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Zhao H, Ling Y, He J, Dong J, Mo Q, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yu H, Tang C. Potential targets and therapeutics for cancer stem cell-based therapy against drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 74:101084. [PMID: 38640592 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common digestive malignancyin the world, which is frequently diagnosed at late stage with a poor prognosis. For most patients with advanced HCC, the therapeutic options arelimiteddue to cancer occurrence of drug resistance. Hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) account for a small subset of tumor cells with the ability of self-renewal and differentiationin HCC. It is widely recognized that the presence of CSCs contributes to primary and acquired drug resistance. Therefore, hepatic CSCs-targeted therapy is considered as a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcome in HCC. In this article, we review drug resistance in HCC and provide a summary of potential targets for CSCs-based therapy. In addition, the development of CSCs-targeted therapeuticsagainst drug resistance in HCC is summarized in both preclinical and clinical trials. The in-depth understanding of CSCs-related drug resistance in HCC will favor optimization of the current therapeutic strategies and gain encouraging therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Zhao
- Department of Radiology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuhang Ling
- Central Laboratory, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinling Dong
- Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qinliang Mo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Central Laboratory, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongbin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chengwu Tang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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2
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Li L, Xun C, Yu CH. Role of microRNA-regulated cancer stem cells in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1985-1996. [PMID: 36618329 PMCID: PMC9813843 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i12.1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the most common cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high rate of tumor recurrence, tumor dormancy, and drug resistance after initial successful chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A small subset of cancer cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), exhibit stem cell characteristics and are present in various cancers, including HCC. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) often accompanies the occurrence and development of HCC. miRNAs can influence tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence, and drug resistance by regulating CSCs properties, which supports their clinical utility in managing and treating HCC. This review summarizes the regulatory effects of miRNAs on CSCs in HCC with a special focus on their impact on HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chen Xun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou 412000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun-Hong Yu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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Park NR, Cha JH, Sung PS, Jang JW, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Bae SH. MiR-23b-3p suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting c-MET. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11135. [PMID: 36281372 PMCID: PMC9586913 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant expression of c-MET is known to be associated with tumor recurrence and metastasis by promoting cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, miR-23b-3p has been identified as a tumor suppressor, but detailed role of miR-23b-3p in HCC is still unclear. Our study aimed to investigate how miR-23b-3p is associated with the malignant potential of HCC cells. Methods HCC tissues and their adjacent non-tumor tissues were acquired from 30 patients with HCC. Expression of EMT- or stemness-related genes were examined in the two HCC cell lines. Migration of HCC cells was analyzed using transwell and wound healing assays. Results c-MET was overexpressed in HCC tissues compared to the adjacent non-tumor tissues. c-MET knockdown inhibited EMT and reduced migration and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, c-MET was a target of miR-23b-3p, and miR-23b-3p expression was decreased in HCC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues. Treatment of miR-23b-3p inhibitor in HCC cells promoted EMT, cell migration, and invasion. In contrast, miR-23b-3p overexpression suppressed EMT, cell migration, and invasion, concomitantly reducing c-MET expression. Transfection of miR-23b-3p inhibitor with concomitant c-MET knockdown mitigated the effects of miR-23b-3p inhibitor on EMT in HCC cells. In addition, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) stimulation after miR-23b-3p overexpression induced neither the mesenchymal phenotype nor migratory property of HCC cells. Conclusion In this study, we confirmed that miR-23b-3p downregulation significantly increased EMT, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. In addition, c-MET was confirmed to be a target of miR-23b-3p in HCC cells and regulated the functional effects of miR-23b-3p. These results suggest that miR-23b-3p can be used as a prognostic biomarker and candidate target for HCC treatment. c-MET is a target of miR-23b-3p and overexpressed in HCC tissues. MiR-23b-3p expression was decreased in HCC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues. Inhibition of miR-23b-3p induced migration and invasion via EMT in HCC cells. MiR-23b-3p/c-MET axis may serve as a therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ri Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Cha
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author.
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 03382, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author.
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Role of CD44 isoforms in epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:391-406. [PMID: 35023031 PMCID: PMC10042269 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity lies at the core of cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer are concepts that represent a cancer cell's ability to coopt and adapt normal developmental programs to promote survival and expansion. The cancer stem cell model states that a small subset of cancer cells with stem cell-like properties are responsible for driving tumorigenesis and metastasis while remaining especially resistant to common chemotherapeutic drugs. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity describes a cancer cell's ability to transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes which drives invasion and metastasis. Recent research supports the existence of stable epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid phenotypes which represent highly plastic states with cancer stem cell characteristics. The cell adhesion molecule CD44 is a widely accepted marker for cancer stem cells, and it lies at a functional intersection between signaling networks regulating both stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. CD44 expression is complex, with alternative splicing producing many isoforms. Interestingly, not only does the pattern of isoform expression change during transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes in cancer, but these isoforms have distinct effects on cell behavior including the promotion of metastasis and stemness. The role of CD44 both downstream and upstream of signaling pathways regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and stemness make this protein a valuable target for further research and therapeutic intervention.
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Hsu CH, Huang YH, Lin SM, Hsu C. AXL and MET in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review. Liver Cancer 2022; 11:94-112. [PMID: 35634427 PMCID: PMC9109073 DOI: 10.1159/000520501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been shown to improve survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with placebo. Distinct from other MKIs, cabozantinib has inhibitory activity for both AXL and MET. This review considers the literature elucidating the role of AXL and MET in HCC progression, treatment resistance, and immunomodulation. A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted on November 16, 2020, and identified a total of 174 search results. A further 36 potentially relevant articles were identified based on the authors' knowledge. After initial screening by title/abstract, 159 underwent full-text screening and we identified 69 original research articles reporting empirical data from in vitro or in vivo models of HCC evaluating the effects of manipulating AXL or MET signaling on tumorigenic behavior. SUMMARY AXL expression is highly correlated with HCC progression and outcomes and has been reported to be involved in transforming growth factor-β and the regulation of PI3K/AKT, ERK/MAPK, and CCN proteins. MET protein expression is increased in HCC with the highest histological grade and has been reported to be involved in the regulation of PI3K/AKT, PLCγ/DAG/PKC, and MAPK/ERK signaling. Both AXL and MET are key regulators of sorafenib resistance in HCC. In terms of immunomodulation, there are data to indicate that AXL and MET interact with the immune components of the tumor microenvironment and promote tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. In addition, AXL was found to play a potential role in the development of a protumorigenic neutrophil phenotype in HCC. Combined inhibition of MET and programmed cell death protein resulted in additive reduction of HCC cell growth. KEY MESSAGES AXL and MET play key roles in HCC progression, treatment resistance, and immunomodulation. Continued development of drugs that target these receptor tyrosine kinases appears likely to represent a useful strategy to improve outcomes for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,**Chiun Hsu,
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Ming Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan,*Shi-Ming Lin, lsmpaicyto @ gmail.com
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhao S, Wu W, Jiang H, Ma L, Pan C, Jin C, Mo J, Wang L, Wang K. Selective Inhibitor of the c-Met Receptor Tyrosine Kinase in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: No Beneficial Effect With the Use of Tivantinib? Front Immunol 2021; 12:731527. [PMID: 34804015 PMCID: PMC8600564 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.731527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a formidable health challenge worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of 2.4% in patients with distant metastases. The hepatocyte growth factor/cellular-mesenchymal-epithelial transition (HGF/c-Met) signaling pathway represents an encouraging therapeutic target for progressive HCC. Tivantinib, a non-adenosine triphosphate-competitive c-Met inhibitor, showed an attractive therapeutic effect on advanced HCC patients with high MET-expression in phase 2 study but failed to meet its primary endpoint of prolonging the overall survival (OS) in two phase 3 HCC clinical trials. Seven clinical trials have been registered in the "ClinicalTrials.gov" for investigating the safety and efficacy of tivantinib in treating advanced or unresectable HCC. Eight relevant studies have been published with results. The sample size ranged from 20 to 340 patients. The methods of tivantinib administration and dosage were orally 120/240/360 mg twice daily. MET overexpression was recorded at 34.6% to 100%. Two large sample phase 3 studies (the METIV-HCC study of Australia and European population and the JET-HCC study of the Japanese population) revealed that tivantinib failed to show survival benefits in advanced HCC. Common adverse events with tivantinib treatment include neutropenia, ascites, rash, and anemia, etc. Several factors may contribute to the inconsistency between the phase 2 and phase 3 studies of tivantinib, including the sample size, drug dosing, study design, and the rate of MET-High. In the future, high selective MET inhibitors combined with a biomarker-driven patient selection may provide a potentially viable therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankun Zhao
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Weizhou Wu
- Department of Urology, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Chengyi Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Chong Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Jinggang Mo
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Liezhi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Kunpeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
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Jiang X, Liang L, Chen G, Liu C. Modulation of Immune Components on Stem Cell and Dormancy in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:2826. [PMID: 34831048 PMCID: PMC8616319 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) refer to a certain subpopulation within the tumor entity that is characterized by restricted cellular proliferation and multipotent differentiation potency. The existence of CSCs has been proven to contribute to the heterogeneity of malignancies, accounting for intensified tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and metastatic spread. Dormancy was proposed as a reversible state of cancer cells that are temporarily arrested in the cell cycle, possessing several hallmarks that facilitate their survival within a devastating niche. This transient period is evoked to enter an actively proliferating state by multiple regulatory alterations, and one of the most significant and complex factors comes from local and systemic inflammatory reactions and immune components. Although CSCs and dormant cancer cells share several similarities, the clear relationship between these two concepts remains unclear. Thus, the detailed mechanism of immune cells interacting with CSCs and dormant cancer cells also warrants elucidation for prevention of cancer relapse and metastasis. In this review, we summarize recent findings and prospective studies on CSCs and cancer dormancy to conclude the relationship between these two concepts. Furthermore, we aim to outline the mechanism of immune components in interfering with CSCs and dormant cancer cells to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of relapse and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Caigang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (X.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.)
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Fu J, Su X, Li Z, Deng L, Liu X, Feng X, Peng J. HGF/c-MET pathway in cancer: from molecular characterization to clinical evidence. Oncogene 2021; 40:4625-4651. [PMID: 34145400 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01863-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive landscape of HGF/c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) /mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET)) signaling pathway in cancers. First, we generalize the compelling influence of HGF/c-MET pathway on multiple cellular processes. Then, we present the genomic characterization of HGF/c-MET pathway in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we extensively illustrate the malignant biological behaviors of HGF/c-MET pathway in cancers, in which hyperactive HGF/c-MET signaling is considered as a hallmark. In addition, we investigate the current clinical trials of HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy in cancers. We find that although HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy has led to breakthroughs in certain cancers, monotherapy of targeting HGF/c-MET has failed to demonstrate significant clinical efficacy in most cancers. With the advantage of the combinations of HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy, the exploration of more options of combinational targeted therapy in cancers may be the major challenge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjiang Fu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Su
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiawei Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuancheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China.
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Qin S, Mao Y, Wang H, Duan Y, Zhao L. The interplay between m6A modification and non-coding RNA in cancer stemness modulation: mechanisms, signaling pathways, and clinical implications. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2718-2736. [PMID: 34345203 PMCID: PMC8326131 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stemness, mainly consisting of chemo-resistance, radio-resistance, tumorigenesis, metastasis, tumor self-renewal, cancer metabolism reprogramming, and tumor immuno-microenvironment remodeling, play crucial roles in the cancer progression process and has become the hotspot of cancer research field in recent years. Nowadays, the exact molecular mechanisms of cancer stemness have not been fully understood. Extensive studies have recently implicated that non-coding RNA (ncRNA) plays vital roles in modulating cancer stemness. Notably, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is of crucial importance for RNAs to exert their biological functions, including RNA splicing, stability, translation, degradation, and export. Emerging evidence has revealed that m6A modification can govern the expressions and functions of ncRNAs, consequently controlling cancer stemness properties. However, the interaction mechanisms between ncRNAs and m6A modification in cancer stemness modulation are rarely investigated. In this review, we elucidate the recent findings on the relationships of m6A modification, ncRNAs, and cancer stemness. We also focus on some key signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, MAPK signaling, Hippo signaling, and JAK/STAT3 signaling to illustrate the underlying interplay mechanisms between m6A modification and ncRNAs in cancer stemness. In particular, we briefly highlight the clinical potential of ncRNAs and m6A modifiers as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for indicating cancer stemness properties and improving the diagnostic precision for a wide variety of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yitao Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haofan Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingxing Duan
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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10
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The novel interplay between CD44 standard isoform and the caspase-1/IL1B pathway to induce hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:961. [PMID: 33168816 PMCID: PMC7652828 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating data indicate caspase-1 (CASP1), one of the inflammatory caspases, promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression in tumor proliferation, invasion, EMT phenotype and sorafenib resistance. However, the molecular basis of regulating caspase-1 expression and caspase-1/IL1B (interleukin-1β) pathway in HCC remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated the novel interplay between caspase-1/IL1B activation and cluster differentiation 44 standard isoform (CD44s) in HCC. In this study, we observed that CD44s is responsible for caspase-1/IL1B activation both in HCC tissues and five HCC cell lines. In normoxia conditions, CD44s knockdown repressed the activation of caspase-1/IL1B via stimulating AMPK-mediated autophagy. Moreover, our data suggested that p62-induced autophagic degradation of caspase-1 accounted for caspase-1/IL1B inactivation in CD44s deficient cells. Administration of recombinant human IL1B could rescue impaired proliferation, invasion, and EMT phenotype in CD44s deficient HCC cells. Lastly, hypoxia-mediated caspase-1/IL1B overexpression could be abolished by CD44s downregulation through decreasing HIF1A and enhancing autophagic activity. Overall, targeting CD44s is a novel inhibitory mechanism of caspase-1/IL1B expression, both in normoxia and hypoxia conditions.
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11
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CD44, IL-33, and ST2 Gene Polymorphisms on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Susceptibility in the Chinese Population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2918517. [PMID: 33062675 PMCID: PMC7538256 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2918517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin- (IL-) 33/ST2 axis plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis through influencing cancer stemness and other mechanisms. CD44 is one of the critical markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among the cancer stem cells (CSCs). There is still a lack of CD44 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) combined with IL-33/ST2 pathway single-nucleotide polymorphisms in HCC susceptibility analysis literature, although CD44 and IL-33/ST2 have been reported separately in human cancers. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between CD44, IL-33, and ST2 SNPs and HCC susceptibility and clinicopathological features. We analyzed 565 HCC patients and 561 healthy controls in the Chinese population. The genes for CD44rs187115A>G, IL-33 rs1929992A>G, and ST2 rs3821204G>C were typed using the SNaPshot method. We found that the distribution frequencies of CD44 and ST2 alleles and genotypes in both the HCC case group and the control group were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results showed that individuals carrying at least one G allele of the CD44 rs187115 gene were at a higher risk than the AA genotype carriers (p = 0.007, odds ratio (OR) = 1.429, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.102-1.854). Similarly, individuals with at least one C allele of ST2 rs3821204 had a higher risk of HCC than those with GG genes (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 1.647, 95% CI: 1.296-2.093). Combining the haplotype analysis of the 3 loci suggested that CD44 rs187115, IL-33 rs1929992, and ST2 rs3821204 are associated with the risk of HCC and could potentially serve as useful genetic markers for HCC in some populations of China.
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12
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Lee HY, Hong IS. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102746. [PMID: 32987767 PMCID: PMC7598600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of cancer stem cell (CSC) from Bruce et al. has demonstrated the relatively rare population of stem-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The discovery of leukemic CSCs prompted further identification of CSCs in multiple types of solid tumor. Recently, extensive research has attempted to identity CSCs in multiple types of solid tumors in the brain, colon, head and neck, liver, and lung. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that the initiation and progression of most malignant tumors rely largely on the CSC population. Recent studies indicated that stem cell-related markers or signaling pathways, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and Notch signaling, contribute to the initiation and progression of various liver cancer types. Importantly, CSCs are markedly resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches and current targeted therapeutics. Therefore, it is believed that selectively targeting specific markers and/or signaling pathways of hepatic CSCs is an effective therapeutic strategy for treating chemotherapy-resistant liver cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the hepatic CSC hypothesis and discuss the specific surface markers and critical signaling pathways involved in the development and maintenance of hepatic CSC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367700, Korea;
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406840, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-899-6315; Fax: +82-32-899-6350
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13
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Arthur P, Patel N, Surapaneni SK, Mondal A, Gebeyehu A, Bagde A, Kutlehria S, Nottingham E, Singh M. Targeting lung cancer stem cells using combination of Tel and Docetaxel liposomes in 3D cultures and tumor xenografts. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 401:115112. [PMID: 32540278 PMCID: PMC7437978 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) accounts for recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy in various tumors. Efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs is limited by tumor stromal barriers, which hinder their penetration into deep tumor sites. We have earlier shown telmisartan (Tel) pretreatment prior to Docetaxel (DTX) administration enhances anti-cancer effects in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we demonstrated for the first time the efficacy of Docetaxel liposomes (DTXPL) in combination with Tel in 3D cultures of H460 cells by using polysaccharide-based hydrogels (TheWell Biosciences) and also in xenograft model of DTX resistant H460 derived CD133+ lung tumors. DTXPL and Tel combination showed enhanced cytotoxicity in H460 WT 3D cultures by two folds. In H460 3D cultures, Tel pretreatment showed increased liposomal uptake. DTXPL and Tel combination treated tumors showed reduction in tumor volume (p < .001), increased apoptosis and downregulation of CSC markers (p < .01) in H460 WT and DTX resistant CD133+ xenograft models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Arthur
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Nilkumar Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Surapaneni
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | | | - Aragaw Gebeyehu
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Arvind Bagde
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Shallu Kutlehria
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Ebony Nottingham
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA.
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14
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Ma J, Klemm J, Gerardo-Ramírez M, Frappart L, Castven D, Becker D, Zoch A, Parent R, Bartosch B, Minnich K, Giovannini M, Danckwardt S, Hartmann N, Morrison H, Herrlich P, Marquardt JU, Hartmann M. Cluster of differentiation 44 promotes osteosarcoma progression in mice lacking the tumor suppressor Merlin. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:2564-2577. [PMID: 32525563 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Merlin is a versatile tumor suppressor protein encoded by the NF2 gene. Several lines of evidence suggest that Merlin exerts its tumor suppressor activity, at least in part, by forming an inhibitory complex with cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44). Consistently, numerous NF2 mutations in cancer patients are predicted to perturb the interaction of Merlin with CD44. We hypothesized that disruption of the Merlin-CD44 complex through loss of Merlin, unleashes putative tumor- or metastasis-promoting functions of CD44. To evaluate the relevance of the Merlin-CD44 interaction in vivo, we compared tumor growth and progression in Cd44-positive and Cd44-negative Nf2-mutant mice. Heterozygous Nf2-mutant mice were prone to developing highly metastatic osteosarcomas. Importantly, while the absence of the Cd44 gene had no effect on the frequency of primary osteosarcoma development, it strongly diminished osteosarcoma metastasis formation in the Nf2-mutant mice. In vitro assays identified transendothelial migration as the most prominent cellular phenotype dependent on CD44. Adhesion to endothelial cells was blocked by interfering with integrin α4β1 (very late antigen-4, VLA-4) on osteosarcoma cells and CD44 upregulated levels of integrin VLA-4 β1 subunit. Among other putative functions of CD44, which may contribute to the metastatic behavior, the passage through the endothelial cells also appears to be critical in vivo, as CD44 significantly promoted formation of lung metastasis upon intravenous injection of osteosarcoma cells into immunocompromised mice. Altogether, our results strongly suggest that CD44 plays a metastasis-promoting role in the absence of Merlin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhi Ma
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Janina Klemm
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Monserrat Gerardo-Ramírez
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lucien Frappart
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Darko Castven
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ansgar Zoch
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Romain Parent
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052 and CNRS UMR5286, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Birke Bartosch
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052 and CNRS UMR5286, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Kerstin Minnich
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sven Danckwardt
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nils Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Herrlich
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Monika Hartmann
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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15
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Tsui YM, Chan LK, Ng IOL. Cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and translational potential. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1428-1440. [PMID: 32231294 PMCID: PMC7217836 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stemness, referring to the stem-cell-like phenotype of cancer cells, has been recognised to play important roles in different aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis. A number of well-established cell-surface markers already exist for liver cancer stem cells, with potential new markers of liver cancer stem cells being identified. Both genetic and epigenetic factors that affect various signalling pathways are known to contribute to cancer stemness. In addition, the tumour microenvironment—both physical and cellular—is known to play an important role in regulating cancer stemness, and the potential interaction between cancer stem cells and their microenvironment has provided insight into the regulation of the tumour-initiating ability as well as the cellular plasticity of liver CSCs. Potential specific therapeutic targeting of liver cancer stemness is also discussed. With increased knowledge, effective druggable targets might be identified, with the aim of improving treatment outcome by reducing chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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16
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Asai R, Tsuchiya H, Amisaki M, Makimoto K, Takenaga A, Sakabe T, Hoi S, Koyama S, Shiota G. CD44 standard isoform is involved in maintenance of cancer stem cells of a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Cancer Med 2019; 8:773-782. [PMID: 30636370 PMCID: PMC6382709 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have attracted attention as a novel therapeutic target for cancer because they play important roles in the development and aggravation of cancer. CD44 is expressed as a standard isoform (CD44s) and several variant isoforms. CD44v is a major isoform expressed on CSCs of a variety of tumors and has been extensively studied. However, HCC tissues dominantly express CD44s, whose function in CSCs remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the roles of CD44s in CSCs of HCC. Knock‐out of the CD44 gene in HuH7 HCC cells on which only CD44s is expressed resulted in decreased spheroid formation and increased drug sensitivity. The expression of CSC marker genes, including CD133 and EpCAM, was significantly downregulated in the spheroids of CD44‐deficient cells compared with those in the spheroids of HuH7 cells. In addition, CD44 deficiency impaired antioxidant capacity, concomitant with downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and thioredoxin. Because GPX1 uses the reduced form of glutathione (GSH) to regenerate oxidized cellular components, GSH levels were significantly increased in the CD44‐deficient cells. We also found that NOTCH3 and its target genes were downregulated in the spheroids of CD44‐deficient cells. NOTCH3 expression in HCC tissues was significantly increased compared with that in adjacent nontumor liver tissues and was correlated with CD44 expression. These results suggest that CD44s is involved in maintenance of CSCs in a HCC cell line, possibly through the NOTCH3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Asai
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Masataka Amisaki
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Kazuki Makimoto
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Ai Takenaga
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Sakabe
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Organ Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Shotaro Hoi
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Shigemi Koyama
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Molecular and Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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17
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Huang R, Rofstad EK. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), cervical CSCs and targeted therapies. Oncotarget 2018; 8:35351-35367. [PMID: 27343550 PMCID: PMC5471060 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) have a tumour-initiating capacity and play crucial roles in tumour metastasis, relapse and chemo/radio-resistance. As tumour propagation initiators, CSCs are considered to be promising targets for obtaining a better therapeutic outcome. Cervical carcinoma is the most common gynaecological malignancy and has a high cancer mortality rate among females. As a result, the investigation of cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs) is of great value. However, the numbers of cancer cells and corresponding CSCs in malignancy are dynamically balanced, and CSCs may reside in the CSC niche, about which little is known to date. Therefore, due to their complicated molecular phenotypes and biological behaviours, it remains challenging to obtain “purified” CSCs and continuously culture CSCs for further in vitro studies without the cells losing their stem properties. At present, CSC-related markers and functional assays are used to purify, identify and therapeutically target CSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, CSC-related markers are not universal to all tumour types, although some markers may be valid in multiple tumour types. Additionally, functional identifications based on CSC-specific properties are usually limited in in vivo studies. Furthermore, an optimal method for identifying potential CCSCs in CCSC studies has not been previously published, and these techniques are currently of great importance. This article updates our knowledge on CSCs and CCSCs, reviews potential stem cell markers and functional assays for identifying CCSCs, and describes the potential of targeting CCSCs in the treatment of cervical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixia Huang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Cheng J, Liu C, Liu L, Chen X, Shan J, Shen J, Zhu W, Qian C. MEK1 signaling promotes self-renewal and tumorigenicity of liver cancer stem cells via maintaining SIRT1 protein stabilization. Oncotarget 2018; 7:20597-611. [PMID: 26967560 PMCID: PMC4991478 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death. This high mortality has been commonly attributed to the presence of residual cancer stem cells (CSCs). Meanwhile, MEK1 signaling is regarded as a key molecular in HCC maintenance and development. However, nobody has figured out the particular mechanisms that how MEK1 signaling regulates liver CSCs self-renewal. In this study, we show that inhibition or depletion of MEK1 can significantly decrease liver CSCs self-renewal and tumor growth both in vitro and vivo conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MEK1 signaling promotes liver CSCs self-renewal and tumorigenicity by maintaining SIRT1 level. Mechanistically, MEK1 signaling keeps SIRT1 protein stabilization through activating SIRT1 ubiquitination, which inhibits proteasomal degradation. Clinical analysis shows that patients co-expression of MEK1 and SIRT1 are associated with poor survival. Our finding indicates that MEK1-SIRT1 can act as a novel diagnostic biomarker and inhibition of MEK1 may be a viable therapeutic option for targeting liver CSCs treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Cheng
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chungang Liu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Limei Liu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuejiao Chen
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Juanjuan Shan
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Junjie Shen
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
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19
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Involvement of inflammation and its related microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:22145-22165. [PMID: 27888618 PMCID: PMC5400654 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. The tumor inflammatory microenvironment regulates almost every step towards liver tumorigenesis and subsequent progression, and regulation of the inflammation-related signaling pathways, cytokines, chemokines and non-coding RNAs influences the proliferation, migration and metastasis of liver tumor cells. Inflammation fine-tunes the cancer microenvironment to favor epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in which cancer stem cells maintain tumorigenic potential. Emerging evidence points to inflammation-related microRNAs as crucial molecules to integrate the complex cellular and molecular crosstalk during HCC progression. Thus understanding the mechanisms by which inflammation regulates microRNAs might provide novel and admissible strategies for preventing, diagnosing and treating HCC. In this review, we will update three hypotheses of hepatocarcinogenesis and elaborate the most predominant inflammation signaling pathways, i.e. IL-6/STAT3 and NF-κB. We also try to summarize the crucial tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing microRNAs and detail how they regulate HCC initiation and progression and collaborate with other critical modulators in this review.
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20
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Qiu GZ, Sun W, Jin MZ, Lin J, Lu PG, Jin WL. The bad seed gardener: Deubiquitinases in the cancer stem-cell signaling network and therapeutic resistance. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 172:127-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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21
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Ju H, Arumugam P, Lee J, Song JM. Impact of Environmental Pollutant Cadmium on the Establishment of a Cancer Stem Cell Population in Breast and Hepatic Cancer. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:563-572. [PMID: 30023612 PMCID: PMC6044754 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.6b00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium, a heavy metal pollutant, causes cancer. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors is widely considered to be the reason for the recurrence and treatment failure of cancer. Increasing evidence has confirmed that under certain conditions non-CSCs could be converted into CSCs. The impact of cadmium on the development of CSC lineage in the bulk tumor cell population is not yet studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cadmium on the conversion of non-CSCs to CSCs and the identification of CSCs based on the concurrent monitoring of multiple CSC markers. High-content monitoring of molecular markers was performed using quantum dot (QD) nanoprobes and an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF)-based imaging device. Cadmium treatment significantly increased the CSC population in MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. The cadmium-induced CSCs were identified by a concurrent analysis of stem-cell markers, namely, CD44, CD24, CD133, and ALDH1. Moreover, increased m-RNA expression of CD44, ALDH1, and CD133 and protein expression of p-Ras, p-Raf-1, p-MEK-1, and p-ERK-1 were observed in the cadmium-treated MCF-7 and HepG2 cells. This study demonstrates that cadmium induces the gene expression of CSC markers in the breast and liver cancer cell lineage and promotes the conversion of non-CSCs to CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jungmi Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
| | - Joon Myong Song
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
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22
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Stem cell, biomaterials and growth factors therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 88:1046-1053. [PMID: 28192881 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is an antecedent of liver illnesses, including viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or metabolic disease. Transforming growth factor-Beta (TGF-b) plays an important role in creating a favorable microenvironment for tumor cell growth via two major mechanisms: an intrinsic activity as an autocrine growth factor and an extrinsic activity by inducing microenvironment changes. Recently stem cell therapy as also been a promising and potential treatment for liver cancer and in addition signaling pathways like GF/GFR systems, SDF-1α/CXC4 ligand receptor interaction and PI3K/Akt signaling, and cytokines has been identified to regulate cell fate decisions, and can be utilized to positively influence cell therapy outcomes. Thus stem cell-based therapy, together with signaling pathways can become a practical option in regenerative processes for replacing dead hepatocytes cells. Targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) via biomaterials are presently been explored for cancer therapeutics especially liver cancer as it allows the enhancement of drug concentration in the liver and decrease the dosage and side effects. This review is intended to give a comprehensive summary of available liver cancer therapy using stem cells, growth factor and biomaterials.
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23
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Huang Z, Zhang N, Li W, Cao J, Zhang L, Chen Y. Expression of CHODL in hepatocellular carcinoma affects invasion and migration of liver cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 13:715-721. [PMID: 28356950 PMCID: PMC5351393 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated death. Due to rapid progression and metastasis, the long-term survival remains poor for most patients. Thus, it is important to discover and develop novel preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches for HCC. Recent data show that chondrolectin (CHODL) is commonly overexpressed in the majority of lung cancers, indicating a possible correlation between CHODL and metastasis of lung cancer cells. Our investigation shows that the expression of CHODL is significantly decreased in HCC clinical samples and in HCC cell lines. Overexpression of CHODL in SMMC7721 cells with a lentiviral vector increased SMMC7721 cell migration and invasion. Our findings establish for the first time an association between human CHODL and HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejian Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, P.R. China
| | - Wenda Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Yajin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
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24
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Lin X, Sun B, Zhu D, Zhao X, Sun R, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Dong X, Gu Q, Li Y, Liu F. Notch4+ cancer stem-like cells promote the metastatic and invasive ability of melanoma. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1079-91. [PMID: 27234159 PMCID: PMC4982579 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphere formation in conditioned serum‐free culture medium supplemented with epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor (tumorospheres) is considered useful for the enrichment of cancer stem‐like cells, also known as tumor‐initiating cells. We used a gene expression microarray to investigate the gene expression profile of melanoma cancer stem‐like cells (MCSLCs). The results showed that MCSLCs highly expressed the following Notch signaling pathway molecules: Notch3 (NM_008716), Notch4 (NM_010929), Dtx4 (NM_172442), and JAG2 (NM_010588). Immunofluorescence staining showed tumorosphere cells highly expressed Notch4. Notch4high B16F10 cells were isolated by FACS, and Western blotting showed that high Notch4 expression is related to the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐associated proteins. Reduced invasive and migratory properties concomitant with the downregulation of the EMT markers Twist1, vimentin, and VE‐cadherin and the overexpression of E‐cadherin was observed in human melanoma A375 and MUM‐2B cells. In these cells, Notch4 was also downregulated, both by Notch4 gene knockdown and by application of the γ‐secretase inhibitor, DAPT. Mechanistically, the re‐overexpression of Twist1 by the transfection of cells with a Twist1 expression plasmid led to an increase in VE‐cadherin expression and a decrease in E‐cadherin expression. Immunohistochemical analysis of 120 human melanoma tissues revealed a significant correlation between the high expression of Notch4 and the metastasis of melanoma. Taken together, our findings indicate that Notch4+ MCSLCs trigger EMT and promote the metastasis of melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Baocun Sun
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongwang Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiulan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ran Sun
- Department of Surgery, Tianjin Hospital of ITCWM Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanhui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Danfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyi Dong
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Gu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanlei Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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