1
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Kocher D, Cao L, Guiho R, Langhammer M, Lai YL, Becker P, Hamdi H, Friedel D, Selt F, Vonhören D, Zaman J, Valinciute G, Herter S, Picard D, Rettenmeier J, Maass KK, Pajtler KW, Remke M, von Deimling A, Pusch S, Pfister SM, Oehme I, Jones DTW, Halbach S, Brummer T, Martinez-Barbera JP, Witt O, Milde T, Sigaud R. Rebound growth of BRAF mutant pediatric glioma cells after MAPKi withdrawal is associated with MAPK reactivation and secretion of microglia-recruiting cytokines. J Neurooncol 2024; 168:317-332. [PMID: 38630384 PMCID: PMC11147834 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04672-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs), the most common primary brain tumors in children, can often benefit from MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) treatment. However, rapid tumor regrowth, also referred to as rebound growth, may occur once treatment is stopped, constituting a significant clinical challenge. METHODS Four patient-derived pediatric glioma models were investigated to model rebound growth in vitro based on viable cell counts in response to MAPKi treatment and withdrawal. A multi-omics dataset (RNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS based phospho-/proteomics) was generated to investigate possible rebound-driving mechanisms. Following in vitro validation, putative rebound-driving mechanisms were validated in vivo using the BT-40 orthotopic xenograft model. RESULTS Of the tested models, only a BRAFV600E-driven model (BT-40, with additional CDKN2A/Bdel) showed rebound growth upon MAPKi withdrawal. Using this model, we identified a rapid reactivation of the MAPK pathway upon MAPKi withdrawal in vitro, also confirmed in vivo. Furthermore, transient overactivation of key MAPK molecules at transcriptional (e.g. FOS) and phosphorylation (e.g. pMEK) levels, was observed in vitro. Additionally, we detected increased expression and secretion of cytokines (CCL2, CX3CL1, CXCL10 and CCL7) upon MAPKi treatment, maintained during early withdrawal. While increased cytokine expression did not have tumor cell intrinsic effects, presence of these cytokines in conditioned media led to increased attraction of microglia cells in vitro. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data indicate rapid MAPK reactivation upon MAPKi withdrawal as a tumor cell intrinsic rebound-driving mechanism. Furthermore, increased secretion of microglia-recruiting cytokines may play a role in treatment response and rebound growth upon withdrawal, warranting further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Kocher
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lei Cao
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Romain Guiho
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
- Nantes Université, Oniris, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Melanie Langhammer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yun-Lu Lai
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pauline Becker
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hiba Hamdi
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Dennis Friedel
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Selt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Vonhören
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Zaman
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gintvile Valinciute
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Herter
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Picard
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johanna Rettenmeier
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kendra K Maass
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristian W Pajtler
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc Remke
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Pusch
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Oehme
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Halbach
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Biological Signaling Studies BIOSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Romain Sigaud
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT Heidelberg, a partnership between DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Ciccone V, Simonis V, Del Gaudio C, Cucini C, Ziche M, Morbidelli L, Donnini S. ALDH1A1 confers resistance to RAF/MEK inhibitors in melanoma cells by maintaining stemness phenotype and activating PI3K/AKT signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116252. [PMID: 38701866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116252] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway is pivotal in controlling the proliferation and survival of melanoma cells. Several mutations, including those in BRAF, exhibit an oncogenic effect leading to increased cellular proliferation. As a result, the combination therapy of a MEK inhibitor with a BRAF inhibitor demonstrated higher efficacy and lower toxicity than BRAF inhibitor alone. This combination has become the preferred standard of care for tumors driven by BRAF mutations. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) is a known marker of stemness involved in drug resistance in several type of tumors, including melanoma. This study demonstrates that melanoma cells overexpressing ALDH1A1 displayed resistance to vemurafenib and trametinib through the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling instead of MAPK axis. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling partially rescued sensitivity to the drugs. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of ALDH1A1 activity downregulated the activation of AKT and partially recovered responsiveness to vemurafenib and trametinib. We propose ALDH1A1 as a new potential target for treating melanoma resistant to MAPK/ERK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Vittoria Simonis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Cinzia Del Gaudio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Claudio Cucini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Marina Ziche
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena I‑53100, Italy
| | - Lucia Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy
| | - Sandra Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena I-53100, Italy.
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Tufail M, Wan WD, Jiang C, Li N. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to overcome drug resistance in cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111055. [PMID: 38763348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111055] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the challenge of drug resistance in cancer by focusing on the pivotal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, elucidating its role in oncogenesis and resistance mechanisms across various cancer types. It meticulously examines the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance, including genetic mutations, feedback loops, and microenvironmental factors, while also discussing the associated resistance patterns. Evaluating current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, the article highlights the hurdles encountered in drug development and clinical trials. Innovative approaches to overcome resistance, such as combination therapies and precision medicine, are critically analyzed, alongside discussions on emerging therapies like immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. Overall, this comprehensive review not only sheds light on the complexities of resistance in cancer but also provides a roadmap for advancing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canhua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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4
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Parkman GL, Turapov T, Kircher DA, Burnett WJ, Stehn CM, O’Toole K, Culver KM, Chadwick AT, Elmer RC, Flaherty R, Stanley KA, Foth M, Lum DH, Judson-Torres RL, Friend JE, VanBrocklin MW, McMahon M, Holmen SL. Genetic Silencing of AKT Induces Melanoma Cell Death via mTOR Suppression. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:301-315. [PMID: 37931033 PMCID: PMC10932877 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway is common in many cancers, including melanoma, and AKT1, 2 and 3 (AKT1-3) are bona fide oncoprotein kinases with well-validated downstream effectors. However, efforts to pharmacologically inhibit AKT have proven to be largely ineffective. In this study, we observed paradoxical effects following either pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of AKT1-3 in melanoma cells. Although pharmacological inhibition was without effect, genetic silencing of all three AKT paralogs significantly induced melanoma cell death through effects on mTOR. This phenotype was rescued by exogenous AKT1 expression in a kinase-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K and mTOR with a novel dual inhibitor effectively suppressed melanoma cell proliferation in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, this single-agent-targeted therapy was well-tolerated in vivo and was effective against MAPK inhibitor-resistant patient-derived melanoma xenografts. These results suggest that inhibition of PI3K and mTOR with this novel dual inhibitor may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in this disease in both the first-line and MAPK inhibitor-resistant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennie L. Parkman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Tursun Turapov
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - David A. Kircher
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - William J. Burnett
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Christopher M. Stehn
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Kayla O’Toole
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Katie M. Culver
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Ashley T. Chadwick
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Riley C. Elmer
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Ryan Flaherty
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Karly A. Stanley
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Mona Foth
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - David H. Lum
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Robert L. Judson-Torres
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | | | - Matthew W. VanBrocklin
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Sheri L. Holmen
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Al Hmada Y, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Santourlidis S, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Brodell RT, Hassan M. CD133-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase /AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling in Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance. Cells 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38334632 PMCID: PMC10854812 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030240] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma frequently harbors genetic alterations in key molecules leading to the aberrant activation of PI3K and its downstream pathways. Although the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR in melanoma progression and drug resistance is well documented, targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway showed less efficiency in clinical trials than might have been expected, since the suppression of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway-induced feedback loops is mostly associated with the activation of compensatory pathways such as MAPK/MEK/ERK. Consequently, the development of intrinsic and acquired resistance can occur. As a solid tumor, melanoma is notorious for its heterogeneity. This can be expressed in the form of genetically divergent subpopulations including a small fraction of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs) that make the most of the tumor mass. Like other CSCs, melanoma stem-like cells (MSCs) are characterized by their unique cell surface proteins/stemness markers and aberrant signaling pathways. In addition to its function as a robust marker for stemness properties, CD133 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness properties and drug resistance. Herein, the role of CD133-dependent activation of PI3K/mTOR in the regulation of melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | | | - Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mossad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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6
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Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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7
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Gambichler T, Harnischfeger F, Skrygan M, Majchrzak-Stiller B, Buchholz M, Müller T, Braumann C. In Vitro Experiments on the Effects of GP-2250 on BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Cell Lines and Benign Melanocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15336. [PMID: 37895015 PMCID: PMC10607550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced glycolysis (Warburg effect) driven by the BRAF oncogene, dysregulated GAPDH expression, and activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may significantly contribute to the resistance-targeted therapy of BRAF-mutated melanomas. Therefore, we aimed to study for the first time the anti-tumor activity of the GAPDH inhibitor GP-2250 in BRAF-mutated melanoma cell lines and benign melanocytes. We employed three melanoma cell lines and one primary melanocyte cell line (Ma-Mel-61a, Ma-Mel-86a, SH-4 and ATCC-PCS-200-013, respectively), which were exposed to different GP-2250 doses. GP-2250's effects on cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by means of the BrdU and MTT assays, respectively. The RealTime-Glo Annexin V Apoptosis and Necrosis Assay was performed for the evaluation of apoptosis and necrosis induction. RT-PCR and western blotting were implemented for the determination of AKT and STAT3 gene and protein expression analyses, respectively. The melanoma cell lines showed a dose-dependent response to GP-2250 during BrDU and MTT testing. The RealTime-Glo Annexin V assay revealed the heterogenous impact of GP-2250 on apoptosis as well as necrosis. With respect to the melanoma cell lines Ma-Mel-86a and SH-4, the responses and dosages were comparable to those used for the MTT viability assay. Using the same dose range of GP-2250 administered to melanoma cells, however, we observed neither the noteworthy apoptosis nor necrosis of GP-2250-treated benign melanocytes. The gene expression profiles in the melanoma cell lines for AKT and STAT3 were heterogenous, whereby AKT as well as STAT3 gene expression were most effectively downregulated using the highest GP-2250 doses. Immunoblotting revealed that there was a time-dependent decrease in protein expression at the highest GP-2250 dose used, whereas a time- as well as dose-dependent AKT decrease was predominantly observed in Ma-Mel-61a. The STAT3 protein expression of Ma-Mel-86a and SH-4 was reduced in a time-dependent pattern at lower and moderate doses. STAT3 expression in Ma-Me-61a was barely altered by GP-2250. In conclusion, GP-2250 has anti-neoplastic effects in BRAF-mutated melanoma cell lines regarding tumor cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis/necrosis. GP-2250 is able to downregulate the gene and protein expression of aberrant tumorigenic pathways in melanoma cell lines. Since GP-2250 is a GAPDH inhibitor, the substance may be a promising combination therapy for tumors presenting the Warburg effect, such as melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Skin Cancer Center Ruhr-University, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (F.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Friederike Harnischfeger
- Skin Cancer Center Ruhr-University, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (F.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Marina Skrygan
- Skin Cancer Center Ruhr-University, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (F.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Britta Majchrzak-Stiller
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.)
| | - Marie Buchholz
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Division of Molecular and Clinical Research, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Chris Braumann
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Evangelisches Klinikum Gelsenkirchen, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, 45878 Gelsenkirchen, Germany;
- Department of General, Visceral and Tumor Surgery, Evangelisches Klinikum Herne, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44623 Herne, Germany
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8
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Bou Antoun N, Chioni AM. Dysregulated Signalling Pathways Driving Anticancer Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12222. [PMID: 37569598 PMCID: PMC10418675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the leading causes of death worldwide, in both men and women, is cancer. Despite the significant development in therapeutic strategies, the inevitable emergence of drug resistance limits the success and impedes the curative outcome. Intrinsic and acquired resistance are common mechanisms responsible for cancer relapse. Several factors crucially regulate tumourigenesis and resistance, including physical barriers, tumour microenvironment (TME), heterogeneity, genetic and epigenetic alterations, the immune system, tumour burden, growth kinetics and undruggable targets. Moreover, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), wingless-related integration site (Wnt/β-catenin), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) and RAS/RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways are some of the key players that have a pivotal role in drug resistance mechanisms. To guide future cancer treatments and improve results, a deeper comprehension of drug resistance pathways is necessary. This review covers both intrinsic and acquired resistance and gives a comprehensive overview of recent research on mechanisms that enable cancer cells to bypass barriers put up by treatments, and, like "satellite navigation", find alternative routes by which to carry on their "journey" to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Athina-Myrto Chioni
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences Department, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK;
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9
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Khabaz M, Hassan SL, Megahed M, Haikel Y, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Tumor Microenvironment as a Therapeutic Target in Melanoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3147. [PMID: 37370757 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123147] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor growth and therapy has recently attracted more attention in research and drug development. The ability of the microenvironment to trigger tumor maintenance, progression, and resistance is the main cause for treatment failure and tumor relapse. Accumulated evidence indicates that the maintenance and progression of tumor cells is determined by components of the microenvironment, which include stromal cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune cells), extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble molecules (chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles). As a solid tumor, melanoma is not only a tumor mass of monolithic tumor cells, but it also contains supporting stroma, ECM, and soluble molecules. Melanoma cells are continuously in interaction with the components of the microenvironment. In the present review, we focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment components in the modulation of tumor progression and treatment resistance as well as the impact of the tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Marla Khabaz
- Department of Production, Beta Factory for Veterinary Pharmaceutical Industries, Damascus 0100, Syria
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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10
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Toledo B, González-Titos A, Hernández-Camarero P, Perán M. A Brief Review on Chemoresistance; Targeting Cancer Stem Cells as an Alternative Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054487. [PMID: 36901917 PMCID: PMC10003376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of resistance to traditional chemotherapy and the chemoresistant metastatic relapse of minimal residual disease both play a key role in the treatment failure and poor prognosis of cancer. Understanding how cancer cells overcome chemotherapy-induced cell death is critical to improve patient survival rate. Here, we briefly describe the technical approach directed at obtaining chemoresistant cell lines and we will focus on the main defense mechanisms against common chemotherapy triggers by tumor cells. Such as, the alteration of drug influx/efflux, the enhancement of drug metabolic neutralization, the improvement of DNA-repair mechanisms, the inhibition of apoptosis-related cell death, and the role of p53 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in chemoresistance. Furthermore, we will focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs), the cell population that subsists after chemotherapy, increasing drug resistance by different processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an enhanced DNA repair machinery, and the capacity to avoid apoptosis mediated by BCL2 family proteins, such as BCL-XL, and the flexibility of their metabolism. Finally, we will review the latest approaches aimed at decreasing CSCs. Nevertheless, the development of long-term therapies to manage and control CSCs populations within the tumors is still necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
| | - Aitor González-Titos
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
| | - Pablo Hernández-Camarero
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.H.-C.); (M.P.)
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus de las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.H.-C.); (M.P.)
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