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Morozova E, Kariagina A, Busch C, Schwartz RC. Benzophenone-3 alters expression of genes encoding vascularization and epithelial-mesenchymal transition functions during Trp53-null mammary tumorigenesis. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114540. [PMID: 38387520 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Benzophenone-3 (also referred to as oxybenzone) is a putative endocrine disrupting chemical and common ingredient in sunscreens and other personal care products. We previously showed that benzophenone-3 was promotional for epithelial tumorigenesis in mice fed adult high-fat diet, while protective against the incidence of more aggressive spindle cell tumors in the same treatment group. In this study, we show that benzophenone-3 reduces epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the epithelial tumors of these mice. This reduction in epithelial to mesenchymal transition is associated with altered expression of several genes involved in regulation of angiogenesis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Among the genes altered in expression, Timp1 is of particular interest because benzophenone-3 suppressed both migration and Timp1 expression in a mammary tumor cell line that displays epithelial to mesenchymal transition characteristics. These alterations in gene expression plausibly stabilize the vasculature of epithelial carcinomas and contribute to benzophenone-3 promotion of epithelial tumors, while at the same time suppress epithelial to mesenchymal transition and suppress incidence of spindle cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morozova
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anastasia Kariagina
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Calista Busch
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Richard C Schwartz
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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2
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Neagu AN, Whitham D, Bruno P, Arshad A, Seymour L, Morrissiey H, Hukovic AI, Darie CC. Onco-Breastomics: An Eco-Evo-Devo Holistic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1628. [PMID: 38338903 PMCID: PMC10855488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031628] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Known as a diverse collection of neoplastic diseases, breast cancer (BC) can be hyperbolically characterized as a dynamic pseudo-organ, a living organism able to build a complex, open, hierarchically organized, self-sustainable, and self-renewable tumor system, a population, a species, a local community, a biocenosis, or an evolving dynamical ecosystem (i.e., immune or metabolic ecosystem) that emphasizes both developmental continuity and spatio-temporal change. Moreover, a cancer cell community, also known as an oncobiota, has been described as non-sexually reproducing species, as well as a migratory or invasive species that expresses intelligent behavior, or an endangered or parasite species that fights to survive, to optimize its features inside the host's ecosystem, or that is able to exploit or to disrupt its host circadian cycle for improving the own proliferation and spreading. BC tumorigenesis has also been compared with the early embryo and placenta development that may suggest new strategies for research and therapy. Furthermore, BC has also been characterized as an environmental disease or as an ecological disorder. Many mechanisms of cancer progression have been explained by principles of ecology, developmental biology, and evolutionary paradigms. Many authors have discussed ecological, developmental, and evolutionary strategies for more successful anti-cancer therapies, or for understanding the ecological, developmental, and evolutionary bases of BC exploitable vulnerabilities. Herein, we used the integrated framework of three well known ecological theories: the Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development, the Vannote's River Continuum Concept (RCC), and the Ecological Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Eco-Evo-Devo) theory, to explain and understand several eco-evo-devo-based principles that govern BC progression. Multi-omics fields, taken together as onco-breastomics, offer better opportunities to integrate, analyze, and interpret large amounts of complex heterogeneous data, such as various and big-omics data obtained by multiple investigative modalities, for understanding the eco-evo-devo-based principles that drive BC progression and treatment. These integrative eco-evo-devo theories can help clinicians better diagnose and treat BC, for example, by using non-invasive biomarkers in liquid-biopsies that have emerged from integrated omics-based data that accurately reflect the biomolecular landscape of the primary tumor in order to avoid mutilating preventive surgery, like bilateral mastectomy. From the perspective of preventive, personalized, and participatory medicine, these hypotheses may help patients to think about this disease as a process governed by natural rules, to understand the possible causes of the disease, and to gain control on their own health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, Carol I bvd. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Danielle Whitham
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Pathea Bruno
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Aneeta Arshad
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Logan Seymour
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Hailey Morrissiey
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Angiolina I. Hukovic
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Costel C. Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
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3
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Cassani M, Fernandes S, Oliver‐De La Cruz J, Durikova H, Vrbsky J, Patočka M, Hegrova V, Klimovic S, Pribyl J, Debellis D, Skladal P, Cavalieri F, Caruso F, Forte G. YAP Signaling Regulates the Cellular Uptake and Therapeutic Effect of Nanoparticles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302965. [PMID: 37946710 PMCID: PMC10787066 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between living cells and nanoparticles are extensively studied to enhance the delivery of therapeutics. Nanoparticles size, shape, stiffness, and surface charge are regarded as the main features able to control the fate of cell-nanoparticle interactions. However, the clinical translation of nanotherapies has so far been limited, and there is a need to better understand the biology of cell-nanoparticle interactions. This study investigates the role of cellular mechanosensitive components in cell-nanoparticle interactions. It is demonstrated that the genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of yes-associated protein (YAP), a key component of cancer cell mechanosensing apparatus and Hippo pathway effector, improves nanoparticle internalization in triple-negative breast cancer cells regardless of nanoparticle properties or substrate characteristics. This process occurs through YAP-dependent regulation of endocytic pathways, cell mechanics, and membrane organization. Hence, the study proposes targeting YAP may sensitize triple-negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy and increase the selectivity of nanotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cassani
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Soraia Fernandes
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Jorge Oliver‐De La Cruz
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Helena Durikova
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vrbsky
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Marek Patočka
- NenoVisionPurkynova 649/127Brno61200Czech Republic
- Faculty of Mechanical EngineeringBrno University of TechnologyTechnicka 2896/2Brno61669Czech Republic
| | | | - Simon Klimovic
- Department of Bioanalytical InstrumentationCEITEC Masaryk UniversityBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pribyl
- Department of Bioanalytical InstrumentationCEITEC Masaryk UniversityBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Doriana Debellis
- Electron Microscopy FacilityFondazione Istituto Italiano Di TecnologiaVia Morego 30Genoa16163Italy
| | - Petr Skladal
- Department of Bioanalytical InstrumentationCEITEC Masaryk UniversityBrno60200Czech Republic
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
- School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourne3000VictoriaAustralia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ChimicheUniversità di Roma “Tor Vergata”Via Della Ricerca ScientificaRome00133Italy
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrno60200Czech Republic
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & SciencesKing's College LondonLondonWC2R 2LSUK
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4
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Zhou M, Ma Y, Rock EC, Chiang CC, Luker KE, Luker GD, Chen YC. Microfluidic single-cell migration chip reveals insights into the impact of extracellular matrices on cell movement. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4619-4635. [PMID: 37750357 PMCID: PMC10615797 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00651d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is a complex process that plays a crucial role in normal physiology and pathologies such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and mental disorders. Conventional cell migration assays face limitations in tracking a large number of individual migrating cells. To address this challenge, we have developed a high-throughput microfluidic cell migration chip, which seamlessly integrates robotic liquid handling and computer vision to swiftly monitor the movement of 3200 individual cells, providing unparalleled single-cell resolution for discerning distinct behaviors of the fast-moving cell population. This study focuses on the ECM's role in regulating cellular migration, utilizing this cutting-edge microfluidic technology to investigate the impact of ten different ECMs on triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. We found that collagen IV, collagen III, and collagen I coatings were the top enhancers of cell movement. Combining these ECMs increased cell motility, but the effect was sub-additive. Furthermore, we examined 87 compounds and found that while some compounds inhibited migration on all substrates, significantly distinct effects on differently coated substrates were observed, underscoring the importance of considering ECM coating. We also utilized cells expressing a fluorescent actin reporter and observed distinct actin structures in ECM-interacting cells. ScRNA-Seq analysis revealed that ECM coatings induced EMT and enhanced cell migration. Finally, we identified genes that were particularly up-regulated by collagen IV and the selective inhibitors successfully blocked cell migration on collagen IV. Overall, the study provides insights into the impact of various ECMs on cell migration and dynamics of cell movement with implications for developing therapeutic strategies to combat diseases related to cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Zhou
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yushu Ma
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Edwin C Rock
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Chun-Cheng Chiang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Kathryn E Luker
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Gary D Luker
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel, Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2099, USA
| | - Yu-Chih Chen
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- CMU-Pitt Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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5
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Eskandari N, Gentile S. Potassium channels activity unveils cancer vulnerability. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2023; 92:1-14. [PMID: 38007264 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
"No cell could exist without ion channels" (Clay Armstrong; 1999). Since the discovery in the early 1950s, that ions move across biological membranes, the idea that changes of ionic gradients can generate biological signals has fascinated scientists in any fields. Soon later (1960s) it was found that ionic flows were controlled by a class of specific and selective proteins called ion channels. Thus, it became clear that the concerted activities of these proteins can initiate, arrest, and finely tune a variety of biochemical cascades which offered the opportunity to better understand both biology and pathology. Cancer is a disease that is notoriously difficult to treat due its heterogeneous nature which makes it the deadliest disease in the developed world. Recently, emerging evidence has established that potassium channels are critical modulators of several hallmarks of cancer including tumor growth, metastasis, and metabolism. Nevertheless, the role of potassium ion channels in cancer biology and the therapeutic potential offered by targeting these proteins has not been explored thoroughly. This chapter is addressed to both cancer biologists and ion channels scientists and it aims to shine a light on the established and potential roles of potassium ion channels in cancer biology and on the therapeutic benefit of targeting potassium channels with activator molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Eskandari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Saverio Gentile
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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6
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Ahmed SBM, Radwan N, Amer S, Saheb Sharif-Askari N, Mahdami A, Samara KA, Halwani R, Jelinek HF. Assessing the Link between Diabetic Metabolic Dysregulation and Breast Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11816. [PMID: 37511575 PMCID: PMC10380477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a burdensome disease that affects various cellular functions through altered glucose metabolism. Several reports have linked diabetes to cancer development; however, the exact molecular mechanism of how diabetes-related traits contribute to cancer progression is not fully understood. The current study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the potential effect of hyperglycemia combined with hyperinsulinemia on the progression of breast cancer cells. To this end, gene dysregulation induced by the exposure of MCF7 breast cancer cells to hyperglycemia (HG), or a combination of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia (HGI), was analyzed using a microarray gene expression assay. Hyperglycemia combined with hyperinsulinemia induced differential expression of 45 genes (greater than or equal to two-fold), which were not shared by other treatments. On the other hand, in silico analysis performed using a publicly available dataset (GEO: GSE150586) revealed differential upregulation of 15 genes in the breast tumor tissues of diabetic patients with breast cancer when compared with breast cancer patients with no diabetes. SLC26A11, ALDH1A3, MED20, PABPC4 and SCP2 were among the top upregulated genes in both microarray data and the in silico analysis. In conclusion, hyperglycemia combined with hyperinsulinemia caused a likely unique signature that contributes to acquiring more carcinogenic traits. Indeed, these findings might potentially add emphasis on how monitoring diabetes-related metabolic alteration as an adjunct to diabetes therapy is important in improving breast cancer outcomes. However, further detailed studies are required to decipher the role of the highlighted genes, in this study, in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in patients with a different glycemic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrein B M Ahmed
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Nada Radwan
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sara Amer
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narjes Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amena Mahdami
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kamel A Samara
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Herbert F Jelinek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
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7
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O'Connell I, Dongre A. Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy for Breast Cancer: Lessons from Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:433-444. [PMID: 37193859 PMCID: PMC10299941 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00652-3] [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] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapies have generated efficacious responses in certain tumor types; however, the responses of breast carcinomas have been largely limited. Moreover, the identity of various parameters that can predict responses to immunotherapies, and at the same time, serve as putative biomarkers that can be therapeutically targeted to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for breast cancers, remains to be comprehensively delineated. Activation of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer cells, including those of the breast, increases their tumor-initiating potential and promotes their aggressiveness and resistance to multiple treatment regimens. Moreover, the residence of cancer cells in alternating epithelial or mesenchymal plastic phenotypic states can also influence their immuno-modulatory properties and susceptibilities to immune checkpoint blockade therapies. In this current opinion, we discuss the lessons that can be learnt from epithelial-mesenchymal transition to potentiate the efficacy of immunotherapy for breast cancers. We also discuss strategies to sensitize more-mesenchymal cancer cells to anti-tumor immunity and immune checkpoint blockade therapies, with the hope that these can serve as new translational avenues for the treatment of human breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel O'Connell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, T7-012A VRT, 930 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Anushka Dongre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, T7-012A VRT, 930 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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8
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Al-Zeheimi N, Gao Y, Greer PA, Adham SA. Neuropilin-1 Knockout and Rescue Confirms Its Role to Promote Metastasis in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097792. [PMID: 37175499 PMCID: PMC10178772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) metastasis remains a leading cause of female mortality. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a glycoprotein receptor that plays ligand-dependent roles in BC. Clinical studies indicate its correlation with metastatic disease; however, its functional role in BC metastasis remains uncertain. CRISPR-Cas9 was used to knockout the NRP-1 gene in MDA-MB-231 BC cells, and the effects on metastasis were determined using an orthotopic mouse engraftment model. NRP-1 expression in knockout cells was rescued using a recombinant cDNA with a silent mutation in the sgRNA target-adjacent PAM sequence. Differentially expressed genes between NRP-1 knockout and control cells were determined using whole-transcriptome sequencing and validated using real-time PCR. NRP-1KO cells showed a pronounced reduction in the metastasis to the lungs. KEGG pathway analysis of the transcriptome data revealed that PI3K and ECM receptor interactions were among the top altered pathways in the NRP-1KO cells. In addition, reduction in metastasis enhancers proteins, Integrin-β3 and Tenascin-C, and genes CCL20 and FN1 and upregulation of metastasis suppressor genes, ACVRL and GPX3 in NRP-1KO were detected. These findings provide evidence for a functional role for NRP-1 in BC metastasis, supporting further exploration of NRP-1 and the identified genes as targets in treating metastatic BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Al-Zeheimi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Peter A Greer
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sirin A Adham
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
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9
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Mavatkar AD, Naidu CM, Prabhu JS, Nair MG. The dynamic tumor-stromal crosstalk: implications of 'stromal-hot' tumors in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5379-5393. [PMID: 37046108 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08422-4] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer metastatic programming involves an intricate process by which the tumor cell coevolves with the surrounding extracellular niche. The supporting cells from the local host stroma get transformed into cancer-associated stromal cells. This complex crosstalk leads to extracellular matrix remodeling, invasion, and eventually distant metastasis. METHODS In this review, we examine the protein-miRNA secretome that is crucial for this crosstalk. We also provide evidence from the literature for the pivotal role played by the various stromal cells like fibroblasts, adipocytes, and immune cells in promoting the process of EMT in breast cancer. Through in-silico analysis, we have also attempted to establish that stromal presence is integral to the process of EMT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The in-silico analysis delineates the persuasive role of the stroma in mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This review elucidates the importance of examining the role of the stromal niche that can yield promising diagnostic markers and pave avenues for formulating tailored anti-cancer therapy. Process of EMT as driven by 'stroma-hot' tumors: The process of EMT is driven by the stromal cells. The stromal cells in the form of fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and tissue associated macrophages secrete the miRNA-protein secretome that modulates the stromal niche and the tumor cells to be become 'tumor associated'. This drives tumor progression and invasion. The 'stromal-hot' tumors eventually get the benefit of the surplus nurturing from the stroma that facilitates EMT leading to distant organ seeding and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva D Mavatkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrakala M Naidu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhumathy G Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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10
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Zhang Y, Zhang X, Huang X, Tang X, Zhang M, Li Z, Hu X, Zhang M, Wang X, Yan Y. Tumor stemness score to estimate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) characterization and to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response in bladder urothelial carcinoma. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:15. [PMID: 36721217 PMCID: PMC9890713 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of investigations have suggested a close link between cancer stem cells (CSCs), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the relationships between these physiological processes in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) remain unclear. METHODS We first explored biomarkers of tumor stemness (TS) by single-cell sequencing analysis. Then, subtypes of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) were identified using clustering analysis based on TS biomarkers. The TS score was constructed using principal component analysis to quantify tumor stemness in BLCA. Then, meta-analysis was performed to measure the hazard ratio of the TS score in BLCA cohorts. Moreover, we evaluated the clinical value of the TS score for predicting the response to tumor immunotherapy using immunotherapy cohorts. Finally, we built an EMT cell model by treating T24 cells with TGF-β and validated the relationship between the TS score and the EMT process in tumors by real-time quantitative PCR, cell invasion assays, and RNA-seq. In total, 3846 BLCA cells, 6 cell lines, 1627 BLCA samples, and 9858 samples from 32 other types of tumors were included in our study. RESULTS Three TS clusters and two TS-related gene clusters were identified with differential EMT activity status, CSC features, and TME characteristics in BLCA. Then, a TS scoring system was established with 61 TS-related genes to quantify the TS. The prognostic value of the TS score was then confirmed in multiple independent cohorts. A high TS score was associated with high EMT activity, CSC characteristics, high stromal cell content, high TP53 mutation rate, poor prognosis, and high tumor immunotherapy tolerance. The cell line experiment and RNA-seq further validated that our TS score can reflect the EMT and CSC characterization of tumor cells. CONCLUSION Overall, this research provides a better understanding of tumor invasion and metastasis mechanisms through an analysis of TS patterns with different EMT processes and CSC characteristics. The TS score provides an index for EMT and CSC research and helps clinicians develop treatment plans and predict outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Tang
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Menghan Zhang
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Research Ward, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020 China
| | - Xi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015 China
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015 China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015 China
| | - Yong Yan
- Department of Urology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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11
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Qureshi R, Picon-Ruiz M, Sho M, Van Booven D, Nunes de Paiva V, Diaz-Ruano AB, Ince TA, Slingerland J. Estrone, the major postmenopausal estrogen, binds ERa to induce SNAI2, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and ER+ breast cancer metastasis. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111672. [PMID: 36384125 PMCID: PMC9798480 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent work showed that the dominant post-menopausal estrogen, estrone, cooperates with nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) to stimulate inflammation, while pre-menopausal 17β-estradiol opposes NF-κB. Here, we show that post-menopausal estrone, but not 17β-estradiol, activates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes to stimulate breast cancer metastasis. HSD17B14, which converts 17β-estradiol to estrone, is higher in cancer than normal breast tissue and in metastatic than primary cancers and associates with earlier metastasis. Treatment with estrone, but not 17β-estradiol, and HSD17B14 overexpression both stimulate an EMT, matrigel invasion, and lung, bone, and liver metastasis in estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer models, while HSD17B14 knockdown reverses the EMT. Estrone:ERα recruits CBP/p300 to the SNAI2 promoter to induce SNAI2 and stimulate an EMT, while 17β-estradiol:ERα recruits co-repressors HDAC1 and NCOR1 to this site. Present work reveals novel differences in gene regulation by these estrogens and the importance of estrone to ER+ breast cancer progression. Upon loss of 17β-estradiol at menopause, estrone-liganded ERα would promote ER+ breast cancer invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana Qureshi
- Breast Cancer Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Manuel Picon-Ruiz
- Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs. GRANADA), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Maiko Sho
- Breast Cancer Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Derek Van Booven
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Vanessa Nunes de Paiva
- Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Anna B Diaz-Ruano
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Tan A Ince
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Joyce Slingerland
- Breast Cancer Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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12
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Liu Y, Fang Y, Bao L, Wu F, Wang S, Hao S. Intercellular Communication Reveals Therapeutic Potential of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101478. [PMID: 36291687 PMCID: PMC9599658 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with high intra-tumoral heterogeneity. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the inducers of cancer metastasis and migration. However, the description of the EMT process in TNBC using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) remains unclear. (2) Methods: In this study, we analyzed 8938 cellular gene expression profiles from five TNBC patients. We first scored each malignant cell based on functional pathways to determine its EMT characteristics. Then, a pseudo-time trajectory analysis was employed to characterize the cell trajectories. Furthermore, CellChat was used to identify the cellular communications. (3) Results: We identified 888 epithelium-like and 846 mesenchyme-like malignant cells, respectively. A further pseudo-time trajectory analysis indicated the transition trends from epithelium-like to mesenchyme-like in malignant cells. To characterize the potential regulators of the EMT process, we identified 10 dysregulated transcription factors (TFs) between epithelium-like and mesenchyme-like malignant cells, in which overexpressed forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) was recognized as a poor prognosis marker of TNBC. Furthermore, we dissected the cell-cell communications via ligand-receptor (L-R) interactions. We observed that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) may support the invasion of malignant epithelial cells, based on CXCL-CXCR2 signaling. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway secreted by TAMs was identified as an outgoing communication pattern, mediating the communications between monocytes/TAMs and malignant epithelial cells. Alternatively, the TNF-related ligand-receptor (L-R) pairs showed promising clinical implications. Some immunotherapy and anti-neoplastic drugs could interact with the L-R pairs as a potential strategy for the treatment of TNBC. In summary, this study enhances the understanding of the EMT process in the TNBC microenvironment, and dissections of EMT-related cell communications also provided us with potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Lili Bao
- Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shilong Wang
- Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Siyu Hao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (S.H.)
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13
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Naghsh-Nilchi A, Ebrahimi Ghahnavieh L, Dehghanian F. Construction of miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network affecting EMT-mediated cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4530-4547. [PMID: 35810383 PMCID: PMC9357632 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17477] [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: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum resistance is one of the major concerns in ovarian cancer treatment. Recent evidence shows the critical role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in this resistance. Epithelial-like ovarian cancer cells show decreased sensitivity to cisplatin after cisplatin treatment. Our study prospected the association between epithelial phenotype and response to cisplatin in ovarian cancer. Microarray dataset GSE47856 was acquired from the GEO database. After identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like cells, the module identification analysis was performed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses of the most considerable modules were performed. The protein-protein interaction network was also constructed. The hub genes were specified using Cytoscape plugins MCODE and cytoHubba, followed by the survival analysis and data validation. Finally, the co-expression of miRNA-lncRNA-TF with the hub genes was reconstructed. The co-expression network analysis suggests 20 modules relating to the Epithelial phenotype. The antiquewhite4, brown and darkmagenta modules are the most significant non-preserved modules in the Epithelial phenotype and contain the most differentially expressed genes. GO, and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses on these modules divulge that these genes were primarily enriched in the focal adhesion, DNA replication pathways and stress response processes. ROC curve and overall survival rate analysis show that the co-expression pattern of the brown module's hub genes could be a potential prognostic biomarker for ovarian cancer cisplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhosein Naghsh-Nilchi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Laleh Ebrahimi Ghahnavieh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fariba Dehghanian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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14
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Pilot Study Showing Feasibility of Phosphoproteomic Profiling of Pathway-Level Molecular Alterations in Barrett’s Esophagus. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071215. [PMID: 35885999 PMCID: PMC9325186 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071215] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Barrett’s esophagus is a major risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. In this pilot study, we employed precision mass spectrometry to map global (phospho)protein perturbations in Barrett’s esophagus lesions and adjacent normal tissue to glean insights into disease progression. (2) Methods: Biopsies were collected from two small but independent cohorts. Comparative analyses were performed between Barrett’s esophagus samples and adjacent matched (normal) tissues from patients with known pathology, while specimens from healthy patients served as additional controls. (3) Results: We identified and quantified 6810 proteins and 6395 phosphosites in the discovery cohort, revealing hundreds of statistically significant differences in protein abundances and phosphorylation states. We identified a robust proteomic signature that accurately classified the disease status of samples from the independent patient cohorts. Pathway-level analysis of the phosphoproteomic profiles revealed the dysregulation of specific cellular processes, including DNA repair, in Barrett’s esophagus relative to paired controls. Comparative analysis with previously published transcriptomic profiles provided independent evidence in support of these preliminary findings. (4) Conclusions: This pilot study establishes the feasibility of using unbiased quantitative phosphoproteomics to identify molecular perturbations associated with disease progression in Barrett’s esophagus to define potentially clinically actionable targets warranting further assessment.
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15
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He J, Chen S, Yu T, Chen W, Huang J, Peng C, Ding Y. Harmine suppresses breast cancer cell migration and invasion by regulating TAZ-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2612-2626. [PMID: 35812064 PMCID: PMC9251681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly lethal disease due to cancer metastasis. Harmine (HM), a β-carboline alkaloid, is present in various medicinal plants. Our previous study demonstrated that HM suppresses cell proliferation and migration by regulating TAZ in breast cancer cells and accelerates apoptosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the development of breast cancer by inducing the characteristics of cancer stem cells, cancer metastasis and recurrence. Overexpression of TAZ was shown to mediate EMT in breast cancer cells. We aimed to investigate whether HM inhibits EMT and metastasis of breast cancer cells by targeting TAZ. In this study, the cells treated with HM or with downregulated expression of TAZ showed an increase in epithelial markers and decrease in mesenchymal markers in breast cancer cells. Consistently, the breast cancer cells treated with HM or with downregulated expression of TAZ showed suppressed migration and proliferation. Moreover, TAZ overexpression reversed EMT and metastasis induced by HM in breast cancer cells. Thus, HM suppresses EMT and metastasis and invasion by targeting TAZ in breast cancer cells. HM can be used as an anticancer drug for breast cancer treatment and chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrong He
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei ProvinceHubei, China
- Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei ProvinceHubei, China
- Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co., Ltd.Wuhan 430075, Hubei, China
| | - Weiqun Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei ProvinceHubei, China
- Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei ProvinceHubei, China
- Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Caixia Peng
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei ProvinceHubei, China
- Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430014, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei ProvinceHubei, China
- Central Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430014, Hubei, China
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16
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Hu S, Song Y, Zhou Y, Jiao Y, Li G. METTL3 Accelerates Breast Cancer Progression via Regulating EZH2 m 6A Modification. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:5794422. [PMID: 35392146 PMCID: PMC8983232 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5794422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the bio-functions of METTL3 in promoting breast cancer (BCa) progression via regulating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of EZH2 mRNA. METTL3 levels in 48 cases of BCa and matched paracancerous tissues were detected. In the meantime, METTL3 in BCa patients with different staging or lymphatic metastasis states were examined. Prognosis of the BCa patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimator. Protein levels of EMT-associated genes and invasive and migratory abilities were evaluated. The binding relationship between EZH2 and METTL3 was analyzed via RIP. Besides, m6A modification of EZH2 mRNA was explored. E-Cadherin level in MCF-7 cells with EZH2 knockdown was tested. Subsequently, ChIP was done to verify the interaction between E-cadherin and EZH2. Regulatory effects of METTL3/E-cadherin axis on EMT and metastasis of BCa were finally determined. METTL3 was upregulated in BCa tissues compared to paracancerous ones. METTL3 was especially higher in T3-T4 BCa or those with lymphatic metastasis. BCa patients expressing high level of METTL3 experienced worse survival. METTL3 was identically upregulated in BCa cell lines. Knockdown of METTL3 in MCF-7 cells attenuated EMT and metastatic abilities. Protein level of EZH2 was downregulated after knockdown of METTL3 in MCF-7 cells, while its mRNA level was not influenced by METTL3. Furthermore, METTL3 was confirmed to interact with EZH2, and m6A modification existed in EZH2 mRNA. Knockdown of EZH2 greatly upregulated mRNA level of E-cadherin, and later, ChIP assay confirmed the interaction between EZH2 and E-cadherin. E-Cadherin could abolish the effects of METTL3 on BCa metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. METTL3 is upregulated in BCa. It could regulate the protein level of EZH2 through m6A modification to promote EMT and metastasis in BCa cells, thereafter aggravating the progression of BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Hu
- Department of Oncological Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Oncological Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Yu Jiao
- Department of Oncological Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Guopeng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar, China
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Qiqihar Hospital, Southern Medical University, Qiqihar, China
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17
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Joshi P, Basso B, Wang H, Hong SH, Giardina C, Shin DG. rPAC: Route based pathway analysis for cohorts of gene expression data sets. Methods 2022; 198:76-87. [PMID: 34628030 PMCID: PMC8792230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathway analysis is a popular method aiming to derive biological interpretation from high-throughput gene expression studies. However, existing methods focus mostly on identifying which pathway or pathways could have been perturbed, given differential gene expression patterns. In this paper, we present a novel pathway analysis framework, namely rPAC, which decomposes each signaling pathway route into two parts, the upstream portion of a transcription factor (TF) block and the downstream portion from the TF block and generates a pathway route perturbation analysis scheme examining disturbance scores assigned to both parts together. This rPAC scoring is further applied to a cohort of gene expression data sets which produces two summary metrics, "Proportion of Significance" (PS) and "Average Route Score" (ARS), as quantitative measures discerning perturbed pathway routes within and/or between cohorts. To demonstrate rPAC's scoring competency, we first used a large amount of simulated data and compared the method's performance against those by conventional methods in terms of power curve. Next, we performed a case study involving three epithelial cancer data sets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The rPAC method revealed specific pathway routes as potential cancer type signatures. A deeper pathway analysis of sub-groups (i.e., age groups in COAD or cancer sub-types in BRCA) resulted in pathway routes that are known to be associated with the sub-groups. In addition, multiple previously uncharacterized pathways routes were identified, potentially suggesting that rPAC is better in deciphering etiology of a disease than conventional methods particularly in isolating routes and sections of perturbed pathways in a finer granularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pujan Joshi
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - Brent Basso
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Honglin Wang
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Seung-Hyun Hong
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Charles Giardina
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Dong-Guk Shin
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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18
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Kretzmann JA, Irving KL, Smith NM, Evans CW. Modulating gene expression in breast cancer via DNA secondary structure and the CRISPR toolbox. NAR Cancer 2022; 3:zcab048. [PMID: 34988459 PMCID: PMC8693572 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, and while the survival prognosis of patients with early-stage, non-metastatic disease is ∼75%, recurrence poses a significant risk and advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer is incurable. A distinctive feature of advanced breast cancer is an unstable genome and altered gene expression patterns that result in disease heterogeneity. Transcription factors represent a unique therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer, since they are known regulators of gene expression, including gene expression involved in differentiation and cell death, which are themselves often mutated or dysregulated in cancer. While transcription factors have traditionally been viewed as 'undruggable', progress has been made in the development of small-molecule therapeutics to target relevant protein-protein, protein-DNA and enzymatic active sites, with varying levels of success. However, non-traditional approaches such as epigenetic editing, transcriptional control via CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and gene regulation through non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures represent new directions yet to be fully explored. Here, we discuss these new approaches and current limitations in light of new therapeutic opportunities for breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kelly L Irving
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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19
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Wang W, Zhang M, Huang Z, Wang L, Yue Y, Wang X, Lu S, Fan J. Knockdown of CXCL5 inhibits the invasion, metastasis and stemness of bladder cancer lung metastatic cells by downregulating CD44. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:e103-e112. [PMID: 34407043 PMCID: PMC8670357 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
In our previous studies, we found that T24 lung metastatic cancer cells showed high invasion and metastasis abilities and cancer stem cell characteristics compared with T24 primary cancer cells. By screening for the expression of CXC chemokines in both cell lines, we found that CXCL5 is highly expressed in T24-L cells. The aim of this study is to shed light on the relationship of CXCL5 with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). RNAi technology was used to decrease CXCL5 expression in the T24-L cell line, and the EMT and CSCs of the shCXCL5 group and the control group were compared. The CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002 was used to inhibit the receptor of CXCL5 to determine the effect of the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis. The knockdown of CXCL5 expression in T24-L cells reduced their EMT and CSC characteristics. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed the downregulation of N-cadherin, Vimentin and CD44. In addition, when CD44 expression was knocked down, the EMT ability of the cells was also inhibited. This phenomenon was most pronounced when both CXCL5 and CD44 were knocked down. CXCL5 and CD44 can affect the EMT and stem cell capacity of T24-L cells through some interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Wang
- Department of Urology
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an
| | | | - Zhixin Huang
- Department of Urology
- Department of Urology, Yulin First Hospital, Shaanxi Province
| | | | - Yangyang Yue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
| | - Xinyang Wang
- Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi’an, China
| | - Shaoying Lu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an
| | - Jinhai Fan
- Department of Urology
- Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi’an, China
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20
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Andreucci E, Peppicelli S, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Calorini L. Physicochemical aspects of the tumour microenvironment as drivers of vasculogenic mimicry. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:935-951. [PMID: 36224457 PMCID: PMC9758104 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Tumour vascularisation is vital for cancer sustainment representing not only the main source of nutrients and oxygen supply but also an escape route for single or clustered cancer cells that, once detached from the primary mass, enter the blood circulation and disseminate to distant organs. Among the mechanisms identified to contribute to tumour vascularisation, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is gaining increasing interest in the scientific community representing an intriguing target for cancer treatment. VM indeed associates with highly aggressive tumour phenotypes and strongly impairs patient outcomes. Differently from vessels of healthy tissues, tumour vasculature is extremely heterogeneous and tortuous, impeding efficient chemotherapy delivery, and at the meantime hyperpermeable and thus extremely accessible to metastasising cancer cells. Moreover, tumour vessel disorganisation creates a self-reinforcing vicious circle fuelling cancer malignancy and progression. Because of the inefficient oxygen delivery and metabolic waste removal from tumour vessels, many cells within the tumour mass indeed experience hypoxia and acidosis, now considered hallmarks of cancer. Being strong inducers of vascularisation, therapy resistance, inflammation and metastasis, hypoxia and acidosis create a permissive microenvironment for cancer progression and dissemination. Along with these considerations, we decided to focus our attention on the relationship between hypoxia/acidosis and VM. Indeed, besides tumour angiogenesis, VM is strongly influenced by both hypoxia and acidosis, which could potentiate each other and fuel this vicious circle. Thus, targeting hypoxia and acidosis may represent a potential target to treat VM to impair tumour perfusion and cancer cell sustainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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21
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Skok K, Gradišnik L, Čelešnik H, Milojević M, Potočnik U, Jezernik G, Gorenjak M, Sobočan M, Takač I, Kavalar R, Maver U. MFUM-BrTNBC-1, a Newly Established Patient-Derived Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line: Molecular Characterisation, Genetic Stability, and Comprehensive Comparison with Commercial Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010117. [PMID: 35011679 PMCID: PMC8749978 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a breast cancer (BC) subtype that accounts for approximately 15–20% of all BC cases. Cancer cell lines (CLs) provide an efficient way to model the disease. We have recently isolated a patient-derived triple-negative BC CL MFUM-BrTNBC-1 and performed a detailed morphological and molecular characterisation and a comprehensive comparison with three commercial BC CLs (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453). Light and fluorescence microscopy were used for morphological studies; immunocytochemical staining for hormone receptor, p53 and Ki67 status; RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR and STR analysis for molecular characterisation; and biomedical image analysis for comparative phenotypical analysis. The patient tissue-derived MFUM-BrTNBC-1 maintained the primary triple-negative receptor status. STR analysis showed a stable and unique STR profile up to the 6th passage. MFUM-BrTNBC-1 expressed EMT transition markers and displayed changes in several cancer-related pathways (MAPK, Wnt and PI3K signalling; nucleotide excision repair; and SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling). Morphologically, MFUM-BrTNBC-1 differed from the commercial TNBC CL MDA-MB-231. The advantages of MFUM-BrTNBC-1 are its isolation from a primary tumour, rather than a metastatic site; good growth characteristics; phenotype identical to primary tissue; complete records of origin; a unique identifier; complete, unique STR profile; quantifiable morphological properties; and genetic stability up to (at least) the 6th passage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristijan Skok
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Graz II, Location West, Göstinger Straße 22, 8020 Graz, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (U.M.); Tel.: +43-316-5466-5541 (K.S.); +386-2-234-5823 (U.M.)
| | - Lidija Gradišnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
| | - Helena Čelešnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
- Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Milojević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
| | - Uroš Potočnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
- Faculty of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Jezernik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
| | - Mario Gorenjak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
| | - Monika Sobočan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
- Division for Gynecology and Perinatology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska Ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Iztok Takač
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
- Division for Gynecology and Perinatology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska Ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Rajko Kavalar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska Ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Maver
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (L.G.); (H.Č.); (M.M.); (U.P.); (G.J.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (I.T.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (U.M.); Tel.: +43-316-5466-5541 (K.S.); +386-2-234-5823 (U.M.)
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22
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Muralidharan S, Vellaichamy A. Evaluation of anti-epithelial-mesenchymal transition property of Garcinia mangostana rind extract. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-021-00368-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) helps solid tumors to lose their intercellular adhesive property and drives metastasis. As mangosteen fruit is known for many beneficial effects including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-tumorigenic properties and has been used widely in traditional medicine, we interrogated its possible anti-metastatic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Results
We found that aqueous mangosteen rind extract (MRE) inhibited growth of MCF-7 and altered the transcript levels of ERα, ERβ, and EGFR genes. Additionally, the MRE changed the expression of important markers of EMT, E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, Snail, and MMP-9. Moreover, MRE inhibited migration of MCF-7 cells.
Conclusion
The results suggest that MRE suppresses growth and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MCF-7 cells.
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23
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Bansal S, Limaye AP, Lee J, Fleming T, Poulson C, Omar A, Hachem R, Bharat A, Bremner RM, Smith MA, Mohanakumar T. Circulating exosomes induced by respiratory viral infections in lung transplant recipients activate cellular stress, innate immune pathways and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Transpl Immunol 2021; 69:101480. [PMID: 34619318 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lung transplant rejection occurs in over 50% of lung transplant recipients and mechanism of chronic rejection is unknown. Evaluation of potential mechanism of exosomes from lung transplant recipients diagnosed with respiratory viral infection (RVI) in inducing chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). METHOD Exosomes were isolated from lung transplant recipients followed by DNA and RNA isolation from exosomes. Cell signaling mechanisms were studied by co-culturing exosomes with human epithelial cells. Mice were immunized with exosomes and lung homogenates were studied for immune signaling proteins. RESULTS Exosomes from lung transplant recipients with RVI carry nucleic acids which are capable of inducing innate immune signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epithelial mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION Therefore, we propose that RVI can lead to induction of exosomes that initiate the process leading to CLAD in mice models. These novel findings identified the molecular mechanisms by which RVI increases the risk of CLAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Bansal
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Ajit P Limaye
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - John Lee
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Timothy Fleming
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Christin Poulson
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Ashraf Omar
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Ramsey Hachem
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Ankit Bharat
- Northwestern University, Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ross M Bremner
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Michael A Smith
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - T Mohanakumar
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America.
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24
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Shao C, Anand V, Andreeff M, Battula VL. Ganglioside GD2: a novel therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1508:35-53. [PMID: 34596246 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by lack of hormone receptor expression and is known for high rates of recurrence, distant metastases, and poor clinical outcomes. TNBC cells lack targetable receptors; hence, there is an urgent need for targetable markers for the disease. Breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) are a fraction of cells in primary tumors that are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting BCSCs is thus an effective strategy for preventing cancer metastatic spread and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy. The CD44hi CD24lo phenotype is a well-established phenotype for identification of BCSCs, but CD44 and CD24 are not targetable markers owing to their expression in normal tissues. The ganglioside GD2 has been shown to be upregulated in primary TNBC tumors compared with normal breast tissue and has been shown to identify BCSCs. In this review, we discuss GD2 as a BCSC- and tumor-specific marker in TNBC; epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the signaling pathways that are upstream and downstream of GD2 and the role of these pathways in tumorigenesis and metastasis in TNBC; direct and indirect approaches for targeting GD2; and ongoing clinical trials and treatments directed against GD2 as well as future directions for these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Shao
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vivek Anand
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Venkata Lokesh Battula
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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25
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Panchy N, Watanabe K, Hong T. Interpretable, Scalable, and Transferrable Functional Projection of Large-Scale Transcriptome Data Using Constrained Matrix Decomposition. Front Genet 2021; 12:719099. [PMID: 34490045 PMCID: PMC8417714 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.719099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale transcriptome data, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing data, have provided unprecedented resources for studying biological processes at the systems level. Numerous dimensionality reduction methods have been developed to visualize and analyze these transcriptome data. In addition, several existing methods allow inference of functional variations among samples using gene sets with known biological functions. However, it remains challenging to analyze transcriptomes with reduced dimensions that are interpretable in terms of dimensions’ directionalities, transferrable to new data, and directly expose the contribution or association of individual genes. In this study, we used gene set non-negative principal component analysis (gsPCA) and non-negative matrix factorization (gsNMF) to analyze large-scale transcriptome datasets. We found that these methods provide low-dimensional information about the progression of biological processes in a quantitative manner, and their performances are comparable to existing functional variation analysis methods in terms of distinguishing multiple cell states and samples from multiple conditions. Remarkably, upon training with a subset of data, these methods allow predictions of locations in the functional space using data from experimental conditions that are not exposed to the models. Specifically, our models predicted the extent of progression and reversion for cells in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) continuum. These methods revealed conserved EMT program among multiple types of single cells and tumor samples. Finally, we demonstrate this approach is broadly applicable to data and gene sets beyond EMT and provide several recommendations on the choice between the two linear methods and the optimal algorithmic parameters. Our methods show that simple constrained matrix decomposition can produce to low-dimensional information in functionally interpretable and transferrable space, and can be widely useful for analyzing large-scale transcriptome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Panchy
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | | | - Tian Hong
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.,National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, Knoxville, TN, United States
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26
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Das A, Baidya R, Chakraborty T, Samanta AK, Roy S. Pharmacological basis and new insights of taxifolin: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:112004. [PMID: 34388527 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological characteristics of phytochemicals have prompted a lot of interest in their application in disease management. Due to the high incidence of cancer related mortality and morbidity throughout the world; experiments have concentrated on identifying the anticancer potential of natural substances. Many phytochemicals such as flavonoids and their derivatives produced from food offer a variety of new anti-cancer agents which prevent the cancer progression. Taxifolin, a unique bioactive flavonoid, is a dietary component that has grabbed the interest of dietitians and medicinal chemists due to its wide range of health benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant with a well-documented effect in the prevention of several malignancies in humans. Taxifolin has shown promising inhibitory activity against inflammation, malignancies, microbial infection, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease. Anti-cancer activity has been shown to be relatively significant than other activities investigated in vitro and in vivo with a little or no side effects to the normal healthy cells. In summary this review offers the synopsis of recent breakthroughs in the use of taxifolin as a cancer treatment, as well as mechanisms of action. However, to develop a medicine for human usage, more study on pharmacokinetic profile, profound molecular mechanisms, and drug safety criteria should be conducted utilizing well-designed randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Das
- Department of Pharmacy, NSHM Knowledge Campus-Kolkata, 124 B.L. Saha Road, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Ratna Baidya
- Department of Pharmacy, NSHM Knowledge Campus-Kolkata, 124 B.L. Saha Road, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Tania Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacy, NSHM Knowledge Campus-Kolkata, 124 B.L. Saha Road, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Akash Kumar Samanta
- Department of Pharmacy, NSHM Knowledge Campus-Kolkata, 124 B.L. Saha Road, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmacy, NSHM Knowledge Campus-Kolkata, 124 B.L. Saha Road, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India.
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27
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Williams MM, Christenson JL, O'Neill KI, Hafeez SA, Ihle CL, Spoelstra NS, Slansky JE, Richer JK. MicroRNA-200c restoration reveals a cytokine profile to enhance M1 macrophage polarization in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2021; 7:64. [PMID: 34045467 PMCID: PMC8160264 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many immune suppressive mechanisms utilized by triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are regulated by oncogenic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). How TNBC EMT impacts innate immune cells is not fully understood. To determine how TNBC suppresses antitumor macrophages, we used microRNA-200c (miR-200c), a powerful repressor of EMT, to drive mesenchymal-like mouse mammary carcinoma and human TNBC cells toward a more epithelial state. MiR-200c restoration significantly decreased growth of mouse mammary carcinoma Met-1 cells in culture and in vivo. Cytokine profiling of Met-1 and human BT549 cells revealed that miR-200c upregulated cytokines, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), promoted M1 antitumor macrophage polarization. Cytokines upregulated by miR-200c correlated with an epithelial gene signature and M1 macrophage polarization in BC patients and predicted a more favorable overall survival for TNBC patients. Our findings demonstrate that immunogenic cytokines (e.g., GM-CSF) are suppressed in aggressive TNBC, warranting further investigation of cytokine-based therapies to limit disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jessica L Christenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kathleen I O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sabrina A Hafeez
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Claire L Ihle
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicole S Spoelstra
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jill E Slansky
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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28
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Cohen G, Chandran P, Lorsung RM, Aydin O, Tomlinson LE, Rosenblatt RB, Burks SR, Frank JA. Pulsed-Focused Ultrasound Slows B16 Melanoma and 4T1 Breast Tumor Growth through Differential Tumor Microenvironmental Changes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071546. [PMID: 33801627 PMCID: PMC8036693 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) has shown promise as a non-invasive treatment modality for solid malignancies. FUS targeting to tumors has been shown to initiate pro-inflammatory immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Pulsed FUS (pFUS) can alter the expression of cytokines, chemokines, trophic factors, cell adhesion molecules, and immune cell phenotypes within tissues. Here, we investigated the molecular and immune cell effects of pFUS on murine B16 melanoma and 4T1 breast cancer flank tumors. Temporal changes following sonication were evaluated by proteomics, RNA-seq, flow-cytometry, and histological analyses. Proteomic profiling revealed molecular changes occurring over 24 h post-pFUS that were consistent with a shift toward inflamed tumor microenvironment. Over 5 days post-pFUS, tumor growth rates were significantly decreased while flow cytometric analysis revealed differences in the temporal migration of immune cells. Transcriptomic analyses following sonication identified differences in gene expression patterns between the two tumor types. Histological analyses further demonstrated reduction of proliferation marker, Ki-67 in 4T1, but not in B16 tumors, and activated cleaved-caspase 3 for apoptosis remained elevated up to 3 days post-pFUS in both tumor types. This study revealed diverse biological mechanisms following pFUS treatment and supports its use as a possible adjuvant to ablative tumor treatment to elicit enhanced anti-tumor responses and slow tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Cohen
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (P.C.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Parwathy Chandran
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (P.C.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Rebecca M. Lorsung
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
| | - Omer Aydin
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Lauren E. Tomlinson
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
| | - Robert B. Rosenblatt
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
| | - Scott R. Burks
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
| | - Joseph A. Frank
- Frank Laboratory, Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA; (R.M.L.); (O.A.); (L.E.T.); (R.B.R.); (S.R.B.)
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1074, USA
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (P.C.); (J.A.F.)
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Zaarour RF, Prasad P, Venkatesh GH, Khouzam RA, Amirtharaj F, Zeinelabdin N, Rifath A, Terry S, Nawafleh H, El Sayed Y, Chouaib S. Waterpipe smoke condensate influences epithelial to mesenchymal transition and interferes with the cytotoxic immune response in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:879-890. [PMID: 33469682 PMCID: PMC7859923 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WPS) continues to spread globally and presents serious health hazards. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of treatment with WPS condensate (WPSC) on lung cell proliferation and plasticity as well as tumor cell recognition and killing by natural killer (NK) cells using cytotoxicity assays. The results indicated that exposure of normal and cancer lung cell lines to WPSC resulted in a decrease in their in vitro growth in a dose-dependent manner and it induced tumor senescence. In addition, WPSC selectively caused DNA damage as revealed by an increase in γH2AX and 53BP1 in tumor lung cells. To gain further insight into the molecular mechanisms altered by WPSC, we conducted a global comprehensive transcriptome analysis of WPSC-treated tumor cells. Data analysis identified an expression profile of genes that best distinguished treated and non-treated cells involving several pathways. Of these pathways, we focused on those involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. Results showed that WPSC induced an increase in SNAI2 expression associated with EMT, ACTA2 and SERPINE2 were involved in invasion and CD44 was associated with stemness. Furthermore, WPSC exposure increased the expression of inflammatory response genes including CASP1, IL1B, IL6 and CCL2. While immune synapse formation between NK and WPSC-treated lung cancer target cells was not affected, the capacity of NK cells to kill these target cells was reduced. The data reported in the present study are, to the best of our knowledge, the first in vitro demonstration of WPSC effects on lung cellular parameters providing evidence of its potential involvement in tumor physiology and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
| | - Prathibha Prasad
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
| | | | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
| | - Francis Amirtharaj
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
| | - Nagwa Zeinelabdin
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
| | - Ayesha Rifath
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
| | - Stephane Terry
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumour Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine - University of Paris-Sud, University of Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Husam Nawafleh
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
| | - Yehya El Sayed
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences (BCE), American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, UAE
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumour Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine - University of Paris-Sud, University of Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France
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Singhal J, Chikara S, Horne D, Awasthi S, Salgia R, Singhal SS. Targeting RLIP with CRISPR/Cas9 controls tumor growth. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:48-57. [PMID: 32426802 PMCID: PMC7877558 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the major causes of cancer deaths in women. Over half of all BCs carry genetic defects in the gene encoding p53, a powerful tumor suppressor. P53 is known as the 'guardian of the genome' because it is essential for regulating cell division and preventing tumor formation. Ral-interacting protein (RLIP) is a modular protein capable of participating in many cellular functions. Blocking this stress-responsive protein, which is overexpressed during malignancy, enables BC cells to overcome the deleterious effects of p53 loss more effectively. In the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas9) system, a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) recognizes a specific DNA sequence and directs the endonuclease Cas9 to make a double-strand break, which enables editing of targeted genes. Here, we harnessed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to target the RLIP gene in BC cells. We screened sgRNAs using a reporter system and lentivirally delivered them, along with Cas9, to BC cells for validation. We then assessed the survival, proliferation, and tumorigenicity of BC cells in vitro and the growth of tumors in vivo after CRISPR-mediated knockdown of RLIP. Doxycycline-inducible expression of Cas9 in BC cells transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding the sgRNAs disrupted the RLIP gene, leading to inhibition of BC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, with resected tumors showing reduced levels of the survival and proliferation markers Ki67, RLIP, pAkt, and survivin, the cell cycle protein CDK4, and the mesenchymal marker vimentin, as well as elevated levels of the differentiation protein E-cadherin and pro-apoptotic protein Bim. Inducible Cas9/sgRNA-transduced BC cells without doxycycline treatment did not exhibit altered cell survival or proliferation in vitro or in vivo. Our study provides proof-of-concept that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be utilized to target RLIP in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsana Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Shireen Chikara
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - David Horne
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Sanjay Awasthi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Sharad S Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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31
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Sabtu SN, Sani SFA, Looi LM, Chiew SF, Pathmanathan D, Bradley DA, Osman Z. Indication of high lipid content in epithelial-mesenchymal transitions of breast tissues. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3250. [PMID: 33547362 PMCID: PMC7864999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81426-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process in cancer progression and metastasis. Study of metabolic changes during the EMT process is important in seeking to understand the biochemical changes associated with cancer progression, not least in scoping for therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting EMT. Due to the potential for high sensitivity and specificity, Raman spectroscopy was used here to study the metabolic changes associated with EMT in human breast cancer tissue. For Raman spectroscopy measurements, tissue from 23 patients were collected, comprising non-lesional, EMT and non-EMT formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded breast cancer samples. Analysis was made in the fingerprint Raman spectra region (600-1800 cm-1) best associated with cancer progression biochemical changes in lipid, protein and nucleic acids. The ANOVA test followed by the Tukey's multiple comparisons test were conducted to see if there existed differences between non-lesional, EMT and non-EMT breast tissue for Raman spectroscopy measurements. Results revealed that significant differences were evident in terms of intensity between the non-lesional and EMT samples, as well as the EMT and non-EMT samples. Multivariate analysis involving independent component analysis, Principal component analysis and non-negative least square were used to analyse the Raman spectra data. The results show significant differences between EMT and non-EMT cancers in lipid, protein, and nucleic acids. This study demonstrated the capability of Raman spectroscopy supported by multivariate analysis in analysing metabolic changes in EMT breast cancer tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Norbaini Sabtu
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S F Abdul Sani
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - L M Looi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S F Chiew
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dharini Pathmanathan
- Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - D A Bradley
- Centre for Biomedical Physics, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, 46150, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Z Osman
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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32
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Wan X, Hou J, Liu S, Zhang Y, Li W, Zhang Y, Ding Y. Estrogen Receptor α Mediates Doxorubicin Sensitivity in Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating E-Cadherin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:583572. [PMID: 33614637 PMCID: PMC7889969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.583572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthracyclines resistance is commonly seen in patients with estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive breast cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is characterized with the loss of epithelial cell polarity, cell adhesion and acquisition of new invasive property, is considered as one of the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced drug resistance. In order to identify factors that associated with doxorubicin resistance, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using human and mouse breast cancer cell lines with different ERα status. Cell survival experiments revealed that ERα-positive cells (MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cell lines), were less sensitive to doxorubicin than ERα-negative (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) cells, and mouse mammary carcinoma cells (4T-1). The expression of E-cadherin reduced in low-invasive ERα-positive MCF-7 cells after treatment with doxorubicin, indicating epithelial mesenchymal transition. In contrast, the expression of E-cadherin was upregulated in high-invasive ERα-negative cells, showing mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Moreover, it was found that the growth inhibition of 4T-1 cells by doxorubicin was positively correlated with the expression of E-cadherin. In a mouse breast cancer xenograft model, E-cadherin was overexpressed in the primary tumor tissues of the doxorubicin-treated mice. In ERα-positive MCF-7 cells, doxorubicin treatment upregulated the expression of EMT-related transcription factors Snail and Twist, that regulate the expression of E-cadherin. Following overexpression of ERα in ERα-negative cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468), doxorubicin enhanced the upregulation of Snail and Twist, decreased expression of E-cadherin, and decreased the sensitivity of cells to doxorubicin. In contrast, inhibition of ERα activity increased the sensitivity to doxorubicin in ERα-positive MCF-7 cells. These data suggest that the regulation of Snail and/or Twist varies depends on different ERα status. Therefore, doxorubicin combined with anti-estrogen receptor α therapy could improve the treatment efficacy of doxorubicin in ERα-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jiaxin Hou
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Shurong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yanru Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Do HTT, Cho J. Involvement of the ERK/HIF-1α/EMT Pathway in XCL1-Induced Migration of MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010089. [PMID: 33374849 PMCID: PMC7796296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine–receptor interactions play multiple roles in cancer progression. It was reported that the overexpression of X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1), a specific receptor for chemokine X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (XCL1), stimulates the migration of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms of this process remain to be elucidated. Our study found that XCL1 treatment markedly enhanced MDA-MB-231 cell migration. Additionally, XCL1 treatment enhanced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MDA-MB-231 cells via E-cadherin downregulation and upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin as well as increases in β-catenin nucleus translocation. Furthermore, XCL1 enhanced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Notably, the effects of XCL1 on cell migration and intracellular signaling were negated by knockdown of XCR1 using siRNA, confirming XCR1-mediated actions. Treating MDA-MB-231 cells with U0126, a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, blocked XCL1-induced HIF-1α accumulation and cell migration. The effect of XCL1 on cell migration was also evaluated in ER-/HER2+ SK-BR-3 cells. XCL1 also promoted cell migration, EMT induction, HIF-1α accumulation, and ERK phosphorylation in SK-BR-3 cells. While XCL1 did not exhibit any significant impact on the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 expressions in MDA-MB-231 cells, it increased the expression of these enzymes in SK-BR-3 cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that activation of the ERK/HIF-1α/EMT pathway is involved in the XCL1-induced migration of both MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Based on our findings, the XCL1–XCR1 interaction and its associated signaling molecules may serve as specific targets for the prevention of breast cancer cell migration and metastasis.
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Sugano T, Masuda M, Takeshita F, Motoi N, Hirozane T, Goto N, Kashimoto S, Uno Y, Moriyama H, Sawa M, Nagakawa Y, Tsuchida A, Seike M, Gemma A, Yamada T. Pharmacological blockage of transforming growth factor-β signalling by a Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase inhibitor, NCB-0846. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:228-236. [PMID: 33244122 PMCID: PMC7782820 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01162-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is the primary cause of death in cancer patients, and its management is still a major challenge. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the process of cancer metastasis, and its pharmacological interference holds therapeutic promise. METHODS Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) functions as a transcriptional coregulator of Wnt target genes. Given the convergence of Wnt and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling, we examined the effects of a small-molecule TNIK inhibitor (named NCB-0846) on the TGFβ1-induced EMT of lung cancer cells. RESULTS NCB-0846 inhibited the TGFβ1-induced EMT of A549 cells. This inhibition was associated with inhibition of Sma- and Mad-Related Protein-2/3 (SMAD2/3) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. NCB-0846 abolished the lung metastasis of TGFβ1-treated A549 cells injected into the tail veins of immunodeficient mice. The inhibition of EMT was mediated by suppression of the TGFβ receptor type-I (TGFBR1) gene, at least partly through the induction of microRNAs targeting the TGFBR1 transcript [miR-320 (a, b and d) and miR-186]. CONCLUSIONS NCB-0846 pharmacologically blocks the TGFβ/SMAD signalling and EMT induction of lung cancer cells by transcriptionally downregulating TGFBRI expression, representing a potentially promising approach for prevention of metastasis in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Sugano
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Mari Masuda
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Takeshita
- Department of Functional Analysis, Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core Center (FIOC), National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Noriko Motoi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Toru Hirozane
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Naoko Goto
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | | | - Yuko Uno
- Carna Biosciences, Inc, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | | | | | - Yuichi Nagakawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Akihiko Tsuchida
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Masahiro Seike
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Akihiko Gemma
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Tesshi Yamada
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
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Barua A, Choudhury P, Mandal S, Panda CK, Saha P. Anti-Metastatic Potential of a Novel Xanthone Sourced by Swertia chirata Against In Vivo and In Vitro Breast Adenocarcinoma Frameworks. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:2865-2875. [PMID: 33112542 PMCID: PMC7798162 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.10.2865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Anticancer property of Swertia chirata has been well established. It forms a rich source of compounds to which its anticancer property can be attributed, among the compounds found in S. chirata xanthones form an important group. Among the most abundant xanthones found in S. chirata, 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy xanthone (TMX) was found to be most effective. As metastasis is the underlying cause of most cancer-related deaths, in this study, we evaluated the anti-metastatic potential of TMX against adenocarcinoma both in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo anti-metastatic potential was proved by histological evidence of different organs, giemsa staining of bone marrow, subcutaneous re-injection of the aberrant bone marrow cells into the right flank of the mice to observe the formation of tumors and analyzing the markers related to metastasis by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot. In vitro validation of anti-metastatic potential was carried out against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 by primarily analyzing the migratory property of cells through scratch wound healing assay and the ability of cells to form colonies. The re-validation part was performed by western blot of markers related to metastasis and real-time analysis of EMT related markers. RESULTS In vivo, TMX treatment restricted metastasis of EAC induced solid tumor to liver, lung, bone marrow, and validation of this finding was achieved by down regulation of metastatic and EMT markers. In vitro, TMX treatment restricted migratory and colony forming ability of MCF-7 cells by down regulating metastatic and EMT markers. CONCLUSION It was proved from our study that TMX treatment successfully reduced the metastatic potential of EAC induced solid tumor, with in vitro validation TMX on the MCF-7 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atish Barua
- Department of Cancer Chemoprevention, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritha Choudhury
- Department of Cancer Chemoprevention, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, West Bengal, India
| | - Suvra Mandal
- National Research Institute of Ayurvedic Drug Development, 4 Minerva Road, CN Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Chinmay Kumar Panda
- Department of Oncogenne regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, West Bengal, India
| | - Prosenjit Saha
- Department of Cancer Chemoprevention, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, West Bengal, India
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36
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Maccalli C. Translational cancer biology. J Transl Med 2020; 18:364. [PMID: 32967699 PMCID: PMC7513285 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02537-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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37
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Qi Y, Liu J, Chao J, Scheuerman MP, Rahimi SA, Lee LY, Li S. PTEN suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell activity by downregulating Abi1. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12685. [PMID: 32728066 PMCID: PMC7391766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69698-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an embryonic program frequently reactivated during cancer progression and is implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer cells can also acquire stem cell properties to self-renew and give rise to new tumors through the EMT. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor PTEN has been shown to induce the EMT, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are less understood. In this study, we reconstituted PTEN-deficient breast cancer cells with wild-type and mutant PTEN, demonstrating that restoration of PTEN expression converted cancer cells with mesenchymal traits to an epithelial phenotype and inhibited cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. The protein rather than the lipid phosphatase activity of PTEN accounts for the reversal of the EMT. PTEN dephosphorylates and downregulates Abi1 in breast cancer cells. Gain- and loss-of-function analysis indicates that upregulation of Abi1 mediates PTEN loss-induced EMT and CSC activity. These results suggest that PTEN may suppress breast cancer invasion and metastasis via dephosphorylating and downregulating Abi1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Qi
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, MEB-687, New Brunswick, NJ, 08093, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, MEB-687, New Brunswick, NJ, 08093, USA
| | - Joshua Chao
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, MEB-687, New Brunswick, NJ, 08093, USA
| | - Mark P Scheuerman
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, MEB-687, New Brunswick, NJ, 08093, USA
| | - Saum A Rahimi
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, MEB-687, New Brunswick, NJ, 08093, USA
| | - Leonard Y Lee
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, MEB-687, New Brunswick, NJ, 08093, USA
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, MEB-687, New Brunswick, NJ, 08093, USA.
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Amjad E, Asnaashari S, Sokouti B, Dastmalchi S. Systems biology comprehensive analysis on breast cancer for identification of key gene modules and genes associated with TNM-based clinical stages. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10816. [PMID: 32616754 PMCID: PMC7331704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), as one of the leading causes of death among women, comprises several subtypes with controversial and poor prognosis. Considering the TNM (tumor, lymph node, metastasis) based classification for staging of breast cancer, it is essential to diagnose the disease at early stages. The present study aims to take advantage of the systems biology approach on genome wide gene expression profiling datasets to identify the potential biomarkers involved at stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV as well as in the integrated group. Three HER2-negative breast cancer microarray datasets were retrieved from the GEO database, including normal, stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV samples. Additionally, one dataset was also extracted to test the developed predictive models trained on the three datasets. The analysis of gene expression profiles to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed after preprocessing and normalization of data. Then, statistically significant prioritized DEGs were used to construct protein-protein interaction networks for the stages for module analysis and biomarker identification. Furthermore, the prioritized DEGs were used to determine the involved GO enrichment and KEGG signaling pathways at various stages of the breast cancer. The recurrence survival rate analysis of the identified gene biomarkers was conducted based on Kaplan-Meier methodology. Furthermore, the identified genes were validated not only by using several classification models but also through screening the experimental literature reports on the target genes. Fourteen (21 genes), nine (17 genes), eight (10 genes), four (7 genes), and six (8 genes) gene modules (total of 53 unique genes out of 63 genes with involving those with the same connectivity degree) were identified for stage I, stage II, stage III, stage IV, and the integrated group. Moreover, SMC4, FN1, FOS, JUN, and KIF11 and RACGAP1 genes with the highest connectivity degrees were in module 1 for abovementioned stages, respectively. The biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions were demonstrated for outcomes of GO analysis and KEGG pathway assessment. Additionally, the Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 33 genes were found to be significant while considering the recurrence-free survival rate as an alternative to overall survival rate. Furthermore, the machine learning calcification models show good performance on the determined biomarkers. Moreover, the literature reports have confirmed all of the identified gene biomarkers for breast cancer. According to the literature evidence, the identified hub genes are highly correlated with HER2-negative breast cancer. The 53-mRNA signature might be a potential gene set for TNM based stages as well as possible therapeutics with potentially good performance in predicting and managing recurrence-free survival rates at stages I, II, III, and IV as well as in the integrated group. Moreover, the identified genes for the TNM-based stages can also be used as mRNA profile signatures to determine the current stage of the breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Amjad
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Solmaz Asnaashari
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Babak Sokouti
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Siavoush Dastmalchi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Li X, Li H, Liu C, Leng X, Liu T, Zhang X, Bai Q, Wang L. CLDN6-mediates SB431542 action through MMPs to regulate the invasion, migration, and EMT of breast cancer cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2020; 13:1590-1600. [PMID: 32782677 PMCID: PMC7414482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Our previous research confirmed the repression of SMADs signaling pathway inhibits the invasion, migration, and EMT in breast cancer MCF-7 and SKBR-3 cell lines by DNMT1 up-regulating CLDN6, but the mechanism is unclear. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of SMAD2, SMAD3, P-SMAD2, and P-SMAD3. Then RT-PCR was carried out to examine the expression of tight junctions and cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. According to the gene sequence of Claudin6, shRNA was linked with the green fluorescent protein-expressing eukaryotic expression vector pGC silencer TMΜ6/Neo/GFP, and it was transfected into breast cancer MCF-7 cells and SKBR-3 cells. RT-PCR and western blot were applied to verify the Claudin6 gene-silencing effect. We observed cellular morphology with inverted microscope, analyzed the capacity for clone formation, and detected transepithelial electrical resistance. The level of MMP2, and MMP9 in the cells treated with or without SB431542 and MCF-7-shGFP, MCF-7-shClaudin-6, SKBR-3-shGFP, and SKBR-3-shClaudin-6 cells pretreated with SB431542 were examined by RT-PCR and western blot. The expressions of Claudin-6, occludin, and cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin were enhanced by SB431542. SB431542 transformed mesenchymal cell morphology into epithelial cell morphology, inhibited capacity for clone formation, increased transepithelial electrical resistance, and downregulated the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Knock down of Claudin6 can abolish SB431542 effects. We conclude that Claudin6 mediates the effects of SB431542 on the biologic phenotypes of the breast cancer cells we studied. We speculate Claudin6-mediated the SB431542 inhibition of invasion, migration, and EMT in breast cancer cells via MMP2/9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Li
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Chunxin Liu
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoning Leng
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Qingyang Bai
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Basic Pathology, Pathology College, Qiqihar Medical University 333 Bukui North Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar 161006, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
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40
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Ahmadiankia N, Khosravi A. Significance of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition inducing transcription factors in predicting distance metastasis and survival in patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 25:60. [PMID: 33088297 PMCID: PMC7554549 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_174_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: The clinical relevance of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression has been highlighted over the last decade. Several EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs) have been implicated in the regulation of EMT, including Twist, Snail1, Slug, ZEB1, and ZEB2. Here, this meta-analysis aimed to predict the risk of distance metastasis and overall survival in CRC patients with high expression of EMT-TFs. Materials and Methods: All eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The search was carried out to include literatures published as late as September 1, 2018. In overall, 16 studies that investigated the relationship between EMT-TFs with distance metastasis and survival in CRC patients were included. In meta-analysis, a pooled hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) were estimated for associations. Results: The results of this review indicated that expressions of all EMT-TFs are significantly correlated with poor overall survival in CRC. Moreover, there are a significant association between Twist (OR, 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–2.09), Slug (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.98–5.93), and ZEB2 (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.09–5.40) expression with distance metastatic in CRC patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the overexpression of EMT-TFs plays a key role in increasing the risk of distance metastasis as well as decreasing overall survival in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Ahmadiankia
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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Dong P, Fu H, Chen L, Zhang S, Zhang X, Li H, Wu D, Ji X. PCNP promotes ovarian cancer progression by accelerating β-catenin nuclear accumulation and triggering EMT transition. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8221-8235. [PMID: 32548978 PMCID: PMC7348179 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever reports showed that PCNP is associated with human cancers including neuroblastoma and lung cancer. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of PCNP in ovarian cancer have not been plenty elucidated. Herein, we first investigated the expression of PCNP in ovarian cancer tissues and cells, the effects of PCNP in ovarian cancer proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and determined the molecular mechanism of PCNP in ovarian cancer progression. The results indicated that PCNP was significantly overexpressed in human ovarian cancer tissues and cells, and related to poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we also detected that PCNP promoted ovarian cancer cells growth, migration and invasion, as well as inhibited ovarian cancer cells apoptosis. Mechanistically, PCNP binding to β-catenin promoted β-catenin nuclear translocation and further activated Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Moreover, PCNP regulated the expression of genes involved in EMT and further triggered EMT occurrence. Conclusionally, PCNP may promote ovarian cancer progression through activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and EMT, acting as a novel and promising target for treating ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhen Dong
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Hao Fu
- Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Dongdong Wu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xinying Ji
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, Henan University College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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42
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Urra FA, Araya-Maturana R. Putting the brakes on tumorigenesis with snake venom toxins: New molecular insights for cancer drug discovery. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:195-204. [PMID: 32428714 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit molecular characteristics that confer them different proliferative capacities and survival advantages to adapt to stress conditions, such as deregulation of cellular bioenergetics, genomic instability, ability to promote angiogenesis, invasion, cell dormancy, immune evasion, and cell death resistance. In addition to these hallmarks of cancer, the current cytostatic drugs target the proliferation of malignant cells, being ineffective in metastatic disease. These aspects highlight the need to identify promising therapeutic targets for new generations of anti-cancer drugs. Toxins isolated from snake venoms are a natural source of useful molecular scaffolds to obtain agents with a selective effect on cancer cells. In this article, we discuss the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of nine classes of snake toxins that suppress the hallmarks of cancer by induction of oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction, reactive oxygen species-dependent DNA damage, blockage of extracellular matrix-integrin signaling, disruption of cytoskeleton network and inhibition of growth factor-dependent signaling. The possible therapeutic implications of toxin-based anti-cancer drug development are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix A Urra
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 7800003, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago 7800003, Chile.
| | - Ramiro Araya-Maturana
- Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago 7800003, Chile; Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile; Programa de Investigación Asociativa en Cáncer Gástrico, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile.
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43
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Chen L, Zhang S, Shen Y, Qi L, Zhang Z, Tian H, Zou Z. Thymus‑expressed chemokine secreted by breast cancer cells promotes metastasis and inhibits apoptosis. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1875-1884. [PMID: 32323823 PMCID: PMC7160534 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of thymus-expressed chemokine (TECK) autocrine signaling, and its effect on carcinogenesis and the development of breast cancer. The present study also assessed epithelial-mensenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration, invasion, proliferation and apoptosis. Breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were used in the present study, and TECK basic expression in cancer cells was investigated using western blotting (WB). EMT markers, Akt pathway molecules and apoptosis indicators were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR or WB. In order to assess migration and invasion, wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays were performed. Moreover, flow cytometry was used to assess the rate of proliferation and apoptosis. In vivo experiments were conducted in nude mice to assess cancer growth. It was revealed that breast cancer cells could secrete TECK in an autocrine manner. Furthermore, TECK could increase cell migration and invasion by promoting EMT and inhibit apoptosis via the Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Shuming Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Yaqian Shen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Linzeng Qi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Zhaolin Zhang
- Department of Special Examination, Penglai People's Hospital, Penglai, Shandong 265600, P.R. China
| | - Hua Tian
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Zhigeng Zou
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Bojcsuk D, Nagy G, Bálint BL. Alternatively Constructed Estrogen Receptor Alpha-Driven Super-Enhancers Result in Similar Gene Expression in Breast and Endometrial Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1630. [PMID: 32120995 PMCID: PMC7084573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are clusters of highly active enhancers, regulating cell type-specific and disease-related genes, including oncogenes. The individual regulatory regions within SEs might be simultaneously bound by different transcription factors (TFs) and co-regulators, which together establish a chromatin environment conducting to effective transcription. While cells with distinct TF profiles can have different functions, how different cells control overlapping genetic programs remains a question. In this paper, we show that the construction of estrogen receptor alpha-driven SEs is tissue-specific, both collaborating TFs and the active SE components greatly differ between human breast cancer-derived MCF-7 and endometrial cancer-derived Ishikawa cells; nonetheless, SEs common to both cell lines have similar transcriptional outputs. These results delineate that despite the existence of a combinatorial code allowing alternative SE construction, a single master regulator might be able to determine the overall activity of SEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Bojcsuk
- Genomic Medicine and Bioinformatic Core Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gergely Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Bálint László Bálint
- Genomic Medicine and Bioinformatic Core Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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45
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Atoum MF, Alzoughool F, Al-Hourani H. Linkage Between Obesity Leptin and Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2020; 14:1178223419898458. [PMID: 31975779 PMCID: PMC6956603 DOI: 10.1177/1178223419898458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Many cancers might be influenced by obesity, including breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer death among women. Obesity is a complex state associated with multiple physiological and molecular changes capable of modulating the behavior of breast tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment. This review discussed the inverse association between obesity and breast cancer among premenopausal breast cancer females and the positive association among postmenopausal. Four mechanisms may link obesity and breast cancer including leptin and leptin receptor expression, adipose chronic inflammation, sex hormone alternation, and insulin and insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling. Leptin has been involved in breast cancer initiation, development, and progression through signaling transduction network. Leptin functions are strengthened through cross talk with multiple oncogenes, cytokines, and growth factors. Adipose chronic inflammation promotes cancer growth and angiogenesis and modifies the immune responses. A pro-inflammatory microenvironment at tumor site promotes cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators adjacent to the tumor. Leptin stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes T-helper 1 responses. Obesity is common of chronic inflammation. In obese patients, white adipose tissue (WAT) will promote pro-inflammatory mediators that will encourage tumor growth and WAT inflammation. Sex hormone alternation of estrogens is associated with increased risk for hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Estrogens cause tumorigenesis by its effect on signaling pathways that lead to DNA damage, stimulation angiogenesis, mutagenesis, and cell proliferation. In postmenopausal females, and due to termination of ovarian function, estrogens were produced extra gonadally, mainly in peripheral adipose tissues where adrenal-produced androgen precursors are converted to estrogens. Active estradiol leads to breast cancer development by binding to ERα, which is modified by receptor’s interaction of various signal transduction pathways. Hyperinsulinemia and IGF-1 activate the MAPK and PI3K pathways, leading to cancer-promoting effects. Cross talk between insulin/IGF and estrogen signaling pathways promotes hormone-sensitive breast cancer development. Hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for breast cancer that explains the obesity-breast cancer association. Controlling IGF-1 level and targeting IGF-1 receptors among different breast cancer subtypes may be useful for breast cancer treatment. This review discussed several leptin signaling pathways, highlighting the potential advantage of targeting leptin as a potential target of the novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar Fayiz Atoum
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Foad Alzoughool
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Huda Al-Hourani
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Mechanics of actin filaments in cancer onset and progress. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 355:205-243. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Murray BW. Countering Breast Cancer's Counterpunch. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1682-1683. [PMID: 31575758 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bigagli E, Cinci L, D'Ambrosio M, Luceri C. Transcriptomic Characterization, Chemosensitivity and Regulatory Effects of Exosomes in Spontaneous EMT/MET Transitions of Breast Cancer Cells. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2019; 16:163-173. [PMID: 31018947 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM We examined the gene expression changes of breast cancer cells spontaneously undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse process mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and the role of exosomes in these transitions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Highly invasive mesenchymal-like breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 (basal cells), EMT and MET variants, were characterized by microarray gene expression profiling, immunocytochemistry and chemo-sensitivity. RESULTS Spontaneously disseminated cells were anoikis resistant, exhibited a dissociative, EMT-like phenotype and underwent MET when reseeded in cell-free plates. MET was inhibited by exosomes secreted by basal cells. Chemo-sensitivity to doxorubicin, vincristine and paclitaxel decreased in the order EMT<MET<basal. Phenotypic plasticity arose with differential expression of metastasis and stemness associated genes (LGR5, FZD10, DTX1, ErbB3, FTH1 and DLL4) and pathways (DNA replication and repair, ABC transporter, Hedgehog, Notch and metabolic pathways). CONCLUSION This is an appropriate model for studying EMT/MET transitions, drug targets and the role of exosomes in breast cancer dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Bigagli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cinci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario D'Ambrosio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Luceri
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Taxifolin inhibits breast cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion by promoting mesenchymal to epithelial transition via β-catenin signaling. Life Sci 2019; 232:116617. [PMID: 31260685 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of taxifolin on proliferation, migration and invasion of highly aggressive breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. MAIN METHODS The antineoplastic activity of taxifolin was evaluated in MDA-MB-231 and 4 T1 cells by crystal violet assay and colony formation assay. The effects of taxifolin on migration and invasion were determined by wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. mRNA and protein expression of genes were assayed respectively with qRT-PCR and western blot, and the protein expression and location was also detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. β-catenin overexpression was performed with adenovirus infection. The effects of taxifolin on growth and metastasis of breast cancer in vivo were investigated in BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 xenografts. KEY FINDINGS We found that taxifolin had the potential to inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion of highly aggressive breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, taxifolin promoted the MET process, the reversed process of EMT, as evaluated by EMT markers and EMT-transcriptional factors in breast cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA expressions of β-catenin were dose-dependently downregulated by taxifolin, and overexpression of β-catenin by adenoviruses abrogated these beneficial effects of taxifolin above-mentioned. Furthermore, within a 4T1 xenograft mouse model, taxifolin markedly inhibited the growth of primary tumors and reduced lung metastasis of breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for the possibility of taxifolin used as a promising agent in the clinical treatment of highly aggressive breast cancer patients.
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PLA Electrospun Scaffolds for Three-Dimensional Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Culture. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11050916. [PMID: 31126035 PMCID: PMC6572693 DOI: 10.3390/polym11050916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) systems provide a suitable environment for cells cultured in vitro since they reproduce the physiological conditions that traditional cell culture supports lack. Electrospinning is a cost-effective technology useful to manufacture scaffolds with nanofibers that resemble the extracellular matrix that surround cells in the organism. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a synthetic polymer suitable for biomedical applications. The main objective of this study is to evaluate electrospun (ES)-PLA scaffolds to be used for culturing cancer cells. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with no validated targeted therapy and a high relapse rate. MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells were grown in scaffolds from two different PLA concentrations (12% and 15% w/v). The appropriateness of ES-PLA scaffolds was evaluated using a cell proliferation assay. EGFR and STAT3 gene expression and protein levels were compared in cells grown in 2D versus in 3D cultures. An increase in STAT3 activation was shown, which is related to self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the enrichment of the breast CSC (BCSC) population was tested using a mammosphere-forming assay and gene expression of BCSC-related stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers. Based on the results obtained, ES-PLA scaffolds are useful for 3D cultures in short culture periods with no BCSC-enrichment.
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