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Gorska-Arcisz M, Popeda M, Braun M, Piasecka D, Nowak JI, Kitowska K, Stasilojc G, Okroj M, Romanska HM, Sadej R. FGFR2-triggered autophagy and activation of Nrf-2 reduce breast cancer cell response to anti-ER drugs. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:71. [PMID: 38745155 PMCID: PMC11092031 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00586-6] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic abnormalities in the FGFR signalling occur in 40% of breast cancer (BCa) patients resistant to anti-ER therapy, which emphasizes the potential of FGFR-targeting strategies. Recent findings indicate that not only mutated FGFR is a driver of tumour progression but co-mutational landscapes and other markers should be also investigated. Autophagy has been recognized as one of the major mechanisms underlying the role of tumour microenvironment in promotion of cancer cell survival, and resistance to anti-ER drugs. The selective autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1 promotes Nrf-2 activation by Keap1/Nrf-2 complex dissociation. Herein, we have analysed whether the negative effect of FGFR2 on BCa cell response to anti-ER treatment involves the autophagy process and/or p62/Keap1/Nrf-2 axis. METHODS The activity of autophagy in ER-positive MCF7 and T47D BCa cell lines was determined by analysis of expression level of autophagy markers (p62 and LC3B) and monitoring of autophagosomes' maturation. Western blot, qPCR and proximity ligation assay were used to determine the Keap1/Nrf-2 interaction and Nrf-2 activation. Analysis of 3D cell growth in Matrigel® was used to assess BCa cell response to applied treatments. In silico gene expression analysis was performed to determine FGFR2/Nrf-2 prognostic value. RESULTS We have found that FGFR2 signalling induced autophagy in AMPKα/ULK1-dependent manner. FGFR2 activity promoted dissociation of Keap1/Nrf-2 complex and activation of Nrf-2. Both, FGFR2-dependent autophagy and activation of Nrf-2 were found to counteract the effect of anti-ER drugs on BCa cell growth. Moreover, in silico analysis showed that high expression of NFE2L2 (gene encoding Nrf-2) combined with high FGFR2 expression was associated with poor relapse-free survival (RFS) of ER+ BCa patients. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the unknown role of FGFR2 signalling in activation of autophagy and regulation of the p62/Keap1/Nrf-2 interdependence, which has a negative impact on the response of ER+ BCa cells to anti-ER therapies. The data from in silico analyses suggest that expression of Nrf-2 could act as a marker indicating potential benefits of implementation of anti-FGFR therapy in patients with ER+ BCa, in particular, when used in combination with anti-ER drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gorska-Arcisz
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Molecular Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marta Popeda
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marcin Braun
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-213, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dominika Piasecka
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Molecular Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Joanna I Nowak
- Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Kamila Kitowska
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Molecular Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Stasilojc
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marcin Okroj
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Hanna M Romanska
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-213, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Rafal Sadej
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Molecular Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland.
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Calfa CJ, Rothe M, Mangat PK, Garrett-Mayer E, Ahn ER, Burness ML, Gogineni K, Rohatgi N, Al Baghdadi T, Conlin A, Gaba A, Hamid O, Krishnamurthy J, Gavini NJ, Gold PJ, Rodon J, Rueter J, Thota R, Grantham GN, Hinshaw DC, Gregory A, Halabi S, Schilsky RL. Sunitinib in Patients With Breast Cancer With FGFR1 or FGFR2 Amplifications or Mutations: Results From the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300513. [PMID: 38354330 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study is a phase II basket trial evaluating the antitumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in patients with advanced cancer and genomic alterations known to be drug targets. Results from cohorts of patients with metastatic breast cancer (BC) with FGFR1 and FGFR2 alterations treated with sunitinib are reported. METHODS Eligible patients had measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2, adequate organ function, and no standard treatment options. Simon's two-stage design was used with a primary end point of disease control (DC), defined as objective response (OR) or stable disease of at least 16 weeks duration (SD16+) according to RECIST v1.1. Secondary end points included OR, progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, duration of stable disease, and safety. RESULTS Forty patients with BC with FGFR1 (N = 30; amplification only n = 26, mutation only n = 1, both n = 3) or FGFR2 (N = 10; amplification only n = 2, mutation only n = 6, both n = 2) alterations were enrolled. Three patients in the FGFR1 cohort were not evaluable for efficacy; all patients in the FGFR2 cohort were evaluable. For the FGFR1 cohort, two patients with partial response and four with SD16+ were observed for DC and OR rates of 27% (90% CI, 13 to 100) and 7% (95% CI, 1 to 24), respectively. The null hypothesis of 15% DC rate was not rejected (P = .169). No patients achieved DC in the FGFR2 cohort (P = 1.00). Thirteen of the 40 total patients across both cohorts had at least one grade 3-4 adverse event or serious adverse event at least possibly related to sunitinib. CONCLUSION Sunitinib did not meet prespecified criteria to declare a signal of antitumor activity in patients with BC with either FGFR1 or FGFR2 alterations. Other treatments and clinical trials should be considered for these patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Calfa
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Michael Rothe
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA
| | - Pam K Mangat
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tareq Al Baghdadi
- Michigan Cancer Research Consortium, IHA Hematology Oncology, Ypsilanti, MI
| | | | | | - Omid Hamid
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | | | | | - Jordi Rodon
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Awaji AA, Rizk MA, Alsaiari RA, Alqahtani NF, Al-Qadri FA, Alkorbi AS, Hafez HS, Elshaarawy RFM. Chemotherapeutic Activity of Imidazolium-Supported Pd(II) o-Vanillylidene Diaminocyclohexane Complexes Immobilized in Nanolipid as Inhibitors for HER2/neu and FGFR2/FGF2 Axis Overexpression in Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1711. [PMID: 38139837 PMCID: PMC10747766 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121711] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Two bis-(imidazolium-vanillylidene)-(R,R)-diaminocyclohexane ligands (H2(VAN)2dach, H2L1,2) and their Pd(II) complexes (PdL1 and PdL2) were successfully synthesized and structurally characterized using microanalytical and spectral methods. Subsequently, to target the development of new effective and safe anti-breast cancer chemotherapeutic agents, these complexes were encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to formulate (PdL1LNP and PdL2LNP), which are physicochemically and morphologically characterized. PdL1LNP and PdL2LNP significantly cause DNA fragmentation in MCF-7 cells, while trastuzumab has a 10% damaging activity. Additionally, the encapsulated Pd1,2LNPs complexes activated the apoptotic mechanisms through the upregulated P53 with p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively. The apoptotic activity may be triggered through the activity mechanism of the Pd1,2LNPs in the inhibitory actions against the FGFR2/FGF2 axis on the gene level with p < 0.001 and the Her2/neu with p < 0.05 and p < 0.01. All these aspects have triggered the activity of the PdL1LNP and PdL2LNP to downregulate TGFβ1 by p < 0.01 for both complexes. In conclusion, LNP-encapsulated Pd(II) complexes can be employed as anti-cancer drugs with additional benefits in regulating the signal mechanisms of the apoptotic mechanisms among breast cancer cells with chemotherapeutic-safe actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeshah A. Awaji
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University College in Taymaa, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Moustafa A. Rizk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts at Sharurah, Najran University, Sharurah 68342, Saudi Arabia or (M.A.R.); (R.A.A.); (F.A.A.-Q.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Raiedhah A. Alsaiari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts at Sharurah, Najran University, Sharurah 68342, Saudi Arabia or (M.A.R.); (R.A.A.); (F.A.A.-Q.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Norah F. Alqahtani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Fatima A. Al-Qadri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts at Sharurah, Najran University, Sharurah 68342, Saudi Arabia or (M.A.R.); (R.A.A.); (F.A.A.-Q.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Ali S. Alkorbi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts at Sharurah, Najran University, Sharurah 68342, Saudi Arabia or (M.A.R.); (R.A.A.); (F.A.A.-Q.); (A.S.A.)
| | - Hani S. Hafez
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, Suez 43533, Egypt
| | - Reda F. M. Elshaarawy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Suez University, Suez 43533, Egypt
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie und Strukturchemie, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40204 Düsseldorf, Germany
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da Silva FC, Brandão DC, Ferreira EA, Siqueira RP, Ferreira HSV, Da Silva Filho AA, Araújo TG. Tailoring Potential Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Luminal Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1466. [PMID: 37895937 PMCID: PMC10610388 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101466] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide, mainly affecting the epithelial cells from the mammary glands. When it expresses the estrogen receptor (ER), the tumor is called luminal BC, which is eligible for endocrine therapy with hormone signaling blockade. Hormone therapy is essential for the survival of patients, but therapeutic resistance has been shown to be worrying, significantly compromising the prognosis. In this context, the need to explore new compounds emerges, especially compounds of plant origin, since they are biologically active and particularly promising. Natural products are being continuously screened for treating cancer due to their chemical diversity, reduced toxicity, lower side effects, and low price. This review summarizes natural compounds for the treatment of luminal BC, emphasizing the activities of these compounds in ER-positive cells. Moreover, their potential as an alternative to endocrine resistance is explored, opening new opportunities for the design of optimized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Cardoso da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas 38700-002, MG, Brazil; (F.C.d.S.); (D.C.B.); (R.P.S.); (H.S.V.F.)
| | - Douglas Cardoso Brandão
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas 38700-002, MG, Brazil; (F.C.d.S.); (D.C.B.); (R.P.S.); (H.S.V.F.)
| | - Everton Allan Ferreira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, MG, Brazil; (E.A.F.); (A.A.D.S.F.)
| | - Raoni Pais Siqueira
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas 38700-002, MG, Brazil; (F.C.d.S.); (D.C.B.); (R.P.S.); (H.S.V.F.)
| | - Helen Soares Valença Ferreira
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas 38700-002, MG, Brazil; (F.C.d.S.); (D.C.B.); (R.P.S.); (H.S.V.F.)
| | - Ademar Alves Da Silva Filho
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, MG, Brazil; (E.A.F.); (A.A.D.S.F.)
| | - Thaise Gonçalves Araújo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas 38700-002, MG, Brazil; (F.C.d.S.); (D.C.B.); (R.P.S.); (H.S.V.F.)
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology Prof. Dr. Luiz Ricardo Goulart Filho, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlandia 38405-302, MG, Brazil
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Sankofi BM, Valencia-Rincón E, Sekhri M, Ponton-Almodovar AL, Bernard JJ, Wellberg EA. The impact of poor metabolic health on aggressive breast cancer: adipose tissue and tumor metabolism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217875. [PMID: 37800138 PMCID: PMC10548218 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are chronic metabolic diseases that impact tens to hundreds of millions of adults, especially in developed countries. Each condition is associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer and with a poor prognosis after treatment. The mechanisms connecting poor metabolic health to breast cancer are numerous and include hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, excess nutrient availability, and adipose tissue dysfunction. Here, we focus on adipose tissue, highlighting important roles for both adipocytes and fibroblasts in breast cancer progression. One potentially important mediator of adipose tissue effects on breast cancer is the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling network. Among the many roles of FGFR signaling, we postulate that key mechanisms driving aggressive breast cancer include epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cellular metabolic reprogramming. We also pose existing questions that may help better understand breast cancer biology in people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mensah Sankofi
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Estefania Valencia-Rincón
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Malika Sekhri
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Adriana L. Ponton-Almodovar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Nicolas V. Perricone Division of Dermatology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jamie J. Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Nicolas V. Perricone Division of Dermatology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Li Y, Wang C, Huang T, Yu X, Tian B. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer metastasis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1194835. [PMID: 37496657 PMCID: PMC10367093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1194835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer deaths are primarily caused by metastasis. There are several treatment options that can be used to treat breast cancer. There are, however, a limited number of treatments that can either prevent or inhibit the spread of breast tumor metastases. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies are needed. Studies have increasingly focused on the importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in metastasis of breast cancer. As the most abundant cells in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer pathogenesis. They can remodel the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and engage in crosstalk with cancer cells or other stroma cells by secreting growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, as well as components of the ECM, which assist the tumor cells to invade through the TME and cause distant metastasis. Clinically, CAFs not only foster the initiation, growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer but also serve as biomarkers for diagnosis, therapy, and prediction of prognosis. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics and subtypes of CAFs and their functions in breast cancer metastasis, focusing on their important roles in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Recent studies suggest that CAFs are vital partners of breast cancer cells that assist metastasis and may represent ideal targets for prevention and treatment of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department II, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xijie Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bole Tian
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Fotsitzoudis C, Koulouridi A, Messaritakis I, Konstantinidis T, Gouvas N, Tsiaoussis J, Souglakos J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184394. [PMID: 36139552 PMCID: PMC9497276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment. Abstract The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Fotsitzoudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Asimina Koulouridi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394926
| | | | | | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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Pérez Piñero C, Giulianelli S, Lamb CA, Lanari C. New Insights in the Interaction of FGF/FGFR and Steroid Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6491899. [PMID: 34977930 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Luminal breast cancer (BrCa) has a favorable prognosis compared with other tumor subtypes. However, with time, tumors may evolve and lead to disease progression; thus, there is a great interest in unraveling the mechanisms that drive tumor metastasis and endocrine resistance. In this review, we focus on one of the many pathways that have been involved in tumor progression, the fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) axis. We emphasize in data obtained from in vivo experimental models that we believe that in luminal BrCa, tumor growth relies in a crosstalk with the stromal tissue. We revisited the studies that illustrate the interaction between hormone receptors and FGFR. We also highlight the most frequent alterations found in BrCa cell lines and provide a short review on the trials that use FGFR inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapies. Analysis of these data suggests there are many players involved in this pathway that might be also targeted to decrease FGF signaling, in addition to specific FGFR inhibitors that may be exploited to increase their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pérez Piñero
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giulianelli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos, IBIOMAR-CCT CENPAT-CONICET, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Caroline A Lamb
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Lanari
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Francavilla C, O'Brien CS. Fibroblast growth factor receptor signalling dysregulation and targeting in breast cancer. Open Biol 2022; 12:210373. [PMID: 35193394 PMCID: PMC8864352 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) signalling plays a critical role in breast embryonal development, tissue homeostasis, tumorigenesis and metastasis. FGFR, its numerous FGF ligands and signalling partners are often dysregulated in breast cancer progression and are one of the causes of resistance to treatment in breast cancer. Furthermore, FGFR signalling on epithelial cells is affected by signals from the breast microenvironment, therefore increasing the possibility of breast developmental abnormalities or cancer progression. Increasing our understanding of the multi-layered roles of the complex family of FGFRs, their ligands FGFs and their regulatory partners may offer novel treatment strategies for breast cancer patients, as a single agent or rational co-target, which will be explored in depth in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Francavilla
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Science, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH), University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
- The Manchester Breast Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Ciara S. O'Brien
- The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 2BX, UK
- The Manchester Breast Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
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Xia Z, Xiao J, Chen Q. Solving the Puzzle: What Is the Role of Progestogens in Neovascularization? Biomolecules 2021; 11:1686. [PMID: 34827682 PMCID: PMC8615949 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian sex steroids can modulate new vessel formation and development, and the clarification of the underlying mechanism will provide insight into neovascularization-related physiological changes and pathological conditions. Unlike estrogen, which mainly promotes neovascularization through activating classic post-receptor signaling pathways, progesterone (P4) regulates a variety of downstream factors with angiogenic or antiangiogenic effects, exerting various influences on neovascularization. Furthermore, diverse progestins, the synthetic progesterone receptor (PR) agonists structurally related to P4, have been used in numerous studies, which could contribute to unequal actions. As a result, there have been many conflicting observations in the past, making it difficult for researchers to define the exact role of progestogens (PR agonists including naturally occurring P4 and synthetic progestins). This review summarizes available evidence for progestogen-mediated neovascularization under physiological and pathological circumstances, and attempts to elaborate their functional characteristics and regulatory patterns from a comprehensive perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xia
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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FGFR1 Overexpression Induces Cancer Cell Stemness and Enhanced Akt/Erk-ER Signaling to Promote Palbociclib Resistance in Luminal A Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113008. [PMID: 34831231 PMCID: PMC8616148 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDKis) is emerging as a clinical challenge. Identification of the factors contributing to CDKi resistance, with mechanistic insight, is of pivotal significance. Recent studies linked aberrant FGFR signaling to CDKi resistance. However, detailed mechanisms are less clear. Based on control and FGFR1 overexpressing luminal A cell line models, we demonstrated that FGFR1 overexpression rendered the cells resistant to palbociclib. FGFR1 overexpression abolished palbociclib-mediated cell cycle arrest, as well as the attenuated palbociclib-induced inhibition of G1/S transition regulators (pRb, E2F1, and cyclin D3) and factors that promote G2/M transition (cyclin B1, cdc2/CDK1, and cdc25). Importantly, FGFR1-induced palbociclib resistance was associated with promotion of cancer cell stemness and the upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We found that palbociclib may function as an ER agonist in MCF-7/FGFR1 cells. Upregulation of the ER-mediated transcription in MCF-7/FGFR1 cells was associated with ERα phosphorylation and enhanced receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. The combination of palbociclib with FGFR-targeting AZD4547 resulted in remarkable synergistic effects on MCF-7/FGFR1 cells, especially for the inhibition of cancer cell stemness. Our findings of FGFR1-induced palbociclib resistance, promotion of cancer stem cells and associated molecular changes advance our mechanistic understanding of CDKi resistance, which will facilitate the development of strategies targeting CDKi resistance in breast cancer treatment.
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12
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Neagu AN, Whitham D, Buonanno E, Jenkins A, Alexa-Stratulat T, Tamba BI, Darie CC. Proteomics and its applications in breast cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4006-4049. [PMID: 34659875 PMCID: PMC8493401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is an individually unique, multi-faceted and chameleonic disease, an eternal challenge for the new era of high-integrated precision diagnostic and personalized oncomedicine. Besides traditional single-omics fields (such as genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics) and multi-omics contributions (proteogenomics, proteotranscriptomics or reproductomics), several new "-omics" approaches and exciting proteomics subfields are contributing to basic and advanced understanding of these "multiple diseases termed breast cancer": phenomics/cellomics, connectomics and interactomics, secretomics, matrisomics, exosomics, angiomics, chaperomics and epichaperomics, phosphoproteomics, ubiquitinomics, metalloproteomics, terminomics, degradomics and metadegradomics, adhesomics, stressomics, microbiomics, immunomics, salivaomics, materiomics and other biomics. Throughout the extremely complex neoplastic process, a Breast Cancer Cell Continuum Concept (BCCCC) has been modeled in this review as a spatio-temporal and holistic approach, as long as the breast cancer represents a complex cascade comprising successively integrated populations of heterogeneous tumor and cancer-associated cells, that reflect the carcinoma's progression from a "driving mutation" and formation of the breast primary tumor, toward the distant secondary tumors in different tissues and organs, via circulating tumor cell populations. This BCCCC is widely sustained by a Breast Cancer Proteomic Continuum Concept (BCPCC), where each phenotype of neoplastic and tumor-associated cells is characterized by a changing and adaptive proteomic profile detected in solid and liquid minimal invasive biopsies by complex proteomics approaches. Such a profile is created, beginning with the proteomic landscape of different neoplastic cell populations and cancer-associated cells, followed by subsequent analysis of protein biomarkers involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and intravasation, circulating tumor cell proteomics, and, finally, by protein biomarkers that highlight the extravasation and distant metastatic invasion. Proteomics technologies are producing important data in breast cancer diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers discovery and validation, are detecting genetic aberrations at the proteome level, describing functional and regulatory pathways and emphasizing specific protein and peptide profiles in human tissues, biological fluids, cell lines and animal models. Also, proteomics can identify different breast cancer subtypes and specific protein and proteoform expression, can assess the efficacy of cancer therapies at cellular and tissular level and can even identify new therapeutic target proteins in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson UniversityPotsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of IașiCarol I bvd. No. 22, Iași 700505, Romania
| | - Danielle Whitham
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson UniversityPotsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
| | - Emma Buonanno
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson UniversityPotsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
| | - Avalon Jenkins
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson UniversityPotsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
| | - Teodora Alexa-Stratulat
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and PharmacyIndependenței bvd. No. 16-18, Iași 700021, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Center for Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and PharmacyMihail Kogălniceanu Street No. 9-13, Iași 700454, Romania
| | - Costel C Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson UniversityPotsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
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13
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Lawal B, Kuo YC, Wu ATH, Huang HS. BC-N102 suppress breast cancer tumorigenesis by interfering with cell cycle regulatory proteins and hormonal signaling, and induction of time-course arrest of cell cycle at G1/G0 phase. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3224-3238. [PMID: 34421361 PMCID: PMC8375223 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of breast cancer progression and invasion, often involve alteration of hormonal signaling, and upregulation and/or activation of signal transduction pathways that input to cell cycle regulation. Herein, we describe a rationally designed first-in-class novel small molecule inhibitor for targeting oncogenic and hormonal signaling in ER-positive breast cancer. BC-N102 treatment exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against ER+ breast cancer cell lines. BC-N102 exhibited time course- and dose-dependent cell cycle arrest via downregulation of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated (p)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-Akt, CDK2, and CDK4 while increasing p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling in breast cancer cell line. In addition, we found that BC-N102 suppressed breast cancer tumorigenesis in vivo and prolonged the survival of animals. Our results suggest that the proper application of BC-N102 may be a beneficial chemotherapeutic strategy for ER+ breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Lawal
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei11031, Taiwan
- School of Post-baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung40402, Taiwan
| | - Alexander T H Wu
- The PhD Program of Translational Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Shan Huang
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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14
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Ou-Yang L, Cai D, Zhang XF, Yan H. WDNE: an integrative graphical model for inferring differential networks from multi-platform gene expression data with missing values. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6272792. [PMID: 33975339 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms controlling biological process, such as the development of disease or cell differentiation, can be investigated by examining changes in the networks of gene dependencies between states in the process. High-throughput experimental methods, like microarray and RNA sequencing, have been widely used to gather gene expression data, which paves the way to infer gene dependencies based on computational methods. However, most differential network analysis methods are designed to deal with fully observed data, but missing values, such as the dropout events in single-cell RNA-sequencing data, are frequent. New methods are needed to take account of these missing values. Moreover, since the changes of gene dependencies may be driven by certain perturbed genes, considering the changes in gene expression levels may promote the identification of gene network rewiring. In this study, a novel weighted differential network estimation (WDNE) model is proposed to handle multi-platform gene expression data with missing values and take account of changes in gene expression levels. Simulation studies demonstrate that WDNE outperforms state-of-the-art differential network estimation methods. When applied WDNE to infer differential gene networks associated with drug resistance in ovarian tumors, cell differentiation and breast tumor heterogeneity, the hub genes in the estimated differential gene networks can provide important insights into the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, a Matlab toolbox, differential network analysis toolbox, was developed to implement the WDNE model and visualize the estimated differential networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Ou-Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Media Security, and Guangdong Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy(SZ), College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Dehan Cai
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics & Hubei Key Laboratory of Mathematical Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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15
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Molehin D, Rasha F, Rahman RL, Pruitt K. Regulation of aromatase in cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2449-2464. [PMID: 33599895 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of aromatase, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of estrogen in normal and cancer cells, has been associated with growth factor signaling and immune response modulation. The tissue-specific regulatory roles of these factors are of particular importance as local aromatase expression is strongly linked to cancer development/progression and disease outcomes in patients. Therefore, aromatase has become a chemotherapeutic target and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used in the clinic for treating hormone-dependent cancers. Although AIs have shown promising results in the treatment of cancers, the emerging increase in AI-resistance necessitates the development of new and improved targeted therapies. This review discusses the role of tumor and stromal-derived growth factors and immune cell modulators in regulating aromatase. Current single-agent and combination therapies with or without AIs targeting growth factors and immune checkpoints are also discussed. This review highlights recent studies that show new connections between growth factors, mediators of immune response, and aromatase regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Molehin
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Fahmida Rasha
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Kevin Pruitt
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6591, USA.
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16
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Han H, Yang C, Zhang Y, Han C, Zhang G. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Mediates the Sprouted Axonogenesis of Breast Cancer in Rat. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:515-526. [PMID: 33345997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nerve infiltration into the tumor is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment. The mechanisms of axonogenesis in breast cancer remain unclear. We hypothesized that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as nerve growth factor (NGF), is involved in the axonogenesis of breast cancer. A N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat model of breast cancer was used to explore the presence of axonogenesis in breast tumor and the involvement of VEGF, as well as NGF, in the axonogenesis of breast tumor. Nerve infiltration into the tumor was found in MNU-induced rat model of breast cancer including the sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers. Nerve density was increased following the growth of tumor. The sensory neurons innervating the thoracic and abdominal mammary tumors peaked at T5 to T6 and L1 to L2 dorsal root ganglions, respectively. Either VEGF receptor inhibitor or antibody against VEGF receptor 2, as well as NGF receptor inhibitor, apparently decreased both the nerve density and vascular density of breast tumor. The reduced nerve density was correlated with the decreased vascular density induced by these treatments. In cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and p38 inhibitors significantly attenuated VEGF-induced neurite elongation. These findings provide direct evidence that VEGF, as well as NGF, may control the axonogenesis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiu Han
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shangha, China; Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunxue Yang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhao Han
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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17
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A 'Real-Life' Experience on Automated Digital Image Analysis of FGFR2 Immunohistochemistry in Breast Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10121060. [PMID: 33297384 PMCID: PMC7762292 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We present here an assessment of a 'real-life' value of automated machine learning algorithm (AI) for examination of immunohistochemistry for fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) in breast cancer (BC). Expression of FGFR2 in BC (n = 315) measured using a certified 3DHistech CaseViewer/QuantCenter software 2.3.0. was compared to the manual pathologic assessment in digital slides (PA). Results revealed: (i) substantial interrater agreement between AI and PA for dichotomized evaluation (Cohen's kappa = 0.61); (ii) strong correlation between AI and PA H-scores (Spearman r = 0.85, p < 0.001); (iii) a small constant error and a significant proportional error (Passing-Bablok regression y = 0.51 × X + 29.9, p < 0.001); (iv) discrepancies in H-score in cases of extreme (strongest/weakest) or heterogeneous FGFR2 expression and poor tissue quality. The time of AI was significantly longer (568 h) than that of the pathologist (32 h). This study shows that the described commercial machine learning algorithm can reliably execute a routine pathologic assessment, however, in some instances, human expertise is essential.
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18
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Exogenous Oestrogen Impacts Cell Fate Decision in the Developing Gonads: A Potential Cause of Declining Human Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8377. [PMID: 33171657 PMCID: PMC7664701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of testicular dysgenesis syndrome-related conditions and overall decline in human fertility has been linked to the prevalence of oestrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Ectopic activation of oestrogen signalling by EDCs in the gonad can impact testis and ovary function and development. Oestrogen is the critical driver of ovarian differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates, and in its absence a testis will form. In contrast, oestrogen is not required for mammalian ovarian differentiation, but it is essential for its maintenance, illustrating it is necessary for reinforcing ovarian fate. Interestingly, exposure of the bi-potential gonad to exogenous oestrogen can cause XY sex reversal in marsupials and this is mediated by the cytoplasmic retention of the testis-determining factor SOX9 (sex-determining region Y box transcription factor 9). Oestrogen can similarly suppress SOX9 and activate ovarian genes in both humans and mice, demonstrating it plays an essential role in all mammals in mediating gonad somatic cell fate. Here, we review the molecular control of gonad differentiation and explore the mechanisms through which exogenous oestrogen can influence somatic cell fate to disrupt gonad development and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining the effects of oestrogenic EDCs on the developing gonads and ultimately their impacts on human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Stewart
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (D.M.M.); (A.J.P.)
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19
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Santolla MF, Maggiolini M. The FGF/FGFR System in Breast Cancer: Oncogenic Features and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3029. [PMID: 33081025 PMCID: PMC7603197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in the treatment of breast cancer is the heterogeneous nature of the disease. With multiple subtypes of breast cancer identified, there is an unmet clinical need for the development of therapies particularly for the less tractable subtypes. Several transduction mechanisms are involved in the progression of breast cancer, therefore making the assessment of the molecular landscape that characterizes each patient intricate. Over the last decade, numerous studies have focused on the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to target the main pathways dysregulated in breast cancer, however their effectiveness is often limited either by resistance to treatments or the appearance of adverse effects. In this context, the fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF/FGFR) system represents an emerging transduction pathway and therapeutic target to be fully investigated among the diverse anti-cancer settings in breast cancer. Here, we have recapitulated previous studies dealing with FGFR molecular aberrations, such as the gene amplification, point mutations, and chromosomal translocations that occur in breast cancer. Furthermore, alterations in the FGF/FGFR signaling across the different subtypes of breast cancer have been described. Next, we discussed the functional interplay between the FGF/FGFR axis and important components of the breast tumor microenvironment. Lastly, we pointed out the therapeutic usefulness of FGF/FGFR inhibitors, as revealed by preclinical and clinical models of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
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20
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Actomyosin and the MRTF-SRF pathway downregulate FGFR1 in mesenchymal stromal cells. Commun Biol 2020; 3:576. [PMID: 33067523 PMCID: PMC7567845 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01309-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Both biological and mechanical signals are known to influence cell proliferation. However, biological signals are mostly studied in two-dimensions (2D) and the interplay between these different pathways is largely unstudied. Here, we investigated the influence of the cell culture environment on the response to bFGF, a widely studied and important proliferation growth factor. We observed that human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs), but not fibroblasts, lose the ability to respond to soluble or covalently bound bFGF when cultured on microfibrillar substrates. This behavior correlated with a downregulation of FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) expression of hMSCs on microfibrillar substrates. Inhibition of actomyosin or the MRTF/SRF pathway decreased FGFR1 expression in hMSCs, fibroblasts and MG63 cells. To our knowledge, this is the first time FGFR1 expression is shown to be regulated through a mechanosensitive pathway in hMSCs. These results add to the sparse literature on FGFR1 regulation and potentially aid designing tissue engineering constructs that better control cell proliferation.
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21
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Tu JJ, Ou-Yang L, Yan H, Zhang XF, Qin H. Joint reconstruction of multiple gene networks by simultaneously capturing inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:2755-2762. [PMID: 31971577 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Reconstruction of cancer gene networks from gene expression data is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying human cancer. Due to heterogeneity, the tumor tissue samples for a single cancer type can be divided into multiple distinct subtypes (inter-tumor heterogeneity) and are composed of non-cancerous and cancerous cells (intra-tumor heterogeneity). If tumor heterogeneity is ignored when inferring gene networks, the edges specific to individual cancer subtypes and cell types cannot be characterized. However, most existing network reconstruction methods do not simultaneously take inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity into account. RESULTS In this article, we propose a new Gaussian graphical model-based method for jointly estimating multiple cancer gene networks by simultaneously capturing inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Given gene expression data of heterogeneous samples for different cancer subtypes, a non-cancerous network shared across different cancer subtypes and multiple subtype-specific cancerous networks are estimated jointly. Tumor heterogeneity can be revealed by the difference in the estimated networks. The performance of our method is first evaluated using simulated data, and the results indicate that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. We also apply our method to The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer data to reconstruct non-cancerous and subtype-specific cancerous gene networks. Hub nodes in the networks estimated by our method perform important biological functions associated with breast cancer development and subtype classification. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The source code is available at https://github.com/Zhangxf-ccnu/NETI2. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Juan Tu
- Department of Statistics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Mathematical Sciences, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Le Ou-Yang
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- Department of Statistics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Mathematical Sciences, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.,Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Qin
- Department of Statistics, Hubei Key Laboratory of Mathematical Sciences, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.,Department of Statistics, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
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22
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Braun M, Piasecka D, Tomasik B, Mieczkowski K, Stawiski K, Zielinska A, Kopczynski J, Nejc D, Kordek R, Sadej R, Romanska HM. Hormonal Receptor Status Determines Prognostic Significance of FGFR2 in Invasive Breast Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092713. [PMID: 32971804 PMCID: PMC7564845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary FGFR2-ER-PR crosstalk leads to hormone-independent progression of breast cancer. In vitro, FGFR2 stimulates PR transcriptional activity and mediates resistance to anti-ER therapies. The postulated poor prognostic effect of FGFR2 overexpression has not been confirmed at clinical level. Our clinical data show that, counterintuitively, low expression of FGFR is linked to poor prognosis in breast cancer and its prognostic value is dependent on the hormonal receptor status, but not PR transcriptional activity. This shows, that the role of FGFR in breast cancer is more complex, which may explain unsatisfactory results of the clinical trials with FGFR inhibitors. Abstract Interaction between fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and estrogen/progesterone receptors (ER/PR) affects resistance to anti-ER therapies, however the prognostic value of FGFR2 in breast cancer (BCa) remains largely unexplored. We have recently showed in vitro that FGFR2-mediated signaling alters PR activity and response to anti-ER treatment. Herein, prognostic significance of FGFR2 in BCa was evaluated in relation to both ER/PR protein status and a molecular signature designed to reflect PR transcriptional activity. FGFR2 was examined in 353 BCa cases using immunohistochemistry and Nanostring-based RNA quantification. FGFR2 expression was higher in ER+PR+ and ER+PR- compared to ER−PR− cases (p < 0.001). Low FGFR2 was associated with higher grade (p < 0.001), higher Ki67 proliferation index (p < 0.001), and worse overall and disease-free survival (HR = 2.34 (95% CI: 1.26–4.34), p = 0.007 and HR = 2.22 (95% CI: 1.25–3.93), p = 0.006, respectively). The poor prognostic value of low FGFR2 was apparent in ER+PR+, but not in ER+PR− patients, and it did not depend on the expression level of PR-dependent genes. Despite the functional link between FGFR2 and ER/PR revealed by preclinical studies, the data showed a link between FGFR2 expression and poor prognosis in BCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Braun
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (D.P.); (A.Z.); (R.K.)
| | - Dominika Piasecka
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (D.P.); (A.Z.); (R.K.)
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Bartlomiej Tomasik
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (B.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Kamil Mieczkowski
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Konrad Stawiski
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (B.T.); (K.S.)
| | - Aleksandra Zielinska
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (D.P.); (A.Z.); (R.K.)
| | - Janusz Kopczynski
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Holycross Cancer Centre, 25-734 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Nejc
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-513 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Radzislaw Kordek
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (D.P.); (A.Z.); (R.K.)
| | - Rafal Sadej
- Department of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (H.M.R.); Tel.: +48-58-349-1469 (R.S.); +48-42-272-5605 (H.M.R.)
| | - Hanna M. Romanska
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (D.P.); (A.Z.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (H.M.R.); Tel.: +48-58-349-1469 (R.S.); +48-42-272-5605 (H.M.R.)
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Xie Y, Su N, Yang J, Tan Q, Huang S, Jin M, Ni Z, Zhang B, Zhang D, Luo F, Chen H, Sun X, Feng JQ, Qi H, Chen L. FGF/FGFR signaling in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:181. [PMID: 32879300 PMCID: PMC7468161 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidences suggest that the fibroblast growth factor/FGF receptor (FGF/FGFR) signaling has crucial roles in a multitude of processes during embryonic development and adult homeostasis by regulating cellular lineage commitment, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of various types of cells. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of FGF signaling and its roles in organ development, injury repair, and the pathophysiology of spectrum of diseases, which is a consequence of FGF signaling dysregulation, including cancers and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this context, the agonists and antagonists for FGF-FGFRs might have therapeutic benefits in multiple systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangli Xie
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Nan Su
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoyan Tan
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Jin
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenhong Ni
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dali Zhang
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengtao Luo
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hangang Chen
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianding Sun
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Q Feng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Huabing Qi
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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24
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Cavanah P, Itou J, Rusman Y, Tahara N, Williams JM, Salomon CE, Kawakami Y. A nontoxic fungal natural product modulates fin regeneration in zebrafish larvae upstream of FGF-WNT developmental signaling. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:160-174. [PMID: 32857425 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regeneration of larvae zebrafish fin emerged as a new model of regeneration in the last decade. In contrast to genetic tools to study fin regeneration, chemical probes to modulate and interrogate regeneration processes are not well developed. RESULTS We set up a zebrafish larvae fin regeneration assay system and tested activities of natural product compounds and extracts, prepared from various microbes. Colomitide C, a recently isolated product from a fungus obtained from Antarctica, inhibited larvae fin regeneration. Using fluorescent reporter transgenic lines, we show that colomitide C inhibited fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling and WNT/β-catenin signaling, which were activated after larvae fin amputation. By using the endothelial cell reporter line and immunofluorescence, we showed that colomitide C did not affect migration of the blood vessel and nerve into the injured larvae fin. Colomitide C did not show any cytotoxic activities when tested against FGF receptor-amplified human cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION Colomitide C, a natural product, modulated larvae fin regeneration likely acting upstream of FGF and WNT signaling. Colomitide C may serve as a template for developing new chemical probes to study regeneration and other biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cavanah
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Junji Itou
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yudi Rusman
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Naoyuki Tahara
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jessica M Williams
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christine E Salomon
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yasuhiko Kawakami
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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25
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Burkholder A, Akrobetu D, Pandiri AR, Ton K, Kim S, Labow BI, Nuzzi LC, Firriolo JM, Schneider SS, Fenton SE, Shaw ND. Investigation of the adolescent female breast transcriptome and the impact of obesity. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:44. [PMID: 32393308 PMCID: PMC7216667 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early life environmental exposures affect breast development and breast cancer risk in adulthood. The breast is particularly vulnerable during puberty when mammary epithelial cells proliferate exponentially. In overweight/obese (OB) women, inflammation increases breast aromatase expression and estrogen synthesis and promotes estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. In contrast, recent epidemiological studies suggest that obesity during childhood decreases future breast cancer risk. Studies on environmental exposures and breast cancer risk have thus far been limited to animal models. Here, we present the first interrogation of the human adolescent breast at the molecular level and investigate how obesity affects the immature breast. Methods We performed RNA-seq in 62 breast tissue samples from adolescent girls/young women (ADOL; mean age 17.8 years) who underwent reduction mammoplasty. Thirty-one subjects were non-overweight/obese (NOB; mean BMI 23.4 kg/m2) and 31 were overweight/obese (OB; BMI 32.1 kg/m2). We also compared our data to published mammary transcriptome datasets from women (mean age 39 years) and young adult mice, rats, and macaques. Results The ADOL breast transcriptome showed limited (30%) overlap with other species, but 88% overlap with adult women for the 500 most highly expressed genes in each dataset; only 43 genes were shared by all groups. In ADOL, there were 120 differentially expressed genes (DEG) in OB compared with NOB samples (padj < 0.05). Based on these DEG, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified the cytokines CSF1 and IL-10 and the chemokine receptor CCR2 as among the most highly activated upstream regulators, suggesting increased inflammation in the OB breast. Classical ER targets (e.g., PR, AREG) were not differentially expressed, yet IPA identified the ER and PR and growth factors/receptors (VEGF, HGF, HER3) and kinases (AKT1) involved in hormone-independent ER activation as activated upstream regulators in OB breast tissue. Conclusions These studies represent the first investigation of the human breast transcriptome during late puberty/young adulthood and demonstrate that obesity is associated with a transcriptional signature of inflammation which may augment estrogen action in the immature breast microenvironment. We anticipate that these studies will prompt more comprehensive cellular and molecular investigations of obesity and its effect on the breast during this critical developmental window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Burkholder
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Dennis Akrobetu
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, MD A2-03, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Arun R Pandiri
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kiki Ton
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, Division of National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sue Kim
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, MD A2-03, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Brian I Labow
- Adolescent Breast Clinic, the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura C Nuzzi
- Adolescent Breast Clinic, the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M Firriolo
- Adolescent Breast Clinic, the Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sallie S Schneider
- Biospecimen Resource and Molecular Analysis Facility, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, DNTP, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Natalie D Shaw
- Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, MD A2-03, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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26
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Morgan MM, Schuler LA, Ciciliano JC, Johnson BP, Alarid ET, Beebe DJ. Modeling chemical effects on breast cancer: the importance of the microenvironment in vitro. Integr Biol (Camb) 2020; 12:21-33. [PMID: 32118264 PMCID: PMC7060306 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that our ability to predict chemical effects on breast cancer is limited by a lack of physiologically relevant in vitro models; the typical in vitro breast cancer model consists of the cancer cell and excludes the mammary microenvironment. As the effects of the microenvironment on cancer cell behavior becomes more understood, researchers have called for the integration of the microenvironment into in vitro chemical testing systems. However, given the complexity of the microenvironment and the variety of platforms to choose from, identifying the essential parameters to include in a chemical testing platform is challenging. This review discusses the need for more complex in vitro breast cancer models and outlines different approaches used to model breast cancer in vitro. We provide examples of the microenvironment modulating breast cancer cell responses to chemicals and discuss strategies to help pinpoint what components should be included in a model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Morgan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Linda A Schuler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jordan C Ciciliano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian P Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elaine T Alarid
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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27
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Defeating relapsed and refractory malignancies through a nano-enabled mitochondria-mediated respiratory inhibition and damage pathway. Biomaterials 2019; 229:119580. [PMID: 31707296 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia, which frequently reduces the sensitivity to many therapeutic interventions, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and phototherapy, has been acknowledged as an important reason for poor prognosis. Burgeoning evidences have proved that the tumor hypoxia microenvironment can reduce the therapeutic effect on tumor through inhibiting the drug efficacy, limiting immune cell infiltration of tumors and accelerating tumor recurrence and metastasis. However, the relationship between oxygen supply and the proliferation of cancer cells is still ambiguous and argued. Different from the current commonly used oxygen supply strategies, this study concentrated on the reduction of endogenous oxygen consumption. Specifically, a novel photosensitizers (IR780) and metformin are packaged in PEG-PCL liposomes. Once such nanoparticles accumulated in tumor tissues, the tumor foci were irradiated through 808 nm laser, generated ROS to further release metformin and IR780. Metformin can directly inhibit the activity of complex Ⅰ in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, thus performed a potent inhibitor of cell respiration. After overcoming tumor hypoxia, the combination of mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermic therapy (PTT) via IR780 may achieve superior synergistically therapeutic efficacy. Benefit from excellent characteristics of IR780, such synergistic PDT PTT with the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration can be monitored through near-infrared/photoacoustic dual-modal imaging. Such a conception of reducing endogenous oxygen consumption may offer a novel way to solve the important puzzles of hypoxia-induced tumor resistance to therapeutic interventions, not limited to phototherapy.
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28
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Terao M, Goracci L, Celestini V, Kurosaki M, Bolis M, Di Veroli A, Vallerga A, Fratelli M, Lupi M, Corbelli A, Fiordaliso F, Gianni M, Paroni G, Zanetti A, Cruciani G, Garattini E. Role of mitochondria and cardiolipins in growth inhibition of breast cancer cells by retinoic acid. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:436. [PMID: 31665044 PMCID: PMC6821005 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background All-trans-retinoic-acid (ATRA) is a promising agent in the prevention/treatment of breast-cancer. There is growing evidence that reprogramming of cellular lipid metabolism contributes to malignant transformation and progression. Lipid metabolism is implicated in cell differentiation and metastatic colonization and it is involved in the mechanisms of sensitivity/resistance to different anti-tumor agents. The role played by lipids in the anti-tumor activity of ATRA has never been studied. Methods We used 16 breast cancer cell-lines whose degree of sensitivity to the anti-proliferative action of ATRA is known. We implemented a non-oriented mass-spectrometry based approach to define the lipidomic profiles of each cell-line grown under basal conditions and following treatment with ATRA. To complement the lipidomic data, untreated and retinoid treated cell-lines were also subjected to RNA-sequencing to define the perturbations afforded by ATRA on the whole-genome gene-expression profiles. The number and functional activity of mitochondria were determined in selected ATRA-sensitive and –resistant cell-lines. Bio-computing approaches were used to analyse the high-throughput lipidomic and transcriptomic data. Results ATRA perturbs the homeostasis of numerous lipids and the most relevant effects are observed on cardiolipins, which are located in the mitochondrial inner membranes and play a role in oxidative-phosphorylation. ATRA reduces the amounts of cardiolipins and the effect is associated with the growth-inhibitory activity of the retinoid. Down-regulation of cardiolipins is due to a reduction of mitochondria, which is caused by an ATRA-dependent decrease in the expression of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. This demonstrates that ATRA anti-tumor activity is due to a decrease in the amounts of mitochondria causing deficits in the respiration/energy-balance of breast-cancer cells. Conclusions The observation that ATRA anti-proliferative activity is caused by a reduction in the respiration and energy balance of the tumor cells has important ramifications for the therapeutic action of ATRA in breast cancer. The study may open the way to the development of rational therapeutic combinations based on the use of ATRA and anti-tumor agents targeting the mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineko Terao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy.,Consortium for Computational Molecular and Materials Sciences (CMS), via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Celestini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Mami Kurosaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bolis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Veroli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Vallerga
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Fratelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Lupi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corbelli
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Fiordaliso
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gianni
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriela Paroni
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Zanetti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy.,Consortium for Computational Molecular and Materials Sciences (CMS), via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Enrico Garattini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via La Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
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Vafaizadeh V, Peuhu E, Mikkola ML, Khaled WT, Bentires-Alj M, Koledova Z. The Eleventh ENBDC Workshop: Advances in Technology Help to Unveil Mechanisms of Mammary Gland Development and Cancerogenesis. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:201-206. [PMID: 31494779 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-019-09436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The eleventh annual workshop of the European Network for Breast Development and Cancer, Methods in mammary gland biology and breast cancer, took place on the 16th to 18th of May 2019 in Weggis, Switzerland. The main topics of the meeting were high resolution genomics and proteomics for the study of mammary gland development and cancer, breast cancer signaling, tumor microenvironment, preclinical models of breast cancer, and tissue morphogenesis. Exciting novel findings in, or highly relevant to, mammary gland biology and breast cancer field were presented, with insights into the methods used to obtain them. Among others, the discussed methods included single-cell RNA sequencing, genetic barcoding, lineage tracing, spatial transcriptomics, optogenetics, genetic mouse models and organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Vafaizadeh
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Peuhu
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Cancer Research Laboratory FICAN West, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Marja L Mikkola
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Walid T Khaled
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mohamed Bentires-Alj
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zuzana Koledova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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30
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Rodriguez D, Ramkairsingh M, Lin X, Kapoor A, Major P, Tang D. The Central Contributions of Breast Cancer Stem Cells in Developing Resistance to Endocrine Therapy in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071028. [PMID: 31336602 PMCID: PMC6678134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) play critical roles in the acquisition of resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (ER + ve) breast cancer (BC). The resistance results from complex alterations involving ER, growth factor receptors, NOTCH, Wnt/β-catenin, hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, and the tumor microenvironment. These mechanisms are likely converged on regulating BCSCs, which then drive the development of endocrine therapy resistance. In this regard, hormone therapies enrich BCSCs in ER + ve BCs under both pre-clinical and clinical settings along with upregulation of the core components of “stemness” transcriptional factors including SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4. SOX2 initiates a set of reactions involving SOX9, Wnt, FXY3D, and Src tyrosine kinase; these reactions stimulate BCSCs and contribute to endocrine resistance. The central contributions of BCSCs to endocrine resistance regulated by complex mechanisms offer a unified strategy to counter the resistance. ER + ve BCs constitute approximately 75% of BCs to which hormone therapy is the major therapeutic approach. Likewise, resistance to endocrine therapy remains the major challenge in the management of patients with ER + ve BC. In this review we will discuss evidence supporting a central role of BCSCs in developing endocrine resistance and outline the strategy of targeting BCSCs to reduce hormone therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- The Hamilton Center for Kidney Research, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Marc Ramkairsingh
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- The Hamilton Center for Kidney Research, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Xiaozeng Lin
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- The Hamilton Center for Kidney Research, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Anil Kapoor
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Pierre Major
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8V 5C2, Canada
| | - Damu Tang
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
- The Research Institute of St Joe's Hamilton, St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada.
- Urological Cancer Center for Research and Innovation (UCCRI), St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada.
- The Hamilton Center for Kidney Research, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada.
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