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Niu Q, Ye S, Zhao L, Qian Y, Liu F. The role of liver cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2321768. [PMID: 38393655 PMCID: PMC10896152 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2321768] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths; however, this complex process has yet to be fully explained. To form metastases, cancer cells must undergo a series of steps, known as the "Metastatic cascade", each of which requires a specific functional transformation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in tumor metastasis, but their dynamic behavior and regulatory mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Based on the "Metastatic cascade" theory, this review summarizes the effect of liver CSCs on the metastatic biological programs that underlie the dissemination and metastatic growth of cancer cells. Liver CSCs have the capacity to initiate distant organ metastasis via EMT, and the microenvironment transformation that supports the ability of these cells to disseminate, evade immune surveillance, dormancy, and regenerate metastasis. Understanding the heterogeneity and traits of liver CSCs in these processes is critical for developing strategies to prevent and treat metastasis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Niu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Susu Ye
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liu Zhao
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- School Hospital, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengchao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Wang Z, Li R, Yang G, Wang Y. Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways. J Drug Target 2024; 32:33-44. [PMID: 38095181 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295222] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guilin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Hernández-Magaña A, Bensussen A, Martínez-García JC, Álvarez-Buylla ER. Engineering principles for rationally design therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1404319. [PMID: 38939509 PMCID: PMC11208463 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1404319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bensussen
- Departamento de Control Automático, Cinvestav-IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad (C3), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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4
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van der Zalm AP, Dings MPG, Manoukian P, Boersma H, Janssen R, Bailey P, Koster J, Zwijnenburg D, Volckmann R, Bootsma S, Waasdorp C, van Mourik M, Blangé D, van den Ende T, Oyarce CI, Derks S, Creemers A, Ebbing EA, Hooijer GK, Meijer SL, van Berge Henegouwen MI, Medema JP, van Laarhoven HWM, Bijlsma MF. The pluripotency factor NANOG contributes to mesenchymal plasticity and is predictive for outcome in esophageal adenocarcinoma. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:89. [PMID: 38760583 PMCID: PMC11101480 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00512-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advent of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), overall survival rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remain low. A readily induced mesenchymal transition of EAC cells contributes to resistance to CRT. METHODS In this study, we aimed to chart the heterogeneity in cell state transition after CRT and to identify its underpinnings. A panel of 12 esophageal cultures were treated with CRT and ranked by their relative epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. RNA-sequencing was performed on 100 pre-treatment biopsies. After RNA-sequencing, Ridge regression analysis was applied to correlate gene expression to ranked plasticity, and models were developed to predict mesenchymal transitions in patients. Plasticity score predictions of the three highest significant predictive models were projected on the pre-treatment biopsies and related to clinical outcome data. Motif enrichment analysis of the genes associated with all three models was performed. RESULTS This study reveals NANOG as the key associated transcription factor predicting mesenchymal plasticity in EAC. Expression of NANOG in pre-treatment biopsies is highly associated with poor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the occurrence of recurrences, and median overall survival difference in EAC patients (>48 months). Perturbation of NANOG reduces plasticity and resensitizes cell lines, organoid cultures, and patient-derived in vivo grafts. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, NANOG is a key transcription factor in mesenchymal plasticity in EAC and a promising predictive marker for outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber P van der Zalm
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark P G Dings
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul Manoukian
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hannah Boersma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reimer Janssen
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Bailey
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jan Koster
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Zwijnenburg
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Volckmann
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Bootsma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Waasdorp
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monique van Mourik
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dionne Blangé
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van den Ende
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - César I Oyarce
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Derks
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aafke Creemers
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva A Ebbing
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit K Hooijer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sybren L Meijer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark I van Berge Henegouwen
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W M van Laarhoven
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y. Transcriptional regulation of cancer stem cell: regulatory factors elucidation and cancer treatment strategies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:99. [PMID: 38561775 PMCID: PMC10986082 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first discovered in the 1990s, revealing the mysteries of cancer origin, migration, recurrence and drug-resistance from a new perspective. The expression of pluripotent genes and complex signal regulatory networks are significant features of CSC, also act as core factors to affect the characteristics of CSC. Transcription is a necessary link to regulate the phenotype and potential of CSC, involving chromatin environment, nucleosome occupancy, histone modification, transcription factor (TF) availability and cis-regulatory elements, which suffer from ambient pressure. Especially, the expression and activity of pluripotent TFs are deeply affected by both internal and external factors, which is the foundation of CSC transcriptional regulation in the current research framework. Growing evidence indicates that regulating epigenetic modifications to alter cancer stemness is effective, and some special promoters and enhancers can serve as targets to influence the properties of CSC. Clarifying the factors that regulate CSC transcription will assist us directly target key stem genes and TFs, or hinder CSC transcription through environmental and other related factors, in order to achieve the goal of inhibiting CSC and tumors. This paper comprehensively reviews the traditional aspects of transcriptional regulation, and explores the progress and insights of the impact on CSC transcription and status through tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, metabolism and new meaningful regulatory factors in conjunction with the latest research. Finally, we present opinions on omnidirectional targeting CSCs transcription to eliminate CSCs and address tumor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China.
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Tyagi IS, Tsui HYC, Chen S, Li X, Mat WK, Khan MA, Choy LB, Chan KYA, Chan TMD, Ng CPS, Ng HK, Poon WS, Xue H. Non-mitotic proliferation of malignant cancer cells revealed through live-cell imaging of primary and cell-line cultures. Cell Div 2024; 19:3. [PMID: 38341593 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-024-00109-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anti-mitosis has been a key strategy of anti-cancer therapies, targeting at a fundamental property of cancer cells, their non-controllable proliferation due to overactive mitotic divisions. For improved anti-cancer therapies, it is important to find out whether cancer cells can proliferate independent of mitosis and become resistant to anti-mitotic agents. RESULTS In this study, live-cell imaging was applied to both primary-cultures of tumor cells, and immortalized cancer cell lines, to detect aberrant proliferations. Cells isolated from various malignant tumors, such as Grade-III hemangiopericytoma, atypical meningioma, and metastatic brain tumor exhibit distinct cellular behaviors, including amoeboid sequestration, tailing, tunneling, nucleic DNA leakage, as well as prokaryote-like division such as binary fission and budding-shedding, which are collectively referred to and reported as 'non-mitotic proliferation' in this study. In contrast, benign tumors including Grade-I hemangiopericytoma and meningioma were not obvious in such behaviors. Moreover, when cultured in medium free of any anti-cancer drugs, cells from a recurrent Grade-III hemangiopericytoma that had been subjected to pre-operation adjuvant chemotherapy gradually shifted from non-mitotic proliferation to abnormal mitosis in the form of daughter number variation (DNV) and endomitosis, and eventually regular mitosis. Similarly, when treated with the anti-cancer drugs Epirubicin or Cisplatin, the cancer cell lines HeLa and A549 showed a shift from regular mitosis to abnormal mitosis, and further to non-mitosis as the dominant mode of proliferation with increasing drug concentrations. Upon removal of the drugs, the cells reversed back to regular mitosis with only minor occurrences of abnormal mitosis, accompanied by increased expression of the stem cell markers ALDH1, Sox, Oct4 and Nanog. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed that various types of malignant, but not benign, cancer cells exhibited cellular behaviors indicative of non-mitotic proliferation such as binary fission, which was typical of prokaryotic cell division, suggesting cell level atavism. Moreover, reversible transitions through the three modes of proliferation, i.e., mitosis, abnormal mitosis and non-mitosis, were observed when anticancer drug concentrations were grossly increased inducing non-mitosis or decreased favoring mitosis. Potential clinical significance of non-mitotic proliferation in cancer drug resistance and recurrence, and its relationship with cancer stem cells are worthy of further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Shazia Tyagi
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho Yin Calvin Tsui
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Si Chen
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kin Mat
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Muhammad A Khan
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lucas Brendan Choy
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Yin Aden Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tat-Ming Danny Chan
- Division of Neurosurgery & CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi-Ping Stephanie Ng
- Division of Neurosurgery & CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho-Keung Ng
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Sang Poon
- Division of Neurosurgery & CUHK Otto Wong Brain Tumour Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuro-Medical Centre, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hong Xue
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Center for Cancer Genomics, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
- Guangzhou HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, Science and Technology Building, Nansha Information Technology Park, Nansha, 511458, Guangzhou, China.
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Manoharan S, Saha S, Murugesan K, Santhakumar A, Perumal E. Natural bioactive compounds and STAT3 against hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. Life Sci 2024; 337:122351. [PMID: 38103726 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122351] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging and very fatal liver cancer. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is a crucial regulator of tumor development and are ubiquitously active in HCC. Therefore, targeting STAT3 has emerged as a promising approach for preventing and treating HCC. Various natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have been proven to target STAT3 and have the potential to prevent and treat HCC as STAT3 inhibitors. Numerous kinds of STAT3 inhibitors have been identified, including small molecule inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, and oligonucleotide inhibitors. Due to the undesirable side effects of the conventional therapeutic drugs against HCC, the focus is shifted to NBCs derived from plants and other natural sources. NBCs can be broadly classified into the categories of terpenes, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenols. Most of the compounds belong to the family of terpenes, which prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting STAT3 nuclear translocation. Further, through STAT3 inhibition, terpenes downregulate matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), modulating metastasis. Terpenes also suppress the anti-apoptotic proteins and cell cycle markers. This review provides comprehensive information related to STAT3 abrogation by NBCs in HCC with in vitro and in vivo evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryaa Manoharan
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Shreejit Saha
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Krishnasanthiya Murugesan
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Aksayakeerthana Santhakumar
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Ekambaram Perumal
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India.
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8
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Sarker DB, Xue Y, Mahmud F, Jocelyn JA, Sang QXA. Interconversion of Cancer Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2024; 13:125. [PMID: 38247819 PMCID: PMC10814385 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), share many molecular features with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that enable the derivation of induced pluripotent cancer cells by reprogramming malignant cells. Conversely, normal iPSCs can be converted into cancer stem-like cells with the help of tumor microenvironment components and genetic manipulation. These CSC models can be utilized in oncogenic initiation and progression studies, understanding drug resistance, and developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the role of pluripotency factors in the stemness, tumorigenicity, and therapeutic resistance of cancer cells. Different methods to obtain iPSC-derived CSC models are described with an emphasis on exposure-based approaches. Culture in cancer cell-conditioned media or cocultures with cancer cells can convert normal iPSCs into cancer stem-like cells, aiding the examination of processes of oncogenesis. We further explored the potential of reprogramming cancer cells into cancer-iPSCs for mechanistic studies and cancer dependencies. The contributions of genetic, epigenetic, and tumor microenvironment factors can be evaluated using these models. Overall, integrating iPSC technology into cancer stem cell research holds significant promise for advancing our knowledge of cancer biology and accelerating the development of innovative and tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Faiza Mahmud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Jonathan A. Jocelyn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4380, USA
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Zhu Y, Xia T, Chen DQ, Xiong X, Shi L, Zuo Y, Xiao H, Liu L. Promising role of protein arginine methyltransferases in overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 72:101016. [PMID: 37980859 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101016] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance remains a major challenge in cancer treatment, necessitating the development of novel strategies to overcome it. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are enzymes responsible for epigenetic arginine methylation, which regulates various biological and pathological processes, as a result, they are attractive therapeutic targets for overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance. The ongoing development of small molecules targeting PRMTs has resulted in the generation of chemical probes for modulating most PRMTs and facilitated clinical treatment for the most advanced oncology targets, including PRMT1 and PRMT5. In this review, we summarize various mechanisms underlying protein arginine methylation and the roles of specific PRMTs in driving cancer drug resistance. Furthermore, we highlight the potential clinical implications of PRMT inhibitors in decreasing cancer drug resistance. PRMTs promote the formation and maintenance of drug-tolerant cells via several mechanisms, including altered drug efflux transporters, autophagy, DNA damage repair, cancer stem cell-related function, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and disordered tumor microenvironment. Multiple preclinical and ongoing clinical trials have demonstrated that PRMT inhibitors, particularly PRMT5 inhibitors, can sensitize cancer cells to various anti-cancer drugs, including chemotherapeutic, targeted therapeutic, and immunotherapeutic agents. Combining PRMT inhibitors with existing anti-cancer strategies will be a promising approach for overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance. Furthermore, enhanced knowledge of the complex functions of arginine methylation and PRMTs in drug resistance will guide the future development of PRMT inhibitors and may help identify new clinical indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxia Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tong Xia
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Da-Qian Chen
- Department of Medicine Oncology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen 518110, China
| | - Xia Xiong
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yueqi Zuo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Institute of Basic Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Hongtao Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
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Wu M, Wu X, Han J. KIF20A Promotes CRC Progression and the Warburg Effect through the C-Myc/HIF-1α Axis. Protein Pept Lett 2024; 31:107-115. [PMID: 38037834 DOI: 10.2174/0109298665256238231120093150] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent form of cancer globally, characterized by a high mortality rate. Therefore, discovering effective therapeutic approaches for CRC treatment is critical. METHODS The levels of KIF20A in CRC clinical samples were determined using Western Blot and immunofluorescence assay. SW480 cells were transfected with siRNA targeting KIF20A, while HT-29 cells were transfected with a KIF20A overexpression vector. Cell viability and apoptosis of CRC cells were assessed using CCK-8 and TUNEL analysis. Migration ability was investigated using Transwell. The levels of pyruvate, lactate and ATP were determined through corresponding assay kits. Western Blot was applied to confirm the level of proteins associated with glycolysis, c- Myc, HIF-1α, PKM2 and LDHA. Subsequently, functional rescue experiments were conducted to investigate further the regulatory relationship between KIF20A, c-Myc, and HIF-1α in colorectal cancer (CRC), employing the c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4 and c-Myc overexpression plasmids. RESULTS KIF20A was up-regulated in vivo and in vitro in CRC. KIF20A knockdown inhibited cell viability and migration while promoting cell apoptosis in SW480 cells. Conversely, overexpression of KIF20A yielded contrasting effects in HT-29 cells. Moreover, inhibition of KIF20A restrained the pyruvate, lactate production and ATP level, whereas overexpression of KIF20A enhanced the Warburg effect. Western Blot indicated that knockdown KIF20A attenuated the levels of c-Myc, HIF-1α, PKM2 and LDHA. In addition, rescue experiments further verified that KIF20A enhanced the Warburg effect by the KIF20A/c-Myc/HIF-1α axis in CRC. CONCLUSION KIF20A, being a crucial regulator in the progression of CRC, has the potential to be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Gaotanyan Zhengjie No. 30, Shapingba District, ChongQing, 400038, China
| | - Xianqiang Wu
- Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Company Ltd., 136 Baili Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Shuanghu Branch Road No. 1, Yubei District, Chongqing, 401120, China
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11
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Diaba-Nuhoho P. Plant homeodomain-finger protein 5A: A key player in cancer progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115857. [PMID: 37951028 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115857] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PHF5A is a member of the zinc-finger proteins. To advance knowledge on their role in carcinogenesis, data from experimental studies, animal models and clinical studies in different tumorigenesis have been reviewed. Furthermore, PHF5A as an oncogenic function, is frequently high expressed in tumor cells and a potential prognostic marker for different cancers. PHF5A is implicated in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration and metastasis. Knockdown of PHF5A prevented the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Here, the role of PHF5A in different cancers and their possible mechanism in relation to recent literature is reviewed and discussed. There is an open promising perspective to their therapeutic management for different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Diaba-Nuhoho
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Germany.
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12
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Xiang X, Kuang W, Yu C, Li Y, Su Q, Tian Y, Li J. Tex10 interacts with STAT3 to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1974-1989. [PMID: 37792308 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23629] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Testis expression 10 (Tex10) is reported to be associated with tumorigenesis in several types of cancer types, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has not been investigated. In this study, the expression of Tex10 in the HCC cell line and tissue microarray was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the Tex10-mediated biological process. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, transwell assays, xenograft tumor growth, and lung metastasis experiments in nude mice were applied to assess the effects of Tex10 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. The underlying mechanisms were further investigated using dual-luciferase reporter, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. We found that Tex10 was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, with its expression correlated with a poor prognosis. Gene ontology function enrichment analysis revealed alterations in several biological processes in response to Tex10 knockdown, especially cell motility and cell migration. Functional studies demonstrated that Tex10 promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Tex10 was shown to regulate invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Mechanistically, Tex10 was found to interact with STAT3 and promote its transcriptional activity. In addition, we found that Tex10 promotes p300-mediated STAT3 acetylation, while p300 silencing abolishes Tex10-enhanced STAT3 transcriptional activity. Together, these findings indicate that Tex10 functions as an oncogene by upregulating STAT3 activity, thus suggesting that Tex10 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and/or therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Xiang
- Institute of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic-Intestinal Disease, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Wei Kuang
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chunlei Yu
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuqi Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yunhong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jingdong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Academician (Expert) Workstation, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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13
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Janin M, Davalos V, Esteller M. Cancer metastasis under the magnifying glass of epigenetics and epitranscriptomics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1071-1112. [PMID: 37369946 PMCID: PMC10713773 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Most of the cancer-associated mortality and morbidity can be attributed to metastasis. The role of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations in cancer origin and progression has been extensively demonstrated during the last years. Both regulations share similar mechanisms driven by DNA or RNA modifiers, namely writers, readers, and erasers; enzymes responsible of respectively introducing, recognizing, or removing the epigenetic or epitranscriptomic modifications. Epigenetic regulation is achieved by DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, chromatin accessibility, and enhancer reprogramming. In parallel, regulation at RNA level, named epitranscriptomic, is driven by a wide diversity of chemical modifications in mostly all RNA molecules. These two-layer regulatory mechanisms are finely controlled in normal tissue, and dysregulations are associated with every hallmark of human cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations governing tumor metastasis, and compare pathways regulated at DNA or RNA levels to shed light on a possible epi-crosstalk in cancer metastasis. A deeper understanding on these mechanisms could have important clinical implications for the prevention of advanced malignancies and the management of the disseminated diseases. Additionally, as these epi-alterations can potentially be reversed by small molecules or inhibitors against epi-modifiers, novel therapeutic alternatives could be envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Janin
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Davalos
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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14
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Hekmatirad S, Moloudizargari M, Fallah M, Rahimi A, Poortahmasebi V, Asghari MH. Cancer-associated immune cells and their modulation by melatonin. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:788-801. [PMID: 37489565 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2239489] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rapidly growing evidence suggests that immune cells play a key role in determining tumor progression. Tumor cells are surrounded by a microenvironment composed of different cell populations including immune cells. The cross talk between tumor cells and the neighboring microenvironment is an important factor to take into account while designing tumor therapies. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy strategies, a relatively small proportion of patients have successfully responded to them. Therefore, the search for safe and efficient drugs, which could be used alongside conventional therapies to boost the immune system against tumors, is an ongoing need. In the present work, the modulatory effects of melatonin on different components of tumor immune microenvironment are reviewed. METHODS A thorough literature review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All published papers in English on tumor immune microenvironment and the relevant modulatory effects of melatonin were scrutinized. RESULTS Melatonin modulates macrophage polarization and prevents M2 induction. Moreover, it prevents the conversion of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and prevents cancer cell stemness. In addition, it can affect the payload composition of tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) and their secretion levels to favor a more effective anti-tumor immune response. Melatonin is a safe molecule that affects almost all components of the tumor immune microenvironment and prevents them from being negatively affected by the tumor. CONCLUSION Based on the effects of melatonin on normal cells, tumor cells and microenvironment components, it could be an efficient compound to be used in combination with conventional immune-targeted therapies to increase their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Hekmatirad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marjan Fallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Atena Rahimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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15
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Mejia Peña C, Skipper TA, Hsu J, Schechter I, Ghosh D, Dawson MR. Metronomic and single high-dose paclitaxel treatments produce distinct heterogenous chemoresistant cancer cell populations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19232. [PMID: 37932310 PMCID: PMC10628134 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46055-6] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 75% of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients experience disease recurrence after initial treatment, highlighting our incomplete understanding of how chemoresistant populations evolve over the course of EOC progression post chemotherapy treatment. Here, we show how two paclitaxel (PTX) treatment methods- a single high dose and a weekly metronomic dose for four weeks, generate unique chemoresistant populations. Using mechanically relevant alginate microspheres and a combination of transcript profiling and heterogeneity analyses, we found that these PTX-treatment regimens produce distinct and resilient subpopulations that differ in metabolic reprogramming signatures, acquisition of resistance to PTX and anoikis, and the enrichment for cancer stem cells (CSCs) and polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with the ability to replenish bulk populations. We investigated the longevity of these metabolic reprogramming events using untargeted metabolomics and found that metabolites associated with stemness and therapy-induced senescence were uniquely abundant in populations enriched for CSCs and PGCCs. Predictive network analysis revealed that antioxidative mechanisms were likely to be differentially active dependent on both time and exposure to PTX. Our results illustrate how current standard chemotherapies contribute to the development of chemoresistant EOC subpopulations by either selecting for intrinsically resistant subpopulations or promoting the evolution of resistance mechanisms. Additionally, our work describes the unique phenotypic signatures in each of these distinct resistant subpopulations and thus highlights potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited for more effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Mejia Peña
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Thomas A Skipper
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hsu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Ilexa Schechter
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Deepraj Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Michelle R Dawson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
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16
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Zeng Z, Fu M, Hu Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Luo M. Regulation and signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: implications for targeted therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37853437 PMCID: PMC10583419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), initially identified in leukemia in 1994, constitute a distinct subset of tumor cells characterized by surface markers such as CD133, CD44, and ALDH. Their behavior is regulated through a complex interplay of networks, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. Numerous signaling pathways were found to be involved in the regulatory network of CSCs. The maintenance of CSC characteristics plays a pivotal role in driving CSC-associated tumor metastasis and conferring resistance to therapy. Consequently, CSCs have emerged as promising targets in cancer treatment. To date, researchers have developed several anticancer agents tailored to specifically target CSCs, with some of these treatment strategies currently undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we outline the origin and biological characteristics of CSCs, explore the regulatory networks governing CSCs, discuss the signaling pathways implicated in these networks, and investigate the influential factors contributing to therapy resistance in CSCs. Finally, we offer insights into preclinical and clinical agents designed to eliminate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology Nursing, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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17
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Mohammadi Hadloo S, Mohseni Kouchesfahani H, Khanlarkhani A, Saeidifar M. Resistance Improvement and Sensitivity Enhancement of Cancer Therapy by a Novel Antitumor Candidate onto A2780 CP and A2780 S Cell Lines. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:374-385. [PMID: 38618266 PMCID: PMC11015932 DOI: 10.61186/rbmb.12.3.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background To overcome cisplatin resistance, the cytotoxicity of a novel antitumor agent on two ovarian cancer cell lines sensitive and resistant to cisplatin was investigated. Methods MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess the cytotoxicity of a novel water-soluble Pd (II) complex, [Pd(bpy)(pyr-dtc)]NO3 (PBPD), on cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, variations in the expression of drug resistance gene cluster of differentiation 99 (CD99), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), and multidrug resistance mutation 1 (MDR1) were evaluated using Real-Time PCR. Results The IC50 values of PBPD in resistant cells were higher than those in sensitive cells. Furthermore, PBPD has a deadlier effect on sensitive cells compared to resistant cells, and the cell survival rate is reduced over time. Flow cytometry revealed that PBPD enhanced the population of living-resistant cells while driving them to apoptosis. PBPD, on the other hand, has a greater effect on the living cell population and has dramatically shifted the population toward apoptosis and necrosis in the sensitive cells. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed that when sensitive and resistant cells were treated with cisplatin, all resistance genes increased significantly relative to the control. In contrast to OCT4, MDR1, STAT3, and CD99 resistance genes were not significantly elevated in sensitive cells treated with PBPD compared to the control. Thus, the expression of resistance genes in resistant cells treated with PBPD was lower than cisplatin. Conclusions As a result, PBPD is a promising anticancer agent for CDDP-resistant ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sariyeh Mohammadi Hadloo
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Khanlarkhani
- Department of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Maryam Saeidifar
- Department of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Iran.
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18
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Abd GM, Laird MC, Ku JC, Li Y. Hypoxia-induced cancer cell reprogramming: a review on how cancer stem cells arise. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1227884. [PMID: 37614497 PMCID: PMC10442830 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1227884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells within the tumor that possess the ability to self-renew as well as differentiate into different cancer cell lineages. The exact mechanisms by which cancer stem cells arise is still not completely understood. However, current research suggests that cancer stem cells may originate from normal stem cells that have undergone genetic mutations or epigenetic changes. A more recent discovery is the dedifferentiation of cancer cells to stem-like cells. These stem-like cells have been found to express and even upregulate induced pluripotent stem cell markers known as Yamanaka factors. Here we discuss developments in how cancer stem cells arise and consider how environmental factors, such as hypoxia, plays a key role in promoting the progression of cancer stem cells and metastasis. Understanding the mechanisms that give rise to these cells could have important implications for the development of new strategies in cancer treatments and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve M. Abd
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Biomedical. Engineering, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Madison C. Laird
- Medical Students, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer C. Ku
- Medical Students, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Biomedical. Engineering, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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19
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Suzuki T, Conant A, Curow C, Alexander A, Ioffe Y, Unternaehrer JJ. Role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition factor SNAI1 and its targets in ovarian cancer aggressiveness. JOURNAL OF CANCER METASTASIS AND TREATMENT 2023; 9:25. [PMID: 38009093 PMCID: PMC10673625 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2023.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the USA. For over twenty years, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been characterized extensively in development and disease. The dysregulation of this process in cancer has been identified as a mechanism by which epithelial tumors become more aggressive, allowing them to survive and invade distant tissues. This occurs in part due to the increased expression of the EMT transcription factor, SNAI1 (Snail). In the case of epithelial ovarian cancer, Snail has been shown to contribute to cancer invasion, stemness, chemoresistance, and metabolic changes. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing current findings on the role of EMT (specifically, factors downstream of Snail) in determining ovarian cancer aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tise Suzuki
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Ashlyn Conant
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Casey Curow
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- University of Redlands, Department of Biology, Redlands, CA 92373, USA
| | - Audrey Alexander
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
| | - Yevgeniya Ioffe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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20
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Borlongan MC, Wang H. Profiling and targeting cancer stem cell signaling pathways for cancer therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125174. [PMID: 37305676 PMCID: PMC10247984 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that express genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways distinct from the other tumor cells. CSCs have eluded many conventional anti-oncogenic treatments, resulting in metastases and relapses of cancers. Effectively targeting CSCs' unique self-renewal and differentiation properties would be a breakthrough in cancer therapy. A better characterization of the CSCs' unique signaling mechanisms will improve our understanding of the pathology and treatment of cancer. In this paper, we will discuss CSC origin, followed by an in-depth review of CSC-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is given on CSC signaling pathways' ligand-receptor engagement, upstream and downstream mechanisms, and associated genes, and molecules. Signaling pathways associated with regulation of CSC development stand as potential targets of CSC therapy, which include Wnt, TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β)/SMAD, Notch, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription), Hedgehog (Hh), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Lastly, we will also discuss milestone discoveries in CSC-based therapies, including pre-clinical and clinical studies featuring novel CSC signaling pathway cancer therapeutics. This review aims at generating innovative views on CSCs toward a better understanding of cancer pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C. Borlongan
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, United States
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21
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HIF1α and HIF2α regulate non-small-cell lung cancer dedifferentiation via expression of Sox2 and Oct4 under hypoxic conditions. Gene 2023; 863:147288. [PMID: 36804853 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147288] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore HIF1α and HIF2α regulate the dedifferentiation of lung cancer cells under hypoxic conditions through Sox2 and Oct4. MATERIALS AND METHODS HIF1α, HIF2α, Sox2 and Oct4 expression was analysed in lung cancer tissues. We analysed sphere formation by single-cell of differentiated lung cancer under hypoxia, and detected the expression of CD133, CD44, Sox2, Oct4, HIF1α and HIF2α. We knocked out HIF1α, HIF2α, Sox2 or Oct4 in cells, cultured the cells under hypoxic conditions and detected CD133 and CD44 using western blotting. We also detected the apoptosis rate of cells with HIF1α, HIF2α, Sox2 or Oct4 knockout. RESULTS There was more sphere formation of differentiated lung cancer cells under hypoxic conditions than of control cells under normoxic conditions. These newly formed spheres highly expressed CD133 and CD44. TCGA database showed high expression of HIF1α and HIF2α in lung cancer tissues. After knocking out HIF1α and HIF2α, the expression of Sox2, Oct4, CD133 and CD44 decreased significantly, and after knocking out Sox2 or Oct4, the expression of CD133 and CD44 decreased. CONCLUSION HIF1α and HIF2α regulate non-small-cell lung cancer dedifferentiation through Sox2 and Oct4 under hypoxic conditions.
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22
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Hashemi M, Sabouni E, Rahmanian P, Entezari M, Mojtabavi M, Raei B, Zandieh MA, Behroozaghdam M, Mirzaei S, Hushmandi K, Nabavi N, Salimimoghadam S, Ren J, Rashidi M, Raesi R, Taheriazam A, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Tan SC. Deciphering STAT3 signaling potential in hepatocellular carcinoma: tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and pharmacological significance. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:33. [PMID: 37085753 PMCID: PMC10122325 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the greatest challenges to human life and is the most common form of liver cancer. Treatment of HCC depends on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy, all of which have their own drawbacks, and patients may develop resistance to these therapies due to the aggressive behavior of HCC cells. New and effective therapies for HCC can be developed by targeting molecular signaling pathways. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in human cancer cells changes, and during cancer progression, the expression tends to increase. After induction of STAT3 signaling by growth factors and cytokines, STAT3 is phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus to regulate cancer progression. The concept of the current review revolves around the expression and phosphorylation status of STAT3 in HCC, and studies show that the expression of STAT3 is high during the progression of HCC. This review addresses the function of STAT3 as an oncogenic factor in HCC, as STAT3 is able to prevent apoptosis and thus promote the progression of HCC. Moreover, STAT3 regulates both survival- and death-inducing autophagy in HCC and promotes cancer metastasis by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, upregulation of STAT3 is associated with the occurrence of chemoresistance and radioresistance in HCC. Specifically, non-protein-coding transcripts regulate STAT3 signaling in HCC, and their inhibition by antitumor agents may affect tumor progression. In this review, all these topics are discussed in detail to provide further insight into the role of STAT3 in tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and pharmacological regulation of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eisa Sabouni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parham Rahmanian
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Behnaz Raei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Behroozaghdam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Department of Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, Australia
- AFNP Med Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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23
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Lin TC, Wang KH, Chuang KH, Kao AP, Kuo TC. Oct-4 induces cisplatin resistance and tumor stem cell-like properties in endometrial carcinoma cells. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:16-21. [PMID: 36720532 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has suggested that tumor-initiating tumor stem cells are derived from normal stem cells and that tumor cells undergo progressive de-differentiation to achieve a stem cell-like state. Tumor stem cells are characterized by high proliferation ability, high plasticity, expression of multi-drug resistance proteins, and the ability to seed new tumors. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4) and its activation targets are overexpressed in the tumor stem cells of various types of tumors, and this expression is associated with the pathogenesis, development, and poor prognosis of tumors. The primary objective of this study was to test if a stably transfected with Oct-4 gene cell line, RL95-2/Oct-4, has the characteristics of tumor stem cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human endometrial carcinoma cells (RL95-2) were transfected with a plasmid carrying genes for Oct-4 and green fluorescent protein (GFP). The stably transfected cells, RL95-2/Oct-4, were selected using G418 and observed to express the GFP reporter gene under the control of the Oct-4 promoter. GFP expression levels of RL95-2/Oct-4 cells were measured using flow cytometry. The proliferation potential of cells was determined according to cumulative population doubling and colony-formation efficiency. Gene expression was analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS RL95-2/Oct-4 cells not only exhibited increased expression of the three most important stem cell genes, Oct-4, Nanog, and Sox2, but also had increased expression of the endometrial tumor stem cell genes CD133 and ALDH1. Furthermore, enhanced expression of these genes in the RL95-2/Oct-4 cells was associated with higher colony-forming ability and growth rate than in parental RL95-2 cells. We also observed that cisplatin induced less cell death in RL95-2/Oct-4 cells than in RL95-2 cells, indicating that RL95-2/Oct-4 cells were more resistant to chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSION The study findings contribute to investigate the effects of Oct-4 on tumor stem cell origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Chin Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Hsiang Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Pei Kao
- Stemforce Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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24
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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25
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Saito M. Novel Roles of Nanog in Cancer Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233881. [PMID: 36497144 PMCID: PMC9736053 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of extracellular vesicle (EV)-based vaccines is a strategically promising way to prevent cancer metastasis. The effective roles of immune cell-derived EVs have been well understood in the literature. In the present paper, we focus on cancer cell-derived EVs to enforce, more thoroughly, the use of EV-based vaccines against unexpected malignant cells that might appear in poor prognostic patients. As a model of such a cancer cell with high malignancy, Nanog-overexpressing melanoma cell lines were developed. As expected, Nanog overexpression enhanced the metastatic potential of melanomas. Against our expectations, a fantastic finding was obtained that determined that EVs derived from Nanog-overexpressing melanomas exhibited a metastasis-suppressive effect. This is considered to be a novel role for Nanog in regulating the property of cancer cell-derived EVs. Stimulated by this result, the review of Nanog's roles in various cancer cells and their EVs has been updated once again. Although there was no other case presenting a similar contribution by Nanog, only one case suggested that NANOG and SOX might be better prognosis markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. This review clarifies the varieties of Nanog-dependent phenomena and the relevant signaling factors. The information summarized in this study is, thus, suggestive enough to generate novel ideas for the construction of an EV-based versatile vaccine platform against cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikako Saito
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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26
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Lu T, Han T, Zhao M. miR-3168 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via downregulating p53. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:956-968. [PMID: 35926447 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant disease with poor prognosis, which is partly due to the presence of liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs participate in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. However, the mechanisms underlying liver CSC regulation are unknown. In this study, we found that miR-3168 expression is increased in HCC and that it predicts poor prognosis. Functional assays showed that miR-3168 promotes HCC cells' proliferation and facilitates liver CSC self-renewal and tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, bioinformatics and the luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-3168 targets the 3'UTR of the p53 mRNA. MiR-3168 expression was negatively correlated with p53 mRNA in HCC tissue samples. Rescue assays demonstrated that p53 knockdown abrogates the discrepancies in proliferation, self-renewal, and tumorigenicity between miR-3168 knockdown HCC cells and control HCC cells. Furthermore, miR-3168 expression was negatively correlated with p53 in HCC tissues. The combined HCC panels exhibited a worse prognostic value for HCC patients than any of these components alone. Moreover, miR-3168 expression was increased in cisplatin-resistant HCC cells and patient-derived xenografts. Clinical cohort analysis revealed that HCC patients with low miR-3168 levels have a superior survival rate when treated with postoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization compared with that of patients with high miR-3168 levels. In conclusion, our study uncovered a novel mechanism of liver CSC regulation and provided a potential therapeutic target for liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Lu
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Mingfang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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27
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Cellular Prion Protein Role in Cancer Biology: Is It A Potential Therapeutic Target? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112833. [PMID: 36359353 PMCID: PMC9687521 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are worldwide health concerns, whether they are sporadic or hereditary. The fundamental mechanism that causes somatic or oncogenic mutations and ultimately aids cancer development is still unknown. However, mammalian cells with protein-only somatic inheritance may also contribute to cancerous malignancies. Emerging data from a recent study show that prion-like proteins and prions (PrPC) are crucial entities that have a functional role in developing neurological disorders and cancer. Furthermore, excessive PrPC expression profiling has also been detected in non-neuronal tissues, such as the lymphoid cells, kidney, GIT, lung, muscle, and mammary glands. PrPC expression is strongly linked with the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and breast malignancies. Similarly, experimental investigation presented that the PrPC expression, including the prion protein-coding gene (PRNP) and p53 ag are directly associated with tumorigenicity and metastasis (tumor suppressor gene). The ERK2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway also confers a robust metastatic capability for PrPC-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Additionally, prions could alter the epigenetic regulation of genes and overactive the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which promotes the development of cancer in humans. Protein overexpression or suppression caused by a prion and prion-like proteins has also been linked to oncogenesis and metastasis. Meanwhile, additional studies have discovered resistance to therapeutic targets, highlighting the significance of protein expression levels as potential diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets.
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28
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He Q, Guo P, Bo Z, Yu H, Yang J, Wang Y, Chen G. Noncoding RNA-mediated molecular bases of chemotherapy resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:249. [PMID: 35945536 PMCID: PMC9361533 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant progress in decreasing the occurrence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it remains a public health issue worldwide on the basis of its late presentation and tumor recurrence. To date, apart from surgical interventions, such as surgical resection, liver transplantation and locoregional ablation, current standard antitumor protocols include conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, due to the high chemoresistance nature, most current therapeutic agents show dismal outcomes for this refractory malignancy, leading to disease relapse. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms involved in chemotherapy resistance remain systematically ambiguous. Herein, HCC is hierarchically characterized by the formation of primitive cancer stem cells (CSCs), progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), unbalanced autophagy, delivery of extracellular vesicles (EVs), escape of immune surveillance, disruption of ferroptosis, alteration of the tumor microenvironment and multidrug resistance-related signaling pathways that mediate the multiplicity and complexity of chemoresistance. Of note, anecdotal evidence has corroborated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) extensively participate in the critical physiological processes mentioned above. Therefore, understanding the detailed regulatory bases that underlie ncRNA-mediated chemoresistance is expected to yield novel insights into HCC treatment. In the present review, a comprehensive summary of the latest progress in the investigation of chemotherapy resistance concerning ncRNAs will be elucidated to promote tailored individual treatment for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qikuan He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pengyi Guo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315199, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyuan Bo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinhuan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China. .,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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29
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Guo K, Duan J, Lu J, Xiao L, Han L, Zeng S, Tang X, Li W, Huang L, Zhang Y. TNF-α-inducing protein of Helicobacter pylori promotes EMT and cancer stem-like cells properties via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6626024. [PMID: 35776950 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-α-inducing protein (Tipα) is a newly identified toxin, which promotes the inflammation and carcinogenesis caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). However, its mechanism of pathogenesis is still unclear. To investigate the carcinogenic mechanisms of Tipα, SGC7901 cells and SGC7901-derived cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) were stimulated by recombinant Tipα protein with or without Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor XAV939. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), CSCs markers, and downstream target genes of this signaling pathway. The cell migration ability was measured by wound healing assay and transwell assay. Our results indicated that Tipα promoted CSC properties of SGC7901 spheroids, including increased expression of CSC specific surface markers CD44, Oct4, Nanog, and an increased capacity for self-renewal. Tipα activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in both SGC7901 cells or CSCs. Furthermore, Tipα induced the EMT and increased the expressions of downstream target genes of this signaling, including c-myc, cyclin D1, and CD44. However, XAV939 pretreatment inhibited Tipα-induced EMT and CSC properties in SGC7901 cells or CSCs. These results suggest that Tipα promotes EMT and CSC-like properties in gastric cancer cells through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby accelerating the progression of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyun Guo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Duan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jingwen Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Lingqiao Xiao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Han
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Shasha Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Tang
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
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30
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Chen M, Wang H, Shi S, Zhang H, Xu S, Jiang Y. miR-6071 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via targeting PTPN11. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 727:109345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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31
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Nacarino-Palma A, Rico-Leo EM, Campisi J, Ramanathan A, González-Rico FJ, Rejano-Gordillo CM, Ordiales-Talavero A, Merino JM, Fernández-Salguero PM. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor blocks aging-induced senescence in the liver and fibroblast cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4281-4304. [PMID: 35619220 PMCID: PMC9186759 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aging impairs organismal homeostasis leading to multiple pathologies. Yet, the mechanisms and molecular intermediates involved are largely unknown. Here, we report that aged aryl hydrocarbon receptor-null mice (AhR-/-) had exacerbated cellular senescence and more liver progenitor cells. Senescence-associated markers β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), p16Ink4a and p21Cip1 and genes encoding senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors TNF and IL1 were overexpressed in aged AhR-/- livers. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that AhR binding to those gene promoters repressed their expression, thus adjusting physiological levels in AhR+/+ livers. MCP-2, MMP12 and FGF secreted by senescent cells were overproduced in aged AhR-null livers. Supporting the relationship between senescence and stemness, liver progenitor cells were overrepresented in AhR-/- mice, probably contributing to increased hepatocarcinoma burden. These AhR roles are not liver-specific since adult and embryonic AhR-null fibroblasts underwent senescence in culture, overexpressing SA-β-Gal, p16Ink4a and p21Cip1. Notably, depletion of senescent cells with the senolytic agent navitoclax restored expression of senescent markers in AhR-/- fibroblasts, whereas senescence induction by palbociclib induced an AhR-null-like phenotype in AhR+/+ fibroblasts. AhR levels were downregulated by senescence in mouse lungs but restored upon depletion of p16Ink4a-expressing senescent cells. Thus, AhR restricts age-induced senescence associated to a differentiated phenotype eventually inducing resistance to liver tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Nacarino-Palma
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Eva M Rico-Leo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA.,Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Francisco J González-Rico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Claudia M Rejano-Gordillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Ana Ordiales-Talavero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Jaime M Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Pedro M Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06071, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
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Rejano-Gordillo C, Ordiales-Talavero A, Nacarino-Palma A, Merino JM, González-Rico FJ, Fernández-Salguero PM. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: From Homeostasis to Tumor Progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:884004. [PMID: 35465323 PMCID: PMC9022225 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.884004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has emerged as one of the main regulators involved both in different homeostatic cell functions and tumor progression. Being a member of the family of basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional regulators, this intracellular receptor has become a key member in differentiation, pluripotency, chromatin dynamics and cell reprogramming processes, with plenty of new targets identified in the last decade. Besides this role in tissue homeostasis, one enthralling feature of AHR is its capacity of acting as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on the specific organ, tissue and cell type. Together with its well-known modulation of cell adhesion and migration in a cell-type specific manner in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), this duality has also contributed to the arise of its clinical interest, highlighting a new potential as therapeutic tool, diagnosis and prognosis marker. Therefore, a deregulation of AHR-controlled pathways may have a causal role in contributing to physiological and homeostatic failures, tumor progression and dissemination. With that firmly in mind, this review will address the remarkable capability of AHR to exert a different function influenced by the phenotype of the target cell and its potential consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rejano-Gordillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Ordiales-Talavero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana Nacarino-Palma
- Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), Rua Do Instituto Bacteriológico, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jaime M. Merino
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Francisco J. González-Rico
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Francisco J. González-Rico, ; Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero,
| | - Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Francisco J. González-Rico, ; Pedro M. Fernández-Salguero,
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Jie M, Zhang ZQ, Deng N, Liu QM, Wang C, Ge QY, Du PC, Song SS, Zhang XW, Long-Xin, Liang HF, Chu L, Zhang L, Chen XP, Chen J, Dong HH, Zhang BX. 18[Formula: see text]-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Inhibits TGF-[Formula: see text]-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting STAT3. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:313-332. [PMID: 34963428 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
18[Formula: see text]-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma. We previously demonstrated that GA inhibited tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of GA on transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text] (TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis were still unclear. In this study, in vitro transwell assays and immunofluorescence (IF) demonstrated that GA inhibited TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells. However, it had little effect on the inhibition of proliferation by TGF-[Formula: see text]. Moreover, we confirmed that GA suppressed the metastasis of HCC cells in vivousing an ectopic lung metastasis model. Furthermore, we found that GA inhibited TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced EMT mainly by reducing the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which played an essential role in TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced EMT and cell mobility. Mechanistically, GA inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 by increasing the expression of Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases 1 and 2 (SHP1 and SHP2). Therefore, we concluded that GA inhibited TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced EMT and metastasis via the SHP1&SHP2/STAT3/Snail pathway. Our data provide an attractive therapeutic target for future multimodal management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Jie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Qi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China.,Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ning Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Qiu-Meng Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Chao Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Qian-Yun Ge
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Chen Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Sha-Sha Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Wu Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Long-Xin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Liang Chu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jin Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Han-Hua Dong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Bi-Xiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
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Wang P, Gong S, Liao B, Pan J, Wang J, Zou D, Zhao L, Xiong S, Deng Y, Yan Q, Wu N. HIF1α/HIF2α induces glioma cell dedifferentiation into cancer stem cells through Sox2 under hypoxic conditions. J Cancer 2022; 13:1-14. [PMID: 34976166 PMCID: PMC8692689 DOI: 10.7150/jca.54402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Our previous study showed that glioma stem-like cells could be induced to undergo dedifferentiation under hypoxic conditions, but the mechanism requires further study. HIF1α and HIF2α are the main molecules involved in the response to hypoxia, and Sox2, as a retroelement, plays an important role in the formation of induced pluripotent stem cells, especially in hypoxic microenvironments. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to verify whether HIF1α, HIF2α and Sox2 regulated glioma cell dedifferentiation under hypoxic conditions. Materials and methods: Sphere formation by single glioma cells was observed, and CD133 and CD15 expression was compared between the normoxic and hypoxic groups. HIF1α, HIF2α, and Sox2 expression was detected using the CGGA database, and the correlation among HIF1α, HIF2α and Sox2 levels was analyzed. We knocked out HIF1α, HIF2α and Sox2 in glioma cells and cultured them under hypoxic conditions to detect CD133 and CD15 expression. The above cells were implanted into mouse brains to analyze tumor volume and survival time. Results: New spheres were formed from single glioma cells in 1% O2, but no spheres were formed in 21% O2. The cells cultured in 1% O2 highly expressed CD133 and CD15 and had a lower apoptosis rate. The CGGA database showed HIF1α and HIF2α expression in glioma. Knocking out HIF1α or HIF2α led to a decrease in CD133 and CD15 expression and inhibited sphere formation under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, tumor volume and weight decreased after HIF1α or HIF2α knockout with the same temozolomide treatment. Sox2 was also highly expressed in glioma, and there was a positive correlation between the HIF1α/HIF2α and Sox2 expression levels. Sox2 was expressed at lower levels after HIF1α or HIF2α was knocked out. Then, Sox2 was knocked out, and we found that CD133 and CD15 expression was decreased. Moreover, a lower sphere formation rate, higher apoptosis rate, lower tumor formation rate and longer survival time after temozolomide treatment were detected in the Sox2 knockout cells. Conclusion: In a hypoxic microenvironment, the HIF1α/HIF2α-Sox2 network induced the formation of glioma stem cells through the dedifferentiation of differentiated glioma cells, thus promoting glioma cell chemoresistance. This study demonstrates that both HIF1α and HIF2α, as genes upstream of Sox2, regulate the malignant progression of glioma through dedifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Sheng Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Bin Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Jinyu Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Dewei Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Shuanglong Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China Correspondence: Dr. Nan Wu, mailing address: No. 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, P. R. China. Tel. and E-mail:
| | - Yangmin Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
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Trosko JE. The Concept of "Cancer Stem Cells" in the Context of Classic Carcinogenesis Hypotheses and Experimental Findings. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1308. [PMID: 34947839 PMCID: PMC8708536 DOI: 10.3390/life11121308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this Commentary, the operational definition of cancer stem cells or cancer initiating cells includes the ability of certain cells, found in a heterogeneous mixture of cells within a tumor, which are able to sustain growth of that tumor. However, that concept of cancer stem cells does not resolve the age-old controversy of two opposing hypotheses of the origin of the cancer, namely the stem cell hypothesis versus the de-differentiation or re-programming hypothesis. Moreover, this cancer stem concept has to take into account classic experimental observations, techniques, and concepts, such as the multi-stage, multi-mechanism process of carcinogenesis; roles of mutagenic, cytotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms; the important differences between errors of DNA repair and errors of DNA replication in forming mutations; biomarkers of known characteristics of normal adult organ-specific stem cells and of cancer stem cells; and the characteristics of epigenetic mechanisms involved in the carcinogenic process. In addition, vague and misleading terms, such as carcinogens, immortal and normal cells have to be clarified in the context of current scientific facts. The ultimate integration of all of these historic factors to provide a current understanding of the origin and characteristics of a cancer stem cell, which is required for a rational strategy for prevention and therapy for cancer, does not follow a linear path. Lastly, it will be speculated that there exists evidence of two distinct types of cancer stem cells, one that has its origin in an organ-specific adult stem cell that is 'initiated' in the stem cell stage, expressing the Oct4A gene and not expressing any connexin gene or having functional gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). The other cancer stem cell is derived from a stem cell that is initiated early after the Oct4A gene is suppressed and the connexin gene is expressed, which starts early differentiation, but it is blocked from terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 048864, USA
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Gao X, Zhou J, Wang J, Dong X, Chang Y, Jin Y. Mechanism of exosomal miR-155 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on stemness maintenance and drug resistance in myeloma cells. J Orthop Surg Res 2021; 16:637. [PMID: 34689803 PMCID: PMC8543846 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was to explore the effect of exosomal miR-155 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on stemness maintenance and drug resistance in MPC-11 multiple myeloma cells. Methods MPC-11 cells were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-155. miR-155 expression was detected by qRT-PCR, cell condition was observed, and the expression of stemness maintenance markers OCT-4 and Nanog was observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of proteins associated with the Hedgehog signaling pathway and drug resistance was evaluated by western blot. To investigate whether exosomes affect cell behavior by horizontal delivery of miR-155, MPC-11 cells were co-cultured with exosomes isolated from BMSCs that were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-155. Cell proliferation and the expression of proteins related to stemness maintenance protein and drug resistance were examined. Results In function assays, after miR-155-mimics transfection, the expression levels of proteins related to stemness maintenance marker, Hedgehog signaling, and drug resistance were increased in MPC-11 cells. BMSC-derived exosomes carrying miR-155 inhibited apoptosis, promoted cell division, and upregulated the expression of protein associated with stemness maintenance, Hedgehog signaling, and drug resistance. Conclusion Therefore, our findings indicate that exosomal delivery of miR-155 exerted the same effect as transfection did on the stemness maintenance and drug resistance of multiple myeloma cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-021-02793-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Gao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.,Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Jinghua Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiushuai Dong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yuying Chang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yinglan Jin
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Silva CTX, Saddi VA, Silva KSFE, Sugita DM, Guillo LA. Expression of the cancer stem cell marker OCT4 is associated with worse prognosis and survival in cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma Res 2021; 31:439-448. [PMID: 34433195 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma has an aggressive clinical presentation, showing rapid rate of growth and metastatic dissemination due to the permanence of cancer stem cells. The present study was to evaluate the expression of the self-renewal regulatory factor and the clinical significance of the transcription factor OCT4 in melanoma. Melanoma tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry and the correlation between the expression of this marker was determined through clinical-pathological variables and survival outcomes. Positive expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic OCT4 was observed in 49% and 41.2% of cases, respectively. The positive expression of nuclear OCT4 in melanoma was significantly associated with prognostic factors, such as Breslow depth, Clark's level, ulceration and metastasis. Survival of patients was 56% compared to positive nuclear OCT4 expression and 94.2% when compared to the low expression of the gene. Nuclear OCT4 positive genotype indicated aggressive tumor behavior with a worse clinical outcome, which indicates OCT4 as a useful biomarker in the prognosis of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Aparecida Saddi
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biodiversity, Department of Environmental and Health Science, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás
| | | | | | - Lidia Andreu Guillo
- Cell Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Shi X, Tu S, Zhu L. Risk characteristics with seven epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes are used to predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1884-1894. [PMID: 34532136 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes (ERGs) have been shown to play an important role in cancer invasion, tumor resistance, and tumor metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. This study sought to examine the prognostic value of ERGs and other pre-hepatoma genes. Methods Relevant data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed and synthesized. Specifically, 1,014 ERGs were downloaded and subject to a gene set enrichment analysis; 318 different EAG expressions were found, and the possible molecular mechanism of EAG was predicted by GO analysis and KEGG analysis. To determine the prediction of ERGS, a Cox regression model was used to establish a risk hypothesis. Based on risk patterns, patients were divided into high- or low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves confirmed the predictive value of the model. Results Seven prognostically relevant ERGs (i.e., ECT2, EZH2, MYCN, ROR2, SPP1, SQSTM1, and STC2) were identified. Using Cox's regression analysis method, appropriate cases were selected to establish a new risk prediction model. Under the risk model, the overall survival rate of the low-risk group samples was higher than that of the high-risk group samples (P<0.00001). Conclusions In short, we developed a risk model for liver cancer based on ERGs terminology. This model improve the postpartum treatment of patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqing Shi
- Department of Oncology, Liyang People's Hospital, Liyang, China
| | - Shuhuan Tu
- Department of Oncology, Liyang People's Hospital, Liyang, China
| | - Liqun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Liyang People's Hospital, Liyang, China
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Niu M, Yi M, Li N, Wu K, Wu K. Advances of Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:719896. [PMID: 34381735 PMCID: PMC8350567 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.719896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common and fatal malignancies, which is a significant global health problem. The clinical applicability of traditional surgery and other locoregional therapies is limited, and these therapeutic strategies are far from satisfactory in improving the outcomes of advanced HCC. In the past decade, targeted therapy had made a ground-breaking progress in advanced HCC. Those targeted therapies exert antitumor effects through specific signals, including anti-angiogenesis or cell cycle progression. As a standard systemic therapy option, it tremendously improves the survival of this devastating disease. Moreover, the combination of targeted therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has demonstrated more potent anticancer effects and becomes the hot topic in clinical studies. The combining medications bring about a paradigm shift in the treatment of advanced HCC. In this review, we presented all approved targeted agents for advanced HCC with an emphasis on their clinical efficacy, summarized the advances of multi-target drugs in research for HCC and potential therapeutic targets for drug development. We also discussed the exciting results of the combination between targeted therapy and ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kongju Wu
- Department of Nursing, Medical School of Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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40
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Stemness-Suppressive Effect of Bibenzyl from Dendrobium ellipsophyllum in Human Lung Cancer Stem-Like Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5516655. [PMID: 34349823 PMCID: PMC8328707 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5516655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are key mediators driving tumor initiation, metastasis, therapeutic failure, and subsequent cancer relapse. Thus, targeting CSCs has recently emerged as a potential strategy to improve chemotherapy. In this study, the anticancer activity and stemness-regulating capacity of 4,5,4'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxybibenzyl (TDB), a bibenzyl extracted from Dendrobium ellipsophyllum, are revealed in CSCs of various human lung cancer cells. Culture with TDB (5-10 μM) strongly abolished tumor-initiating cells in lung cancer H460, H23, and A549 cells in both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent colony formation assays. Through the 3D single-spheroid formation model, attenuation of self-renewal capacity was observed in CSC-enriched populations treated with 1-10 μM TDB for 7 days. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the attenuation of %cell overexpressing CD133, a CSC biomarker, in TDB-treated lung cancer spheroids. TDB at 5-10 μM remarkably suppressed regulatory signals of p-Akt/Akt, p-GSK3β/GSK3β, and β-catenin corresponding to the downregulated mRNA level of stemness transcription factors including Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2. Moreover, the antiapoptosis Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins, which are downstream molecules of Akt signaling, were evidently decreased in CSC-enriched spheroids after culture with TDB (1-10 μM) for 24 h. Interestingly, the diminution of Akt expression by specific siAkt effectively reversed suppressive activity of TDB targeting on the CSC phenotype in human lung cancer cells. These findings provide promising evidence of the inhibitory effect of TDB against lung CSCs via suppression of Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin cascade and related proteins, which would facilitate the development of this bibenzyl natural compound as a novel CSC-targeted therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment.
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Shrestha R, Bridle KR, Cao L, Crawford DHG, Jayachandran A. Dual Targeting of Sorafenib-Resistant HCC-Derived Cancer Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:2150-2172. [PMID: 34208001 PMCID: PMC8293268 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28030200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib, an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been the first-line therapy for the treatment of patients with advanced HCC, providing a survival benefit of only three months in approximately 30% of patients. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare tumour subpopulation with self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, and have been implicated in tumour growth, recurrence and drug resistance. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to the generation and maintenance of the CSC population, resulting in immune evasion and therapy resistance in several cancers, including HCC. The aim of this study is to target the chemoresistant CSC population in HCC by assessing the effectiveness of a combination treatment approach with Sorafenib, an EMT inhibitor and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). A stem-cell-conditioned serum-free medium was utilised to enrich the CSC population from the human HCC cell lines Hep3B, PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2. The anchorage independent spheres were characterised for CSC features. The human HCC-derived spheres were assessed for EMT status and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. The effect of combination treatment with SB431542, an EMT inhibitor, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) or CD73 along with Sorafenib on human HCC-derived CSCs was examined with cell viability and apoptosis assays. The three-dimensional spheres enriched from human HCC cell lines demonstrated CSC-like features. The human HCC-derived CSCs also exhibited the EMT phenotype along with the upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules. The combined treatment with SB431542 and siRNA-mediated PD-L1 or CD73 knockdown effectively enhanced the cytotoxicity of Sorafenib against the CSC population compared to Sorafenib alone, as evidenced by the reduced size and proliferation of spheres. Furthermore, the combination treatment of Sorafenib with SB431542 and PD-L1 or CD73 siRNA resulted in an increased proportion of an apoptotic population, as evidenced by flow cytometry analysis. In conclusion, the combined targeting of EMT and immune checkpoint molecules with Sorafenib can effectively target the CSC tumour subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Shrestha
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Kim R. Bridle
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Lu Cao
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Darrell H. G. Crawford
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| | - Aparna Jayachandran
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia; (R.S.); (K.R.B.); (L.C.); (D.H.G.C.)
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-4-2424-8058
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Trosko JE. On the potential origin and characteristics of cancer stem cells. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:905-912. [PMID: 34014276 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'cancer stem cell' hypothesis has pointed to a specific target for new cancer therapies. The hypothesis is based on the observation that only the 'cancer stem cell' among the other heterogeneous cancer cells can sustain the growth of the cancer. The goal is to identify biomarkers of 'cancer stem cells' to distinguish them from the 'cancer non-stem cells' and normal adult tissue-specific stem cells. This analyst posits a hypothesis that, although all cancers originated from a single cell, there exist two types of 'cancer stem cells' either by the 'Stem Cell hypothesis' or from the 'De-differentiation hypothesis'. It is proposed that there exist two different 'cancer stem cells'. Some 'cancer stem cells' (a) lack the expression of connexins or gap junction genes and lack any form of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) or (b) they have the expressed connexin-coded proteins for functional GJIC but are dysfunctional by some expressed oncogene. This is consistent with the Loewenstein hypothesis that a universal characteristic of cancer cells is they do not have growth control, nor terminally differentiate. This review speculates the normal organ-specific adult stem cell, that is 'initiated', is the origin of the 'cancer stem cells' with expressed Oct4A gene and no expressed connexin genes; whereas the other cancer stem cell has no expressed Oct4A genes but expressed connexin gene, whose coded protein is dysfunctional. Hence. both types of 'cancer stem cells' lack GJIC, for two different reasons, the selective therapies have to be different for these different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Liu QL, Luo M, Huang C, Chen HN, Zhou ZG. Epigenetic Regulation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Cancer Metastatic Cascade: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:657546. [PMID: 33996581 PMCID: PMC8117142 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.657546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the end stage of cancer progression and the direct cause of most cancer-related deaths. The spreading of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs is a multistep process known as the metastatic cascade, including local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, extravasation, and colonization. Each of these steps is driven by the acquisition of genetic and/or epigenetic alterations within cancer cells, leading to subsequent transformation of metastatic cells. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cellular process mediating the conversion of cell from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype, and its reverse transformation, termed mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), together endow metastatic cells with traits needed to generate overt metastases in different scenarios. The dynamic shift between these two phenotypes and their transitional state, termed partial EMT, emphasizes the plasticity of EMT. Recent advances attributed this plasticity to epigenetic regulation, which has implications for the therapeutic targeting of cancer metastasis. In this review, we will discuss the association between epigenetic events and the multifaceted nature of EMT, which may provide insights into the steps of the cancer metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Luo Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Maochao Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Zong-Guang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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HIF1α/HIF2α-Sox2/Klf4 promotes the malignant progression of glioblastoma via the EGFR-PI3K/AKT signalling pathway with positive feedback under hypoxia. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:312. [PMID: 33762574 PMCID: PMC7990922 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that hypoxic responses are regulated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which in turn promote the malignant progression of glioblastoma (GBM) by inhibiting apoptosis and increasing proliferation; these events lead to a poor prognosis of GBM patients. However, there are still no HIF-targeted therapies for the treatment of GBM. We have conducted series of experiments and discovered that GBM cells exhibit features indicative of malignant progression and are present in a hypoxic environment. Knocking out HIF1α or HIF2α alone resulted in no significant change in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in response to acute hypoxia, but cells showed inhibition of stemness expression and chemosensitization to temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. However, simultaneously knocking out HIF1α and HIF2α inhibited cell cycle arrest and promoted proliferation with decreased stemness, making GBM cells more sensitive to chemotherapy, which could improve patient prognosis. Thus, HIF1α and HIF2α regulate each other with negative feedback. In addition, HIF1α and HIF2α are upstream regulators of epidermal growth factor (EGF), which controls the malignant development of GBM through the EGFR-PI3K/AKT-mTOR-HIF1α signalling pathway. In brief, the HIF1α/HIF2α-EGF/EGFR-PI3K/AKT-mTOR-HIF1α signalling axis contributes to the growth of GBM through a positive feedback mechanism. Finally, HIF1α and HIF2α regulate Sox2 and Klf4, contributing to stemness expression and inducing cell cycle arrest, thus increasing malignancy in GBM. In summary, HIF1α and HIF2α regulate glioblastoma malignant progression through the EGFR-PI3K/AKT pathway via a positive feedback mechanism under the effects of Sox2 and Klf4, which provides a new tumour development model and strategy for glioblastoma treatment.
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Tong X, Chen Y, Zhu X, Ye Y, Xue Y, Wang R, Gao Y, Zhang W, Gao W, Xiao L, Chen H, Zhang P, Ji H. Nanog maintains stemness of Lkb1-deficient lung adenocarcinoma and prevents gastric differentiation. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e12627. [PMID: 33439550 PMCID: PMC7933951 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012627] [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: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports that LKB1-deficient KRAS-driven lung tumors represent a unique therapeutic challenge, displaying strong cancer plasticity that promotes lineage conversion and drug resistance. Here we find that murine lung tumors from the KrasLSL-G12D/+ ; Lkb1flox/flox (KL) model show strong plasticity, which associates with up-regulation of stem cell pluripotency genes such as Nanog. Deletion of Nanog in KL model initiates a gastric differentiation program and promotes mucinous lung tumor growth. We find that NANOG is not expressed at a meaningful level in human lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), as well as in human lung invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA). Gastric differentiation involves activation of Notch signaling, and perturbation of Notch pathway by the γ-secretase inhibitor LY-411575 remarkably impairs mucinous tumor formation. In contrast to non-mucinous tumors, mucinous tumors are resistant to phenformin treatment. Such therapeutic resistance could be overcome through combined treatments with LY-411575 and phenformin. Overall, we uncover a previously unappreciated plasticity of LKB1-deficient tumors and identify the Nanog-Notch axis in regulating gastric differentiation, which holds important therapeutic implication for the treatment of mucinous lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Yueqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xinsheng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yi Ye
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Tech UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yun Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Weiqiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer InstituteRenji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Med‐X Research InstituteShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Xiao
- College of Animal Science and Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Haiquan Chen
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghai Tech UniversityShanghaiChina
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Effect of Nanog overexpression on the metastatic potential of a mouse melanoma cell line B16-BL6. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2651-2661. [PMID: 33665763 PMCID: PMC8192392 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04110-8] [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: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanog, a marker and regulator of the undifferentiated state in embryonic stem cells were anticipated to be an effective enhancer of cancer metastasis. We have developed a Nanog overexpressing mouse melanoma cell line B16-BL6 (BL6). BL6 was well recognized as a cell line with a high metastatic potential. In vitro tests revealed the enhancement of cell proliferation, wound healing activity, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) activity. Nanog-induced up- or down-regulated genes were comprehensively analyzed by transcriptome sequencing using Nanog+BL6 and wild-type BL6. Principally, up-regulated genes were involved in vesicle-aided glucose transport and oxidative phosphorylation, while down-regulated genes were associated with immunosuppression and apoptosis. A marked finding was that TGF-β1 was down-regulated, because TGF-β1 has been well discussed about its suppressive/progressive dual role in cancer. In vivo test showed that the number and volume of metastatic colonies of BL6 to lung were as high as 115 colonies/lung and 5.6 mm3/lung. Under this condition, Nanog overexpression caused a progressive effect (150 colonies/lung, p = 0.25; 9.2 mm3/lung, p = 0.13) rather than a suppressive effect on the metastasis. In this study, the effectiveness of Nanog overexpression in enhancing the metastatic potential of melanoma cell lines has been demonstrated for the first time.
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Vazquez N, Lopez A, Cuello V, Persans M, Schuenzel E, Innis-Whitehouse W, Keniry M. NVP-BEZ235 or JAKi Treatment leads to decreased survival of examined GBM and BBC cells. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2021; 27:100340. [PMID: 33636591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2021.100340] [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: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells almost universally harbor constitutively active Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase (PI3K) Pathway activity via mutation of key signaling components and/or epigenetic mechanisms. Scores of PI3K Pathway inhibitors are currently under investigation as putative chemotherapeutics. However, feedback and stem cell mechanisms induced by PI3K Pathway inhibition can lead to reduced treatment efficacy. To address therapeutic barriers, we examined whether JAKi would reduce stem gene expression in a setting of PI3K Pathway inhibition in order to improve treatment efficacy. We targeted the PI3K Pathway with NVP-BEZ235 (dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor) in combination with the Janus Kinase inhibitor JAKi in glioblastoma (GBM) and basal-like breast cancer (BBC) cell lines. We examined growth, gene expression, and apoptosis in cells treated with NVP-BEZ235 and/or JAKi. Growth and recovery assays showed no significant impact of dual treatment with NVP-BEZ235/JAKi compared to NVP-BEZ235 treatment alone. Gene expression and flow cytometry revealed that single and dual treatments induced apoptosis. Stem gene expression was retained in dual NVP-BEZ235/JAKi treatment samples. Future in vivo studies may give further insight into the impact of combined NVP-BEZ235/JAKi treatment in GBM and BBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neftali Vazquez
- Department of Biology, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Alma Lopez
- Department of Biology, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Victoria Cuello
- Department of Biology, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Michael Persans
- Department of Biology, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Erin Schuenzel
- Department of Biology, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Wendy Innis-Whitehouse
- School of Medicine, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Megan Keniry
- Department of Biology, University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539, United States.
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Chen YL, Yen YC, Jang CW, Wang SH, Huang HT, Chen CH, Hsiao JR, Chang JY, Chen YW. Ephrin A4-ephrin receptor A10 signaling promotes cell migration and spheroid formation by upregulating NANOG expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:644. [PMID: 33436772 PMCID: PMC7804096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephrin type-A receptor 10 (EPHA10) has been implicated as a potential target for breast and prostate cancer therapy. However, its involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. We demonstrated that EPHA10 supports in vivo tumor growth and lymphatic metastasis of OSCC cells. OSCC cell migration, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and sphere formation were found to be regulated by EPHA10, and EPHA10 was found to drive expression of some EMT- and stemness-associated transcription factors. Among EPHA10 ligands, exogenous ephrin A4 (EFNA4) induced the most OSCC cell migration and sphere formation, as well as up-regulation of SNAIL, NANOG, and OCT4. These effects were abolished by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition and NANOG knockdown. Also, EPHA10 was required for EFNA4-induced cell migration, sphere formation, and expression of NANOG and OCT4 mRNA. Our microarray dataset revealed that EFNA4 mRNA expression was associated with expression of NANOG and OCT4 mRNA, and OSCC patients showing high co-expression of EFNA4 with NANOG or OCT4 mRNA demonstrated poor recurrence-free survival rates. Targeting forward signaling of the EFNA4-EPHA10 axis may be a promising therapeutic approach for oral malignancies, and the combination of EFNA4 mRNA and downstream gene expression may be a useful prognostic biomarker for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lin Chen
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Yen
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Wei Jang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Han Wang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ting Huang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsing Chen
- grid.59784.370000000406229172Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan ,grid.59784.370000000406229172Taiwan Bioinformatics Core, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jenn-Ren Hsiao
- grid.64523.360000 0004 0532 3255Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Yang Chang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053 Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053 Taiwan ,grid.254145.30000 0001 0083 6092Ph.D. Program for Aging, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Li Y, Han Q, Zhao H, Guo Q, Zhang J. Napabucasin Reduces Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:597520. [PMID: 33343368 PMCID: PMC7744694 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.597520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare population with self-renewal and multipotent differentiation capacity, and reside among the more differentiated cancer cells. CSCs are associated with tumor recurrence, drug resistance and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of napabucasin against HCC and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Napabucasin significantly decreased the viability of HCC cells in vitro by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In addition, it suppressed CSC-related gene expression and spheroid formation in vitro, indicating depletion of CSCs. The anti-neoplastic effects of napabucasin was also evident in homograft tumor-bearing mouse models. Our findings provide the scientific basis of conducting clinical trials on napabucasin as a new therapeutic agent against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Li
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Quanjuan Guo
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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50
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Ow JR, Cadez MJ, Zafer G, Foo JC, Li HY, Ghosh S, Wollmann H, Cazenave-Gassiot A, Ong CB, Wenk MR, Han W, Choi H, Kaldis P. Remodeling of whole-body lipid metabolism and a diabetic-like phenotype caused by loss of CDK1 and hepatocyte division. eLife 2020; 9:63835. [PMID: 33345777 PMCID: PMC7771968 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle progression and lipid metabolism are well-coordinated processes required for proper cell proliferation. In liver diseases that arise from dysregulated lipid metabolism, hepatocyte proliferation is diminished. To study the outcome of CDK1 loss and blocked hepatocyte proliferation on lipid metabolism and the consequent impact on whole-body physiology, we performed lipidomics, metabolomics, and RNA-seq analyses on a mouse model. We observed reduced triacylglycerides in liver of young mice, caused by oxidative stress that activated FOXO1 to promote the expression of Pnpla2/ATGL. Additionally, we discovered that hepatocytes displayed malfunctioning β-oxidation, reflected by increased acylcarnitines (ACs) and reduced β-hydroxybutyrate. This led to elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFAs), which were transported to the adipose tissue for storage and triggered greater insulin secretion. Upon aging, chronic hyperinsulinemia resulted in insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis through activation of LXR. Here, we demonstrate that loss of hepatocyte proliferation is not only an outcome but also possibly a causative factor for liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Rong Ow
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matias J Cadez
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gözde Zafer
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Juat Chin Foo
- Singapore Lipidomics Incubator (SLING), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Yu Li
- Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Heike Wollmann
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amaury Cazenave-Gassiot
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Lipidomics Incubator (SLING), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chee Bing Ong
- Biological Resource Centre (BRC), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Markus R Wenk
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Lipidomics Incubator (SLING), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weiping Han
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore.,Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hyungwon Choi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Philipp Kaldis
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre (CRC), Malmö, Sweden
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