the myogenic program in select circumstances, but loss of the protein may be compensated for within model syndromes of prolonged bouts of muscle damage and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B. Schroer
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, WVU School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Junaith S. Mohamed
- Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Melinda D. Willard
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Vincent Setola
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Emily Oestreich
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EO); (DPS)
| | - David P. Siderovski
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, WVU School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EO); (DPS)
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Antinozzi C, Marampon F, Sgrò P, Tombolini V, Lenzi A, Crescioli C, Di Luigi L. Comparative study of testosterone and vitamin D analogue, elocalcitol, on insulin-controlled signal transduction pathway regulation in human skeletal muscle cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:897-907. [PMID: 30600434 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Skeletal muscle (Skm) plays a key role in regulating energetic metabolism through glucose homeostasis. Several hormones such as Testosterone (T) and Vitamin D (VD) have been shown to affect energy-dependent cell trafficking by determining Insulin (I)-like effects. AIM To elucidate possible hormone-related differences on muscular metabolic control, we analyzed and compared the effects of T and elocalcitol (elo), a VD analogue, on the activation of energy-dependent cell trafficking, metabolism-related-signal transduction pathways and transcription of gene downstream targets. METHODS Human fetal skeletal muscle cells (Hfsmc) treated with T or elo were analyzed for GLUT4 localization, phosphorylation/activation status of AKT, ERK1/2, IRS-1 signaling and c-MYC protein expression. RESULTS T, similar to elo, induced GLUT4 protein translocation likely in lipid raft microdomains. While both T and elo induced a rapid IRS-1 phosphorylation, the following dynamic in phosphorylation/activation of AKT and ERK1/2 signaling was different. Moreover, T but not elo increased c-MYC protein expression. CONCLUSIONS All together, our evidence indicates that whether both T and elo are able to affect upstream I-like pathway, they differently determine downstream effects in I-dependent cascade, suggesting diverse physiological roles in mediating I-like response in human skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Antinozzi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - F Marampon
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", 00135, Rome, Italy
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Sgrò
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - V Tombolini
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Crescioli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", 00135, Rome, Italy.
| | - L Di Luigi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", 00135, Rome, Italy
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Codenotti S, Faggi F, Ronca R, Chiodelli P, Grillo E, Guescini M, Megiorni F, Marampon F, Fanzani A. Caveolin-1 enhances metastasis formation in a human model of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma through Erk signaling cooperation. Cancer Lett 2019; 449:135-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Fernández-Torras A, Duran-Frigola M, Aloy P. Encircling the regions of the pharmacogenomic landscape that determine drug response. Genome Med 2019; 11:17. [PMID: 30914058 PMCID: PMC6436215 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-019-0626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The integration of large-scale drug sensitivity screens and genome-wide experiments is changing the field of pharmacogenomics, revealing molecular determinants of drug response without the need for previous knowledge about drug action. In particular, transcriptional signatures of drug sensitivity may guide drug repositioning, prioritize drug combinations, and point to new therapeutic biomarkers. However, the inherent complexity of transcriptional signatures, with thousands of differentially expressed genes, makes them hard to interpret, thus giving poor mechanistic insights and hampering translation to clinics. METHODS To simplify drug signatures, we have developed a network-based methodology to identify functionally coherent gene modules. Our strategy starts with the calculation of drug-gene correlations and is followed by a pathway-oriented filtering and a network-diffusion analysis across the interactome. RESULTS We apply our approach to 189 drugs tested in 671 cancer cell lines and observe a connection between gene expression levels of the modules and mechanisms of action of the drugs. Further, we characterize multiple aspects of the modules, including their functional categories, tissue-specificity, and prevalence in clinics. Finally, we prove the predictive capability of the modules and demonstrate how they can be used as gene sets in conventional enrichment analyses. CONCLUSIONS Network biology strategies like module detection are able to digest the outcome of large-scale pharmacogenomic initiatives, thereby contributing to their interpretability and improving the characterization of the drugs screened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Fernández-Torras
- Joint IRB-BSC-CRG Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miquel Duran-Frigola
- Joint IRB-BSC-CRG Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Patrick Aloy
- Joint IRB-BSC-CRG Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Zhou X, Zhu A, Gu X, Xie G. Inhibition of MEK suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth through independent MYC and BIM regulation. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 42:369-380. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Zakiryanova GK, Kustova E, Urazalieva NT, Baimuchametov ET, Nakisbekov NN, Shurin MR. Abnormal Expression of c-Myc Oncogene in NK Cells in Patients with Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E756. [PMID: 30754645 PMCID: PMC6387292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have received a lot of attention in recent years for the roles they play in immunity and particularly in antitumor immune responses. Although defects in NK cell functions are recognized as important mechanisms for immune evasion of malignant cells, molecular pathways regulating NK cell dysfunction and exhaustion in cancer are largely unknown. Here we tested whether the c-myc proto-oncogene, known to promote cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis by regulating the expression of numerous target genes, may be involved in the mechanism of NK cell abnormalities in patients with lung and gastric cancer. Analysis of c-myc mRNA and protein expression in peripheral blood NK cells, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, cell cycle, and cell longevity revealed a significantly decreased expression of c-myc mRNA and protein and mitotic arrest of NK cells in different phases of cell cycle. In addition, a significant decrease of NK cell death was also detected. These data allow the suggestion that defects of NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance may be associated with disturbed c-myc expression in NK cells in cancer patients. A better understanding of the mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in cancer will help in the NK cell-mediated therapeutic eradication of primary and metastatic cancer cells and prolong patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Kustova
- Laboratory of Immunology, Scientific Center of Pediatric and Children Surgery, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan.
| | - Nataliya T Urazalieva
- Laboratory of Immunology, Scientific Center of Pediatric and Children Surgery, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan.
| | | | - Narymzhan N Nakisbekov
- Joint Use Center, Atchabarov Scientific Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Medicine, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan.
| | - Michael R Shurin
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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40
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Giannattasio S, Megiorni F, Di Nisio V, Del Fattore A, Fontanella R, Camero S, Antinozzi C, Festuccia C, Gravina GL, Cecconi S, Dominici C, Di Luigi L, Ciccarelli C, De Cesaris P, Riccioli A, Zani BM, Lenzi A, Pestell RG, Filippini A, Crescioli C, Tombolini V, Marampon F. Testosterone-mediated activation of androgenic signalling sustains in vitro the transformed and radioresistant phenotype of rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:183-197. [PMID: 29790086 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in childhood, rarely affects adults, preferring male. RMS expresses the receptor for androgen (AR) and responds to androgen; however, the molecular action of androgens on RMS is unknown. METHODS Herein, testosterone (T) effects were tested in embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) RMS cell lines, by performing luciferase reporter assay, RT-PCR, and western blotting experiments. RNA interference experiments or bicalutamide treatment was performed to assess the specific role of AR. Radiation treatment was delivered to characterise the effects of T treatment on RMS intrinsic radioresistance. RESULTS Our study showed that RMS cells respond to sub-physiological levels of T stimulation, finally promoting AR-dependent genomic and non-genomic effects, such as the transcriptional regulation of several oncogenes, the phosphorylation-mediated post-transductional modifications of AR and the activation of ERK, p38 and AKT signal transduction pathway mediators that, by physically complexing or not with AR, participate in regulating its transcriptional activity and the expression of T-targeted genes. T chronic daily treatment, performed as for the hormone circadian rhythm, did not significantly affect RMS cell growth, but improved RMS clonogenic and radioresistant potential and increased AR mRNA both in ERMS and ARMS. AR protein accumulation was evident in ERMS, this further developing an intrinsic T-independent AR activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that androgens sustain and improve RMS transformed and radioresistant phenotype, and therefore, their therapeutic application should be avoided in RMS post puberal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giannattasio
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - F Megiorni
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Di Nisio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Del Fattore
- Multi-Factorial Disease and Complex Phenotype Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - R Fontanella
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Camero
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Antinozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - G L Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - S Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Dominici
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Di Luigi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Ciccarelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - P De Cesaris
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - A Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - B M Zani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R G Pestell
- Pennsylvania Center for Cancer and Regenerative Medicine, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA
| | - A Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Crescioli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - V Tombolini
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Marampon
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy.
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Cai D, Choi PS, Gelbard M, Meyerson M. Identification and Characterization of Oncogenic SOS1 Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1002-1012. [PMID: 30635434 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinomas are characterized by mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/Ras/Raf pathway, with up to 75% of cases containing mutations in known driver genes. However, the driver alterations in the remaining cases are yet to be determined. Recent exome sequencing analysis has identified SOS1, encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, as significantly mutated in lung adenocarcinomas lacking canonical oncogenic RTK/Ras/Raf pathway mutations. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of lung adenocarcinoma-derived mutants of SOS1 induces anchorage-independent cell growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. Biochemical experiments suggest that these mutations lead to overactivation of the Ras pathway, which can be suppressed by mutations that disrupt either the Ras-GEF or putative Rac-GEF activity of SOS1. Transcriptional profiling reveals that the expression of mutant SOS1 leads to the upregulation of MYC target genes and genes associated with Ras transformation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that an AML cancer cell line harboring a lung adenocarcinoma-associated mutant SOS1 is dependent on SOS1 for survival and is also sensitive to MEK inhibition. Our work provides experimental evidence for the role of SOS1 as an oncogene and suggests a possible therapeutic strategy to target SOS1-mutated cancers. IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that SOS1 mutations found in lung adenocarcinoma are oncogenic and that MEK inhibition may be a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of SOS1-mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Program in Genetics and Genomics, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter S Choi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Maya Gelbard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. .,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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De Luna N, Suarez-Calvet X, Garicano M, Fernandez-Simon E, Rojas-García R, Diaz-Manera J, Querol L, Illa I, Gallardo E. Effect of MAPK Inhibition on the Differentiation of a Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Line Combined With CRISPR/Cas9 Technology: An In Vitro Model of Human Muscle Diseases. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2018; 77:964-972. [DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nly078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Noemí De Luna
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Xavier Suarez-Calvet
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Maialen Garicano
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Esther Fernandez-Simon
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Ricardo Rojas-García
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Jordi Diaz-Manera
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Luis Querol
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Isabel Illa
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
| | - Eduard Gallardo
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras
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Bäumer N, Rehkämper J, Appel N, Terheyden L, Hartmann W, Wardelmann E, Buchholz F, Müller-Tidow C, Berdel WE, Bäumer S. Downregulation of PIK3CA via antibody-esiRNA-complexes suppresses human xenograft tumor growth. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200163. [PMID: 30001368 PMCID: PMC6042707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision cancer therapy requires on the one hand detailed knowledge about a tumor’s driver oncogenes and on the other hand an effective targeted therapy that specifically inhibits these oncogenes. While the determination of genomic landscape of a tumor has reached a very precise level, the respective therapy options are scarce. The application of small inhibitory (si) RNAs is a promising field of investigation. Here, we present the effective in vivo-treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) xenograft tumors with antibody-complexed, endoribonuclease-prepared small inhibitory (esi)RNAs. We chose heterogeneous endoribonuclease-prepared siRNA pools (esiRNAs) against the frequently mutated genes PIK3CA and KRAS and coupled them to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab, which was internalized specifically into the tumor cells. esiRNA pools have been shown to exhibit superior specificity in target gene knockdown compared to classic siRNAs. We identified a significant decrease in tumor growth upon this treatment due to decreased tumor cell proliferation. The ex vivo-analysis of the xenograft CRC tumors revealed the expected downregulation of the intended direct targets PIK3CA and KRAS on protein level. Moreover, known downstream targets for EGFR signaling such as p-ERK, p-AKT, and c-MYC were decreased as well. We therefore propose the use of antibody-esiRNA complexes as a novel experimental treatment option against key components of the EGFR signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bäumer
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jan Rehkämper
- Gerhard-Domagk Institute for Pathology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Neele Appel
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lisa Terheyden
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Gerhard-Domagk Institute for Pathology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Eva Wardelmann
- Gerhard-Domagk Institute for Pathology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Frank Buchholz
- Universitäts KrebsCentrum (UCC), Medical Systems Biology, Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E. Berdel
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bäumer
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Yohe ME, Gryder BE, Shern JF, Song YK, Chou HC, Sindiri S, Mendoza A, Patidar R, Zhang X, Guha R, Butcher D, Isanogle KA, Robinson CM, Luo X, Chen JQ, Walton A, Awasthi P, Edmondson EF, Difilippantonio S, Wei JS, Zhao K, Ferrer M, Thomas CJ, Khan J. MEK inhibition induces MYOG and remodels super-enhancers in RAS-driven rhabdomyosarcoma. Sci Transl Med 2018; 10:eaan4470. [PMID: 29973406 PMCID: PMC8054766 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan4470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The RAS isoforms are frequently mutated in many types of human cancers, including PAX3/PAX7 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma. Pediatric RMS arises from skeletal muscle progenitor cells that have failed to differentiate normally. The role of mutant RAS in this differentiation blockade is incompletely understood. We demonstrate that oncogenic RAS, acting through the RAF-MEK [mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase]-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) MAPK effector pathway, inhibits myogenic differentiation in rhabdomyosarcoma by repressing the expression of the prodifferentiation myogenic transcription factor, MYOG. This repression is mediated by ERK2-dependent promoter-proximal stalling of RNA polymerase II at the MYOG locus. Small-molecule screening with a library of mechanistically defined inhibitors showed that RAS-driven RMS is vulnerable to MEK inhibition. MEK inhibition with trametinib leads to the loss of ERK2 at the MYOG promoter and releases the transcriptional stalling of MYOG expression. MYOG subsequently opens chromatin and establishes super-enhancers at genes required for late myogenic differentiation. Furthermore, trametinib, in combination with an inhibitor of IGF1R, potently decreases rhabdomyosarcoma cell viability and slows tumor growth in xenograft models. Therefore, this combination represents a potential therapeutic for RAS-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle E Yohe
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Berkley E Gryder
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jack F Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Young K Song
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hsien-Chao Chou
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sivasish Sindiri
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Arnulfo Mendoza
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rajesh Patidar
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rajarashi Guha
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Donna Butcher
- Pathology/Histotechnology Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kristine A Isanogle
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Christina M Robinson
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Xiaoling Luo
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jin-Qiu Chen
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ashley Walton
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Parirokh Awasthi
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Elijah F Edmondson
- Pathology/Histotechnology Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Simone Difilippantonio
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NIH, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Jun S Wei
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Keji Zhao
- Systems Biology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Javed Khan
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Cell growth potential drives ferroptosis susceptibility in rhabdomyosarcoma and myoblast cell lines. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:1717-1730. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2699-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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46
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Ciccarelli C, Di Rocco A, Gravina GL, Mauro A, Festuccia C, Del Fattore A, Berardinelli P, De Felice F, Musio D, Bouché M, Tombolini V, Zani BM, Marampon F. Disruption of MEK/ERK/c-Myc signaling radiosensitizes prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:1685-1699. [PMID: 29959569 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prostate cancer (PCa) cell radioresistance causes the failure of radiation therapy (RT) in localized or locally advanced disease. The aberrant accumulation of c-Myc oncoprotein, known to promote PCa onset and progression, may be due to the control of gene transcription and/or MEK/ERK-regulated protein stabilization. Here, we investigated the role of MEK/ERK signaling in PCa. METHODS LnCAP, 22Rv1, DU145, and PC3 PCa cell lines were used in in vitro and in vivo experiments. U0126, trametinib MEK/ERK inhibitors, and c-Myc shRNAs were used. Radiation was delivered using an x-6 MV photon linear accelerator. U0126 in vivo activity alone or in combination with irradiation was determined in murine xenografts. RESULTS Inhibition of MEK/ERK signaling down-regulated c-Myc protein in PCa cell lines to varying extents by affecting expression of RNA and protein, which in turn determined radiosensitization in in vitro and in vivo xenograft models of PCa cells. The crucial role played by c-Myc in the MEK/ERK pathways was demonstrated in 22Rv1 cells by the silencing of c-Myc by means of short hairpin mRNA, which yielded effects resembling the targeting of MEK/ERK signaling. The clinically approved compound trametinib used in vitro yielded the same effects as U0126 on growth and C-Myc expression. Notably, U0126 and trametinib induced a drastic down-regulation of BMX, which is known to prevent apoptosis in cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that signal transduction-based therapy can, by disrupting the MEK/ERK/c-Myc axis, reduce human PCa radioresistance caused by increased c-Myc expression in vivo and in vitro and restores apoptosis signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Ciccarelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Agnese Di Rocco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Claudio Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Del Fattore
- Multi-Factorial Disease and Complex Phenotype Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale di San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Berardinelli
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca De Felice
- Division of Radiotherapy, Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Human Pathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Musio
- Division of Radiotherapy, Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Human Pathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Bouché
- Unit of Histology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Unit of Histology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Zani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy. .,Unit of Histology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Wu C, Gupta N, Huang YH, Zhang HF, Alshareef A, Chow A, Lai R. Oxidative stress enhances tumorigenicity and stem-like features via the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin/MYC/Sox2 axis in ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:361. [PMID: 29609590 PMCID: PMC5879562 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The phenomenon that malignant cells can acquire stemness under specific stimuli, encompassed under the concept of cancer cell plasticity, has been well-described in epithelial malignancies. To our knowledge, cancer cell plasticity has not yet been described in hematopoietic cancers. To illustrate and study cancer cell plasticity in hematopoietic cancers, we employed an in-vitro experimental model of ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALK+ALCL) that is based on the phenotypic and functional dichotomy of these cells, with cells responsive to a Sox2 reporter (i.e. RR cells) being significantly more stem-like than those unresponsive to the reporter (i.e. RU cells). Methods H2O2 was employed to trigger oxidative stress. GFP expression and luciferase activity, readouts of the Sox2 reporter activity, were quantified by using flow cytometry and luciferase activity assay, respectively. Doxorubicin-resistance and clonogenicity were assessed by using the MTS, methylcellulose colony formation and limiting dilution assays. Western blotting and quantitative PCR were used to assess the expression of various members of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Pull-down studies using a Sox2 binding consensus sequence were used to assess Sox2-DNA binding. Quercetin and 10074-G5 were used to inhibit β-catenin and MYC, respectively. siRNA was used to downregulate Sox2. Results Under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, a substantial fraction of RU cells was found to convert to RR cells, as evidenced by their acquisition of GFP expression and luciferase activity. Compared to the native RU cells, converted RR cells had significantly higher levels of doxorubicin-resistance, clonogenicity and sphere formation. Converted RR cells were characterized by an upregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin/MYC/Sox2 signaling axis, previously found to be the key regulator of the RU/RR dichotomy in ALK+ALCL. Furthermore, Sox2 was found to bind to DNA efficiently in converted RR cells but not RU cells, and this finding correlated with significant elevations of several Sox2 downstream targets such as WNT2B and BCL9. Lastly, inhibition of β-catenin, MYC or Sox2 in RU cells significantly abrogated the H2O2-induced RU/RR conversion. Conclusions We have demonstrated that cancer cell plasticity exists in ALK+ALCL, a type of hematopoietic cancer. In this cancer type, the Wnt/β-catenin/MYC/Sox2 axis is an important regulator of cancer cell plasticity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4300-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsheng Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 5142J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada.,Current Address: Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 5142J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Yung-Hsing Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 5142J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Hai-Feng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 5142J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Abdulraheem Alshareef
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 5142J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexandra Chow
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 5142J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 5142J Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada. .,Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,DynaLIFEDX Medical Laboratories, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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48
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Dräger J, Simon-Keller K, Pukrop T, Klemm F, Wilting J, Sticht C, Dittmann K, Schulz M, Leuschner I, Marx A, Hahn H. LEF1 reduces tumor progression and induces myodifferentiation in a subset of rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:3259-3273. [PMID: 27965462 PMCID: PMC5356880 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and show characteristics of skeletal muscle differentiation. The two major RMS subtypes in children are alveolar (ARMS) and embryonal RMS (ERMS). We demonstrate that approximately 50% of ARMS and ERMS overexpress the LEF1/TCF transcription factor LEF1 when compared to normal skeletal muscle and that LEF1 can restrain aggressiveness especially of ARMS cells. LEF1 knockdown experiments in cell lines reveal that depending on the cellular context, LEF1 can induce pro-apoptotic signals. LEF1 can also suppress proliferation, migration and invasiveness of RMS cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LEF1 can induce myodifferentiation of the tumor cells. This may involve regulation of other LEF1/TCF factors i.e. TCF1, whereas β-catenin activity plays a subordinate role. Together these data suggest that LEF1 rather has tumor suppressive functions and attenuates aggressiveness in a subset of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dräger
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Katja Simon-Keller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim 68167, Germany
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Clinic for Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany.,Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37099, Germany
| | - Florian Klemm
- Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37099, Germany
| | - Jörg Wilting
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Center of Medical Research, Bioinformatic and Statistic, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim 68167, Germany
| | - Kai Dittmann
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Matthias Schulz
- Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37099, Germany
| | - Ivo Leuschner
- Kiel Paediatric Tumor Registry, Department of Paediatric Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim 68167, Germany
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen 37073, Germany
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49
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Liu Q, Das M, Liu Y, Huang L. Targeted drug delivery to melanoma. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 127:208-221. [PMID: 28939379 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma derived from melanocytes is the most aggressive genre of skin cancer. Although the considerable advancement in the study of human cancer biology and drug discovery, most advanced melanoma patients are inevitably unable to be cured. With the emergence of nanotechnology, the use of nano-carriers is widely expected to alter the landscape of melanoma treatment. In this review, we will discuss melanoma biology, current treatment options, mechanisms behind drug resistance, and nano-based solutions for effective anti-cancer therapy, followed by challenges and perspectives in both pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; UNC & NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Manisit Das
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yun Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; UNC & NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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50
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Ganesh S, Shui X, Craig KP, Koser ML, Chopda GR, Cyr WA, Lai C, Dudek H, Wang W, Brown BD, Abrams MT. β-Catenin mRNA Silencing and MEK Inhibition Display Synergistic Efficacy in Preclinical Tumor Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:544-553. [PMID: 29282298 PMCID: PMC5805618 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal carcinomas harbor well-defined genetic abnormalities, including aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK pathways, often simultaneously. Although the MAPK pathway can be targeted using potent small-molecule drugs, including BRAF and MEK inhibitors, β-catenin inhibition has been historically challenging. RNAi approaches have advanced to the stage of clinical viability and are especially well suited for transcriptional modulators, such as β-catenin. In this study, we report therapeutic effects of combined targeting of these pathways with pharmacologic agents. Using a recently described tumor-selective nanoparticle containing a β-catenin-targeting RNAi trigger, in combination with the FDA-approved MEK inhibitor (MEKi) trametinib, we demonstrate synergistic tumor growth inhibition in in vivo models of colorectal cancer, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. At dose levels that were insufficient to significantly impact tumor growth as monotherapies, combination regimens resulted in synergistic efficacy and complete tumor growth inhibition. Importantly, dual MEKi/RNAi therapy dramatically improved survival of mice bearing colorectal cancer liver metastases. In addition, pharmacologic silencing of β-catenin mRNA was effective against tumors that are inherently resistant or that acquire drug-induced resistance to trametinib. These results provide a strong rationale for clinical evaluation of this dual-targeting approach for cancers harboring Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK pathway mutations. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(2); 544-53. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xue Shui
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin P Craig
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Wendy A Cyr
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Chengjung Lai
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Henryk Dudek
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Weimin Wang
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Bob D Brown
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Marc T Abrams
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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