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Liu Q, Yao F, Wu L, Xu T, Na J, Shen Z, Liu X, Shi W, Zhao Y, Liao Y. Heterogeneity and interplay: the multifaceted role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor and therapeutic strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:2395-2417. [PMID: 38602644 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The journey of cancer development is a multifaceted and staged process. The array of treatments available for cancer varies significantly, dictated by the disease's type and stage. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), prevalent across various cancer types and stages, play a pivotal role in tumor genesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The strategy of concurrently targeting cancer cells and CAFs holds great promise in cancer therapy. In this review, we focus intently on CAFs, delving into their critical role in cancer's progression. We begin by exploring the origins, classification, and surface markers of CAFs. Following this, we emphasize the key cytokines and signaling pathways involved in the interplay between cancer cells and CAFs and their influence on the tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, we examine current therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs. This article underscores the multifarious roles of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment and their potential applications in cancer treatment, highlighting their importance as key targets in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing the efficacy of tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Fei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Liangliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Tianyuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jintong Na
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Yuan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Talia M, Cirillo F, Scordamaglia D, Di Dio M, Zicarelli A, De Rosis S, Miglietta AM, Capalbo C, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Grande F, Rizzuti B, Occhiuzzi MA, Fortino G, Guzzo A, Greco G, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The G Protein Estrogen Receptor (GPER) is involved in the resistance to the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:171. [PMID: 38886784 PMCID: PMC11184778 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cyclin D1-cyclin dependent kinases (CDK)4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy shows remarkable efficacy in the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, resistance to palbociclib frequently arises, highlighting the need to identify new targets toward more comprehensive therapeutic strategies in BC patients. METHODS BC cell lines resistant to palbociclib were generated and used as a model system. Gene silencing techniques and overexpression experiments, real-time PCR, immunoblotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies as well as cell viability, colony and 3D spheroid formation assays served to evaluate the involvement of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the resistance to palbociclib in BC cells. Molecular docking simulations were also performed to investigate the potential interaction of palbociclib with GPER. Furthermore, BC cells co-cultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from mammary carcinoma, were used to investigate whether GPER signaling may contribute to functional cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment toward palbociclib resistance. Finally, by bioinformatics analyses and k-means clustering on clinical and expression data of large cohorts of BC patients, the clinical significance of novel mediators of palbociclib resistance was explored. RESULTS Dissecting the molecular events that characterize ER-positive BC cells resistant to palbociclib, the down-regulation of ERα along with the up-regulation of GPER were found. To evaluate the molecular events involved in the up-regulation of GPER, we determined that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) interacts with the promoter region of GPER and stimulates its expression toward BC cells resistance to palbociclib treatment. Adding further cues to these data, we ascertained that palbociclib does induce pro-inflammatory transcriptional events via GPER signaling in CAFs. Of note, by performing co-culture assays we demonstrated that GPER contributes to the reduced sensitivity to palbociclib also facilitating the functional interaction between BC cells and main components of the tumor microenvironment named CAFs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide novel insights on the molecular events through which GPER may contribute to palbociclib resistance in BC cells. Additional investigations are warranted in order to assess whether targeting the GPER-mediated interactions between BC cells and CAFs may be useful in more comprehensive therapeutic approaches of BC resistant to palbociclib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
- Complex Operative Oncology Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, Cosenza, 87100, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | | | - Giancarlo Fortino
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Antonella Guzzo
- Department of Informatics, Modeling, Electronic, and System Engineering, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Greco
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Cirillo F, Spinelli A, Talia M, Scordamaglia D, Santolla MF, Grande F, Rizzuti B, Maggiolini M, Gérard C, Lappano R. Estetrol/GPER/SERPINB2 transduction signaling inhibits the motility of triple-negative breast cancer cells. J Transl Med 2024; 22:450. [PMID: 38741146 PMCID: PMC11089683 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05269-6] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estetrol (E4) is a natural estrogen produced by the fetal liver during pregnancy. Due to its favorable safety profile, E4 was recently approved as estrogenic component of a new combined oral contraceptive. E4 is a selective ligand of estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ, but its binding to the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) has not been described to date. Therefore, we aimed to explore E4 action in GPER-positive Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cells. METHODS The potential interaction between E4 and GPER was investigated by molecular modeling and binding assays. The whole transcriptomic modulation triggered by E4 in TNBC cells via GPER was explored through high-throughput RNA sequencing analyses. Gene and protein expression evaluations as well as migration and invasion assays allowed us to explore the involvement of the GPER-mediated induction of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (SERPINB2) in the biological responses triggered by E4 in TNBC cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis was aimed at recognizing the biological significance of SERPINB2 in ER-negative breast cancer patients. RESULTS After the molecular characterization of the E4 binding capacity to GPER, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (SERPINB2) is one of the most up-regulated genes by E4 in a GPER-dependent manner. Worthy, we demonstrated that the GPER-mediated increase of SERPINB2 is engaged in the anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects elicited by E4 in TNBC cells. In accordance with these findings, a correlation between SERPINB2 levels and a good clinical outcome was found in ER-negative breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide new insights into the mechanisms through which E4 can halt migratory and invasive features of TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), University of Calabria, Rende, CS, 87036, Italy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy
| | - Céline Gérard
- Mithra Pharmaceutical, Rue Saint-Georges 5, Liège, 4000, Belgium.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036, Italy.
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Wang Z, Zhang Y, Liao Z, Huang M, Shui X. The potential of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as receptors for metabolic changes in tumors. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1328606. [PMID: 38434684 PMCID: PMC10904539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1328606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells can alter their metabolism to meet energy and molecular requirements due to unfavorable environments with oxygen and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, metabolic reprogramming is common in a tumor microenvironment (TME). Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor, which can be activated by many exogenous and endogenous ligands. Multiple AhR ligands can be produced by both TME and tumor cells. By attaching to various ligands, AhR regulates cancer metabolic reprogramming by dysregulating various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. These regulated pathways greatly contribute to cancer cell growth, metastasis, and evading cancer therapies; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we review the relationship between TME and metabolism and describe the important role of AhR in cancer regulation. We also focus on recent findings to discuss the idea that AhR acts as a receptor for metabolic changes in tumors, which may provide new perspectives on the direction of AhR research in tumor metabolic reprogramming and future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Wang
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanqi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihong Liao
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingzhang Huang
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaorong Shui
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Cirillo F, Talia M, Santolla MF, Pellegrino M, Scordamaglia D, Spinelli A, De Rosis S, Giordano F, Muglia L, Zicarelli A, Di Dio M, Rigiracciolo DC, Miglietta AM, Filippelli G, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Lappano R, Maggiolini M. GPER deletion triggers inhibitory effects in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells through the JNK/c-Jun/p53/Noxa transduction pathway. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:353. [PMID: 37749101 PMCID: PMC10520078 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates estrogen action in different pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. GPER expression and signaling have been found to join in the progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), even though controversial data have been reported. In present study, we aimed at providing new mechanistic and biological discoveries knocking out (KO) GPER expression by CRISPR/Cas9 technology in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. GPER KO whole transcriptome respect to wild type (WT) MDA-MB-231 cells was determined through total RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. We ascertained that anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic gene signatures characterize GPER KO MDA-MB-231 cells. Thereafter, we determined that these cells exhibit a reduced proliferative, clonogenic and self-renewal potential along with an increased mitochondria-dependent apoptosis phenotype. In addition, we recognized that decreased cAMP levels trigger the JNK/c-Jun/p53/Noxa axis, which in turn orchestrates the pro-apoptotic effects observed in GPER KO cells. In accordance with these data, survival analyses in TNBC patients of the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset indicated that high Noxa expression correlates with improved outcomes in TNBC patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GPER KO in TNBC cells impairs the expression and secretion of the well-acknowledged GPER target gene named CTGF, thus resulting in the inhibition of migratory effects in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Overall, the present study provides novel mechanistic and biological insights on GPER KO in TNBC cells suggesting that GPER may be considered as a valuable target in comprehensive therapeutic approaches halting TNBC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Marika Di Dio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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Chong ZX, Yong CY, Ong AHK, Yeap SK, Ho WY. Deciphering the roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in regulating carcinogenesis. Toxicology 2023; 495:153596. [PMID: 37480978 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent receptor that belongs to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The activation of the canonical AHR signaling pathway is known to induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, facilitating the detoxification metabolism in the human body. Additionally, AHR could interact with various signaling pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor ekappa B (NF-κβ), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. Over the past 30 years, several studies have reported that various chemical, physical, or biological agents, such as tobacco, hydrocarbon compounds, industrial and agricultural chemical wastes, drugs, UV, viruses, and other toxins, could affect AHR expression or activity, promoting cancer development. Thus, it is valuable to overview how these factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis. Current findings have reported that many compounds could act as AHR ligands to drive the expressions of AHR-target genes, such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, MMPs, and AXL, and other targets that exert a pro-proliferation or anti-apoptotic effect, like XIAP. Furthermore, some other physical and chemical agents, such as UV and 3-methylcholanthrene, could promote AHR signaling activities, increasing the signaling activities of a few oncogenic pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways. Understanding how various factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes helps clinicians and scientists plan personalized therapeutic strategies to improve anti-cancer treatment efficacy. As many studies that have reported the roles of AHR in regulating carcinogenesis are preclinical or observational clinical studies that did not explore the detailed mechanisms of how different chemical, physical, or biological agents promote AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes, future studies should focus on conducting large-scale and functional studies to unravel the underlying mechanism of how AHR interacts with different factors in regulating carcinogenesis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong Chong
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chean Yeah Yong
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Han Kiat Ong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Talia M, Cirillo F, Spinelli A, Zicarelli A, Scordamaglia D, Muglia L, De Rosis S, Rigiracciolo DC, Filippelli G, Perrotta ID, Davoli M, De Rosa R, Macirella R, Brunelli E, Miglietta AM, Nardo B, Tosoni D, Pece S, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The Ephrin tyrosine kinase a3 (EphA3) is a novel mediator of RAGE-prompted motility of breast cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:164. [PMID: 37434266 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor for advanced glycation-end products (RAGE) and its ligands have been implicated in obesity and associated inflammatory processes as well as in metabolic alterations like diabetes. In addition, RAGE-mediated signaling has been reported to contribute to the metastatic progression of breast cancer (BC), although mechanistic insights are still required. Here, we provide novel findings regarding the transcriptomic landscape and the molecular events through which RAGE may prompt aggressive features in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC. METHODS MCF7 and T47D BC cells stably overexpressing human RAGE were used as a model system to evaluate important changes like cell protrusions, migration, invasion and colony formation both in vitro through scanning electron microscopy, clonogenic, migration and invasion assays and in vivo through zebrafish xenografts experiments. The whole transcriptome of RAGE-overexpressing BC cells was screened by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Thereafter, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses allowed the prediction of potential functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Flow cytometry, real time-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and western blot assays were performed to investigate the molecular network involved in the regulation of a novel RAGE target gene namely EphA3. The clinical significance of EphA3 was explored in the TCGA cohort of patients through the survivALL package, whereas the pro-migratory role of EphA3 signaling was ascertained in both BC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Statistical analysis was performed by t-tests. RESULTS RNA-seq findings and GSEA analysis revealed that RAGE overexpression leads to a motility-related gene signature in ER-positive BC cells. Accordingly, we found that RAGE-overexpressing BC cells exhibit long filopodia-like membrane protrusions as well as an enhanced dissemination potential, as determined by the diverse experimental assays. Mechanistically, we established for the first time that EphA3 signaling may act as a physical mediator of BC cells and CAFs motility through both homotypic and heterotypic interactions. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that RAGE up-regulation leads to migratory ability in ER-positive BC cells. Noteworthy, our findings suggest that EphA3 may be considered as a novel RAGE target gene facilitating BC invasion and scattering from the primary tumor mass. Overall, the current results may provide useful insights for more comprehensive therapeutic approaches in BC, particularly in obese and diabetic patients that are characterized by high RAGE levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | | | | | - Ida Daniela Perrotta
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Mariano Davoli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosanna De Rosa
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Bruno Nardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Tosoni
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pece
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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Zárate LV, Miret NV, Nicola Candia AJ, Zappia CD, Pontillo CA, Chiappini FA, Monczor F, Candolfi M, Randi AS. Breast cancer progression and kynurenine pathway enzymes are induced by hexachlorobenzene exposure in a Her2-positive model. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 177:113822. [PMID: 37169060 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113822] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers among women worldwide. Given the evidence that pesticides play an important role in breast cancer, interest has grown in pesticide impact on disease progression. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, promotes triple-negative breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) inhibits cancer motility, while G protein-coupled ER (GPER) modulates the neoplastic transformation. Tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway by indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), with kynurenine signaling activation often predicting worse prognosis in cancer. In this context, we examined the HCB (0.005; 0.05; 0.5 and 5 μM) effect on LM3 cells, a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer model. Results show that HCB increases IDO and TDO mRNA levels and promotes cell viability, proliferation and migration through the AhR pathway. Moreover, HCB boosts mammosphere formation, vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclooxygenase-2 expression and reduces IL-10 levels. For some parameters, U-shaped or inverted U-shaped dose-response curves are shown. HCB alters ER levels, reducing ERβ while increasing GPER. These results demonstrate that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of HCB up-regulates the kynurenine pathway and dysregulates ERβ and GPER levels, collaborating in HER2-positive breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena V Zárate
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminants Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Noelia V Miret
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminants Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Físico-Matemática, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 954, 1er Subsuelo, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alejandro J Nicola Candia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Laboratorio de Inmunoterapia Antitumoral, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - C Daniel Zappia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (UBA-CONICET), Laboratorio de Farmacología de Receptors, Junín 954, Planta Baja, (CP1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina A Pontillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminants Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Florencia A Chiappini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminants Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Federico Monczor
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (UBA-CONICET), Laboratorio de Farmacología de Receptors, Junín 954, Planta Baja, (CP1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marianela Candolfi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Laboratorio de Inmunoterapia Antitumoral, Paraguay 2155, Piso 10, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrea S Randi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminants Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, Piso 5, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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9
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Promising Perspectives of the Antiproliferative GPER Inverse Agonist ERα17p in Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040653. [PMID: 36831322 PMCID: PMC9954065 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The estrogen receptor α (ERα) corresponds to a large platform in charge of the recruitment of a panel of molecules, including steroids and related heterocyclic derivatives, oligonucleotides, peptides and proteins. Its 295-311 region is particularly targeted by post-translational modifications, suggesting that it could be crucial for the control of transcription. In addition to anionic phospholipids, the ERα 295-311 fragment interacts with Ca2+-calmodulin, the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), ERα and possibly importins. More recently, we have demonstrated that it is prone to interacting with the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In light of these observations, the pharmacological profile of the corresponding peptide, namely ERα17p, has been explored in breast cancer cells. Remarkably, it exerts apoptosis through GPER and induces a significant decrease (more than 50%) of the size of triple-negative breast tumor xenografts in mice. Herein, we highlight not only the promising therapeutic perspectives in the use of the first peptidic GPER modulator ERα17p, but also the opportunity to modulate GPER for clinical purposes.
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10
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Hojnik M, Sinreih M, Anko M, Hevir-Kene N, Knific T, Pirš B, Grazio SF, Rižner TL. The Co-Expression of Estrogen Receptors ERα, ERβ, and GPER in Endometrial Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3009. [PMID: 36769338 PMCID: PMC9918160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24033009] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have important roles in endometrial cancer (EC) and exert biological effects through the classical estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ, and the G-protein-coupled ER, GPER. So far, the co-expression of these three types of ERs has not been studied in EC. We investigated ERα, ERβ, GPER mRNA and protein levels, and their intracellular protein distributions in EC tissue and in adjacent control endometrial tissue. Compared to control endometrial tissue, immunoreactivity for ERα in EC tissue was weaker for nuclei with minor, but unchanged, cytoplasmic staining; mRNA and protein levels showed decreased patterns for ERα in EC tissue. For ERβ, across both tissue types, the immunoreactivity was unchanged for nuclei and cytoplasm, although EC tissues again showed lower mRNA and protein levels compared to adjacent control endometrial tissue. The immunoreactivity of GPER as well as mRNA levels of GPER were unchanged across cancer and control endometrial tissues, while protein levels were lower in EC tissue. Statistically significant correlations of estrogen receptor α (ESR1) versus estrogen receptor β (ESR2) and GPER variant 3,4 versus ESR1 and ESR2 was seen at the mRNA level. At the protein level studied with Western blotting, there was significant correlation of ERα versus GPER, and ERβ versus GPER. While in clinical practice the expression of ERα is routinely tested in EC tissue, ERβ and GPER need to be further studied to examine their potential as prognostic markers, provided that specific and validated antibodies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Hojnik
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maša Sinreih
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Anko
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Neli Hevir-Kene
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Knific
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boštjan Pirš
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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11
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Liu Y, Ouyang L, Mao C, Chen Y, Liu N, Chen L, Shi Y, Xiao D, Liu S, Tao Y. Inhibition of RNF182 mediated by Bap promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1009508. [PMID: 36686776 PMCID: PMC9853554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1009508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ubiquitylation that mediated by ubiquitin ligases plays multiple roles not only in proteasome-mediated protein degradation but also in various cellular process including DNA repair, signal transduction and endocytosis. RING finger (RNF) proteins form the majority of these ubiquitin ligases. Recent studies have demonstrated the important roles of RNF finger proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is one of the most common environmental carcinogens causing lung cancer. The molecular mechanism of Bap carcinogenesis remains elusive. Considering the critical roles of RNF proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, we speculate on whether Bap regulates RNF proteins resulting in carcinogenesis. Methods We used GEO analysis to identify the potential RING finger protein family member that contributes to Bap-induced NSCLC. We next used RT-qPCR, Western blot and ChIP assay to investigate the potential mechanism of Bap inhibits RNF182. BGS analyses were used to analyze the methylation level of RNF182. Results Here we reported that the carcinogen Bap suppresses the expression of ring finger protein 182 (RNF182) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which is mediated by abnormal hypermethylation in an AhR independent way and transcriptional regulation in an AhR dependent way. Furthermore, RNF182 exhibits low expression and hypermethylation in tumor tissues. RNF182 also significantly suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cell lines. Conclusion These results demonstrated that Bap inhibits RNF182 expression to promote lung cancer tumorigenesis through activating AhR and promoting abnormal methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Postdoctoral Research Station of Clinical Medicine & Department of Hematology and Critical Care Medicine, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lianlian Ouyang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Mao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanbing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research, Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
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12
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Luo W, Yan Y, Cao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Z. The effects of GPER on age-associated memory impairment induced by decreased estrogen levels. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1097018. [PMID: 37021109 PMCID: PMC10069632 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1097018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen, as a pleiotropic endocrine hormone, not only regulates the physiological functions of peripheral tissues but also exerts vital neuroregulatory effects in the central nervous system (CNS), such as the development of neurons and the formation of neural network connections, wherein rapid estrogen-mediated reactions positively stimulate spinogenesis and regulate synaptic plasticity and synaptic transmission to facilitate cognitive and memory performance. These fast non-genomic effects can be initiated by membrane-bound estrogen receptors (ERs), three best known of which are ERα, ERβ, and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). To date, the effects of ERα and ERβ have been well studied in age-associated memory impairment, whereas there is still a lack of attention to the role of GPER in age-associated memory impairment, and there are still disputes about whether GPER indeed functions as an ER to enhance learning and memory. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of the role of GPER in age-associated memory impairment based on its expression, distribution, and signaling pathways, which might bring some inspiration for translational drugs targeting GPER for age-related diseases and update knowledge on the role of estrogen and its receptor system in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yudie Yan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunpeng Cao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen Zhang, ; Yunpeng Cao, ; Yanbo Zhang,
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Zhen Zhang, ; Yunpeng Cao, ; Yanbo Zhang,
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen Zhang, ; Yunpeng Cao, ; Yanbo Zhang,
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13
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Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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14
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The Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and Its Ligands in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225574. [PMID: 36428667 PMCID: PMC9688153 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex disease which is defined by numerous cellular and molecular markers that can be used to develop more targeted and successful therapies. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is overexpressed in many breast tumor sub-types, including estrogen receptor -positive (ER+) tumors; however, the prognostic value of the AhR for breast cancer patient survival is not consistent between studies. Moreover, the functional role of the AhR in various breast cancer cell lines is also variable and exhibits both tumor promoter- and tumor suppressor- like activity and the AhR is expressed in both ER-positive and ER-negative cells/tumors. There is strong evidence demonstrating inhibitory AhR-Rα crosstalk where various AhR ligands induce ER degradation. It has also been reported that different structural classes of AhR ligands, including halogenated aromatics, polynuclear aromatics, synthetic drugs and other pharmaceuticals, health promoting phytochemical-derived natural products and endogenous AhR-active compounds inhibit one or more of breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration/invasion, and metastasis. AhR-dependent mechanisms for the inhibition of breast cancer by AhR agonists are variable and include the downregulation of multiple genes/gene products such as CXCR4, MMPs, CXCL12, SOX4 and the modulation of microRNA levels. Some AhR ligands, such as aminoflavone, have been investigated in clinical trials for their anticancer activity against breast cancer. In contrast, several publications have reported that AhR agonists and antagonists enhance and inhibit mammary carcinogenesis, respectively, and differences between the anticancer activities of AhR agonists in breast cancer may be due in part to cell context and ligand structure. However, there are reports showing that the same AhR ligand in the same breast cancer cell line gives opposite results. These differences need to be resolved in order to further develop and take advantage of promising agents that inhibit mammary carcinogenesis by targeting the AhR.
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15
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Therachiyil L, Hussein OJ, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cancer and cancer stem cells of gynecological malignancies: An update on signaling pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1186-1202. [PMID: 36252938 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gynecological malignancies are a female type of cancers that affects the reproductive system. Cancer metastasis or recurrence mediated by cellular invasiveness occurs at advanced stages of cancer progression. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) enrichment in tumors leads to chemoresistance, which results in cancer mortality. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with an increased the risk of CSC enrichment in gynecological cancers. One of the important pathways that mediates the metabolism and bioactivation of these environmental chemicals is the transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The present review explores the molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk and interaction of the AhR with cancer-related signaling pathways, such as apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune checkpoints, and G-protein-coupled receptors in several gynecological malignancies such as ovarian, uterine, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The review also discusses the potential of targeting the AhR pathway as a novel chemotherapy for gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ola J Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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16
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Circular RNA circMET contributes to tamoxifen resistance of breast cancer cells by targeting miR-204/AHR signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 627:200-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Benoit L, Jornod F, Zgheib E, Tomkiewicz C, Koual M, Coustillet T, Barouki R, Audouze K, Vinken M, Coumoul X. Adverse outcome pathway from activation of the AhR to breast cancer-related death. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107323. [PMID: 35660951 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) are formalized and structured linear concepts that connect one molecular initiating event (MIE) to an adverse outcome (AO) via different key events (KE) through key event relationships (KER). They are mainly used in eco-toxicology toxicology, and regulatory health issues. AOPs must respond to specific guidelines from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to weight the evidence between each KE. Breast cancer is the deadliest cancer in women with a poor prognosis in case of metastatic breast cancer. The role of the environments in the formation of metastasis has been suggested. We hypothesized that activation of the AhR (MIE), a xenobiotic receptor, could lead to breast cancer related death (AO), through different KEs, constituting a new AOP. An artificial intelligence tool (AOP-helpfinder), which screens the available literature, was used to collect all existing scientific abstracts to build a novel AOP, using a list of key words. Four hundred and seven abstracts were found containing at least a word from our MIE list and either one word from our AO or KE list. A manual curation retained 113 pertinent articles, which were also screened using PubTator. From these analyses, an AOP was created linking the activation of the AhR to breast cancer related death through decreased apoptosis, inflammation, endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, and invasion. These KEs promote an increased tumor growth, angiogenesis and migration which leads to breast cancer metastasis and breast cancer related death. The evidence of the proposed AOP was weighted using the tailored Bradford Hill criteria and the OECD guidelines. The confidence in our AOP was considered strong. An in vitro validation must be carried out, but our review proposes a strong relationship between AhR activation and breast cancer-related death with an innovative use of an artificial intelligence literature search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Benoit
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges-Pompidou, Gynecologic and Breast Oncologic Surgery Department, Paris, France.
| | - Florence Jornod
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Elias Zgheib
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Celine Tomkiewicz
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Meriem Koual
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges-Pompidou, Gynecologic and Breast Oncologic Surgery Department, Paris, France
| | - Thibaut Coustillet
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Robert Barouki
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges-Pompidou, Gynecologic and Breast Oncologic Surgery Department, Paris, France
| | - Karine Audouze
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
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18
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Rizzuti B. Molecular simulations of proteins: From simplified physical interactions to complex biological phenomena. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140757. [PMID: 35051666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulation is the most popular computational technique for investigating the structural and dynamical behaviour of proteins, in search of the molecular basis of their function. Far from being a completely settled field of research, simulations are still evolving to best capture the essential features of the atomic interactions that govern a protein's inner motions. Modern force fields are becoming increasingly accurate in providing a physical description adequate to this purpose, and allow us to model complex biological systems under fairly realistic conditions. Furthermore, the use of accelerated sampling techniques is improving our access to the observation of progressively larger molecular structures, longer time scales, and more hidden functional events. In this review, the basic principles of molecular dynamics simulations and a number of key applications in the area of protein science are summarized, and some of the most important results are discussed. Examples include the study of the structure, dynamics and binding properties of 'difficult' targets, such as intrinsically disordered proteins and membrane receptors, and the investigation of challenging phenomena like hydration-driven processes and protein aggregation. The findings described provide an overall picture of the current state of this research field, and indicate new perspectives on the road ahead to the upcoming future of molecular simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.
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19
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Molecular Characterization of Membrane Steroid Receptors in Hormone-Sensitive Cancers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112999. [PMID: 34831222 PMCID: PMC8616056 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide, and its development is a result of the complex interaction of genetic factors, environmental cues, and aging. Hormone-sensitive cancers depend on the action of one or more hormones for their development and progression. Sex steroids and corticosteroids can regulate different physiological functions, including metabolism, growth, and proliferation, through their interaction with specific nuclear receptors, that can transcriptionally regulate target genes via their genomic actions. Therefore, interference with hormones’ activities, e.g., deregulation of their production and downstream pathways or the exposition to exogenous hormone-active substances such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can affect the regulation of their correlated pathways and trigger the neoplastic transformation. Although nuclear receptors account for most hormone-related biologic effects and their slow genomic responses are well-studied, less-known membrane receptors are emerging for their ability to mediate steroid hormones effects through the activation of rapid non-genomic responses also involved in the development of hormone-sensitive cancers. This review aims to collect pre-clinical and clinical data on these extranuclear receptors not only to draw attention to their emerging role in cancer development and progression but also to highlight their dual role as tumor microenvironment players and potential candidate drug targets.
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20
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Yang S, Yin Z, Zhu G. A review of the functions of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 in vascular and neurological aging. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174363. [PMID: 34297966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging-related diseases, especially vascular and neurological disorders cause huge economic burden. How to delay vascular and neurological aging is one of the insurmountable questions. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) has been extensively investigated in recent years due to its multiple biological responses. In this review, the function of GPER in aging-related diseases represented by vascular diseases, and neurological disorders were discussed. Apart from that, activation of GPER was also found to renovate the aging brain characterized by memory decline, but in a manner different from another two nuclear estrogen receptors estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. This salutary effect would be better clarified from the aspects of synaptic inputs and transmission. Furthermore, we carefully described molecular mechanisms underpinning GPER-mediated effects. This review would update our understanding of GPER in the aging process. Targeting GPER may represent a promising strategy in the aging-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China.
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21
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Yin H, Yu S, Xie Y, Dai X, Dong M, Sheng C, Hu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived exosomes upregulate microRNA-135b-5p to promote colorectal cancer cell growth and angiogenesis by inhibiting thioredoxin-interacting protein. Cell Signal 2021; 84:110029. [PMID: 33932496 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of exosomes in human cancers has been identified, while the effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-derived exosomes (CAF-exos) transmitting microRNAs (miRNAs) on colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unknown. We aim to explore the impact of CAF-derived exosomal miR-135b-5p on CRC progression by targeting thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). METHODS CRC tissues were collected to obtain CAF-exos, which were used to co-culture with LoVo and HT29 cells. The effect of miR-135b-5p and TXNIP on the in vivo growth, in vitro proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of CRC cells. miR-135b-5p and TXNIP expression in exosomes and CRC cells were detected and their targeting relationship was confirmed. RESULTS MiR-135b-5p was upregulated whereas TXNIP was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells. The CAF-exos and CAF-exos upregulating miR-135b-5p promoted in vivo growth, in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion, and suppressed apoptosis of CRC cells, and also promoted the HUVEC angiogenesis. TXNIP was confirmed as a target of miR-135b-5p and overexpression of TXNIP could weaken the pro-CRC effect of exosomal miR-135b-5p, CONCLUSION: CAF-exos upregulate miR-135b-5p to promote CRC cell growth and angiogenesis by inhibiting TXNIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yin
- Ultrasonic diagnosis center, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China; Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315000, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangyang Xie
- Endoscopy center, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Dai
- Department of Anus & Intestine Sugery, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingjun Dong
- Department of Anus & Intestine Sugery, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China
| | - Changrui Sheng
- Ultrasonic diagnosis center, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Hu
- Ultrasonic diagnosis center, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China.
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22
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Qie Y, Qin W, Zhao K, Liu C, Zhao L, Guo LH. Environmental Estrogens and Their Biological Effects through GPER Mediated Signal Pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116826. [PMID: 33706245 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many environmental chemicals have been found to exert estrogenic effects in cells and experimental animals by activating nuclear receptors such as estrogen receptors and estrogen-related receptors. These compounds include bisphenols, pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate flame retardants, phthalates and metalloestrogens. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) exists widely in numerous cells/tissues of human and other vertebrates. A number of studies have demonstrated that GPER plays a vital role in mediating the estrogenic effects of environmental pollutants. Even at very low concentrations, these chemicals may activate GPER pathways, thus affect many aspects of cellular functions including proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis, resulting in cancer progression, cardiovascular disorders, and reproductive dysfunction. This review summarized the environmental occurrence and human exposure levels of these pollutants, and integrated current experimental evidence toward revealing the underlying mechanisms of pollutant-induced cellular dysfunction via GPER. The GPER mediated rapid non-genomic actions play an important role in the process leading to the adverse effects observed in experimental animals and even in human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Keda Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310007, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, People's Republic of China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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23
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D’Arrigo G, Gianquinto E, Rossetti G, Cruciani G, Lorenzetti S, Spyrakis F. Binding of Androgen- and Estrogen-Like Flavonoids to Their Cognate (Non)Nuclear Receptors: A Comparison by Computational Prediction. Molecules 2021; 26:1613. [PMID: 33799482 PMCID: PMC8001607 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are plant bioactives that are recognized as hormone-like polyphenols because of their similarity to the endogenous sex steroids 17β-estradiol and testosterone, and to their estrogen- and androgen-like activity. Most efforts to verify flavonoid binding to nuclear receptors (NRs) and explain their action have been focused on ERα, while less attention has been paid to other nuclear and non-nuclear membrane androgen and estrogen receptors. Here, we investigate six flavonoids (apigenin, genistein, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin, and resveratrol) that are widely present in fruits and vegetables, and often used as replacement therapy in menopause. We performed comparative computational docking simulations to predict their capability of binding nuclear receptors ERα, ERβ, ERRβ, ERRγ, androgen receptor (AR), and its variant ART877A and membrane receptors for androgens, i.e., ZIP9, GPRC6A, OXER1, TRPM8, and estrogens, i.e., G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER). In agreement with data reported in literature, our results suggest that these flavonoids show a relevant degree of complementarity with both estrogen and androgen NR binding sites, likely triggering genomic-mediated effects. It is noteworthy that reliable protein-ligand complexes and estimated interaction energies were also obtained for some suggested estrogen and androgen membrane receptors, indicating that flavonoids could also exert non-genomic actions. Further investigations are needed to clarify flavonoid multiple genomic and non-genomic effects. Caution in their administration could be necessary, until the safe assumption of these natural molecules that are largely present in food is assured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia D’Arrigo
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (G.D.); (E.G.)
| | - Eleonora Gianquinto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (G.D.); (E.G.)
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9) and Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5) “Computational Biomedicine”, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Jülich Supercomputing Center (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH, Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy; (G.D.); (E.G.)
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24
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Vogel CFA, Lazennec G, Kado SY, Dahlem C, He Y, Castaneda A, Ishihara Y, Vogeley C, Rossi A, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Jugan J, Mori H, Borowsky AD, La Merrill MA, Sweeney C. Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer Development. Front Immunol 2021; 12:625346. [PMID: 33763068 PMCID: PMC7982668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through environmental exposure to known human carcinogens including dioxins can lead to the promotion of breast cancer. While the repressor protein of the AhR (AhRR) blocks the canonical AhR pathway, the function of AhRR in the development of breast cancer is not well-known. In the current study we examined the impact of suppressing AhR activity using its dedicated repressor protein AhRR. AhRR is a putative tumor suppressor and is silenced in several cancer types, including breast, where its loss correlates with shorter patient survival. Using the AhRR transgenic mouse, we demonstrate that AhRR overexpression opposes AhR-driven and inflammation-induced growth of mammary tumors in two different murine models of breast cancer. These include a syngeneic model using E0771 mammary tumor cells as well as the Polyoma Middle T antigen (PyMT) transgenic model. Further AhRR overexpression or knockout of AhR in human breast cancer cells enhanced apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics and inhibited the growth of mouse mammary tumor cells. This study provides the first in vivo evidence that AhRR suppresses mammary tumor development and suggests that strategies which lead to its functional restoration and expression may have therapeutic benefit.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/genetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/genetics
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Etoposide/pharmacology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- MCF-7 Cells
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/genetics
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Time Factors
- Tumor Burden
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph F. A. Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Sarah Y. Kado
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Carla Dahlem
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yi He
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alejandro Castaneda
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Christian Vogeley
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Juliann Jugan
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Hidetoshi Mori
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alexander D. Borowsky
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Huang S, Luo S, Gong C, Liang L, Xiao Y, Li M, He J. MTTL3 upregulates microRNA-1246 to promote occurrence and progression of NSCLC via targeting paternally expressed gene 3. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:542-553. [PMID: 33898106 PMCID: PMC8059086 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to investigate the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) regulating microRNA-1246 (miR-1246) in the progression of NSCLC by targeting paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3). METTL3, miR-1246, and PEG3 expression in tissues was assessed, and the predictive role of METTL3 in prognosis of patients with NSCLC was detected. NSCLC cells were relatively treated with altered expression of METTL3, miR-1246, or PEG3 to measure their roles in the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and in vivo growth of the NSCLC cells. The RNA m6A level was determined, and the targeting relationship between miR-1246 and PEG3 was confirmed. Our results revealed that METTL3 and miR-1246 were upregulated, whereas PEG3 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues. METTL3 knockdown or PEG3 overexpression in NSCLC cells suppressed malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells. METTL3 affected the m6A modification of miR-1246, thus upregulating miR-1246 and miR-1246-targeted PEG3. The elevation of PEG3 reversed the effects of miR-1246 upregulation on NSCLC cells. This study revealed that m6A methyltransferase METTL3 affects the m6A modification of miR-1246, thus upregulating miR-1246 to promote NSCLC progression by inhibiting PEG3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohong Huang
- Department of Thoracocardiac Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaoning Luo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Chulian Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Limin Liang
- Department of Thoracocardiac Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Thoracocardiac Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingan Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinyuan He
- Department of Thoracocardiac Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, China
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26
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Vella V, De Francesco EM, Lappano R, Muoio MG, Manzella L, Maggiolini M, Belfiore A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Breast Cancer Metastasis: Focus on the Crucial Interplay Between Estrogen and Insulin/Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:608412. [PMID: 33364239 PMCID: PMC7753049 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.608412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of the great majority of breast cancers (BCs) are mainly dependent on the biological action elicited by estrogens through the classical estrogen receptor (ER), as well as the alternate receptor named G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In addition to estrogens, other hormones and growth factors, including the insulin and insulin-like growth factor system (IIGFs), play a role in BC. IIGFs cooperates with estrogen signaling to generate a multilevel cross-communication that ultimately facilitates the transition toward aggressive and life-threatening BC phenotypes. In this regard, the majority of BC deaths are correlated with the formation of metastatic lesions at distant sites. A thorough scrutiny of the biological and biochemical events orchestrating metastasis formation and dissemination has shown that virtually all cell types within the tumor microenvironment work closely with BC cells to seed cancerous units at distant sites. By establishing an intricate scheme of paracrine interactions that lead to the expression of genes involved in metastasis initiation, progression, and virulence, the cross-talk between BC cells and the surrounding microenvironmental components does dictate tumor fate and patients’ prognosis. Following (i) a description of the main microenvironmental events prompting BC metastases and (ii) a concise overview of estrogen and the IIGFs signaling and their major regulatory functions in BC, here we provide a comprehensive analysis of the most recent findings on the role of these transduction pathways toward metastatic dissemination. In particular, we focused our attention on the main microenvironmental targets of the estrogen-IIGFs interplay, and we recapitulated relevant molecular nodes that orientate shared biological responses fostering the metastatic program. On the basis of available studies, we propose that a functional cross-talk between estrogens and IIGFs, by affecting the BC microenvironment, may contribute to the metastatic process and may be regarded as a novel target for combination therapies aimed at preventing the metastatic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Muoio
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (A.O.U.) Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
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Lappano R, Talia M, Cirillo F, Rigiracciolo DC, Scordamaglia D, Guzzi R, Miglietta AM, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Sims AH, Maggiolini M. The IL1β-IL1R signaling is involved in the stimulatory effects triggered by hypoxia in breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:153. [PMID: 32778144 PMCID: PMC7418191 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01667-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Hypoxia plays a relevant role in tumor-related inflammation toward the metastatic spread and cancer aggressiveness. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-β) and its cognate receptor IL1R1 contribute to the initiation and progression of breast cancer determining pro-tumorigenic inflammatory responses. The transcriptional target of the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) namely the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates a feedforward loop coupling IL-1β induction by breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to IL1R1 expression by breast cancer cells toward the regulation of target genes and relevant biological responses. Methods In order to ascertain the correlation of IL-β with HIF-1α and further hypoxia-related genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, a bioinformatics analysis was performed using the information provided by The Invasive Breast Cancer Cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) datasets. Gene expression correlation, statistical analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were carried out with R studio packages. Pathway enrichment analysis was evaluated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. TNBC cells and primary CAFs were used as model system. The molecular mechanisms implicated in the regulation of IL-1β by hypoxia toward a metastatic gene expression profile and invasive properties were assessed performing gene and protein expression studies, PCR arrays, gene silencing and immunofluorescence analysis, co-immunoprecipitation and ChiP assays, ELISA, cell spreading, invasion and spheroid formation. Results We first determined that IL-1β expression correlates with the levels of HIF-1α as well as with a hypoxia-related gene signature in TNBC patients. Next, we demonstrated that hypoxia triggers a functional liaison among HIF-1α, GPER and the IL-1β/IL1R1 signaling toward a metastatic gene signature and a feed-forward loop of IL-1β that leads to proliferative and invasive responses in TNBC cells. Furthermore, we found that the IL-1β released in the conditioned medium of TNBC cells exposed to hypoxic conditions promotes an invasive phenotype of CAFs. Conclusions Our data shed new light on the role of hypoxia in the activation of the IL-1β/IL1R1 signaling, which in turn triggers aggressive features in both TNBC cells and CAFs. Hence, our findings provide novel evidence regarding the mechanisms through which the hypoxic tumor microenvironment may contribute to breast cancer progression and suggest further targets useful in more comprehensive therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rita Guzzi
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrew H Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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28
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Grande F, Occhiuzzi MA, Lappano R, Cirillo F, Guzzi R, Garofalo A, Jacquot Y, Maggiolini M, Rizzuti B. Computational Approaches for the Discovery of GPER Targeting Compounds. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:517. [PMID: 32849301 PMCID: PMC7417359 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens exert a panel of biological activities mainly through the estrogen receptors α and β, which belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Diverse studies have shown that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER, previously known as GPR30) also mediates the multifaceted effects of estrogens in numerous pathophysiological events, including neurodegenerative, immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders and the progression of different types of cancer. In particular, GPER is implicated in hormone-sensitive tumors, albeit diverse issues remain to be deeply investigated. As such, this receptor may represent an appealing target for therapeutics in different diseases. The yet unavailable complete GPER crystallographic structure, and its relatively low sequence similarity with the other members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, hamper the possibility to discover compounds able to modulate GPER activity. Consequently, a reliable molecular model of this receptor is required for the design of suitable ligands. To date, convergent approaches involving structure-based drug design and virtual ligand screening have led to the identification of several GPER selective ligands, thus providing important information regarding its mode of action and function. In this survey, we summarize results obtained through computer-aided techniques devoted to the assessment of GPER ligands toward their usefulness in innovative treatments of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria A. Occhiuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rita Guzzi
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonio Garofalo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Yves Jacquot
- Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments (CiTCoM), CNRS UMR 8038, INSERM U1268, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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29
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Zhu P, Yu H, Zhou K, Bai Y, Qi R, Zhang S. 3,3'-Diindolylmethane modulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition through repressing RhoA/ROCK1-mediated COX2/PGE 2 pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:113. [PMID: 32546278 PMCID: PMC7298755 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01618-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive tumors in the world. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has been reported to promote tumor metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital process of conferring cancer cells capabilities of migration and invasion. However, the mechanism by which modulation of AHR can inhibit tumor metastasis remains unknown. Thus, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanism regarding reversing EMT process of ESCC through modulation of AHR. METHODS We used AHR selective modulator 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) to treat ESCC cell lines TE1 and KYSE150 so as to examine alterations of migration and invasion by wound healing and Transwell assay. Western blotting (WB) and qPCR were performed to detect relative genes and proteins changes regarding EMT process. Cell transfection was utilized for confirming pathways involved in DIM-induced reversal of EMT and in vivo assay was conducted for verification of the underlying mechanism. Co-IP assay was conducted for detecting protein-protein interactions. RESULTS AHR was overexpressed in ESCC and modulation of AHR by DIM could inhibit migration and invasion as well as downregulate mesenchymal cell markers β-Catenin, Vimentin and Slug and upregulate epithelial cell marker Claudin-1. Meanwhile, synergically overexpression of AHR, RhoA and ROCK1 correlated with poor clinical outcomes. DIM could inhibit COX2/PGE2 pathway by targeting AHR, and COX2 selective inhibitor Celecoxib could suppress EMT and metastasis. Results of PGE2 treatment were opposite to that of Celecoxib. Meanwhile, blockade of RhoA/ROCK1 pathway also exerted prohibitive effects on EMT and metastasis. WB results showed COX2/PGE2 pathway could be regulated by RhoA/ROCK1 pathway and DIM could inhibit RhoA/ROCK1 pathway through modulation of AHR. In vivo assay verified the results in vitro. Co-IP results showed DIM could modulate AHR to reverse EMT directly through inhibition of interaction between AHR and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) so as to block RhoA/ROCK1-mediated COX2/PGE2 pathway which was connected by NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS In brief, modulation of AHR by DIM can reverse EMT process and inhibit metastasis of ESCC through repressing RhoA/ROCK1-mediated COX2/PGE2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyao Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Huayun Yu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Medical School, Shandong University, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Ruiqun Qi
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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30
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Donini CF, El Helou M, Wierinckx A, Győrffy B, Aires S, Escande A, Croze S, Clezardin P, Lachuer J, Diab-Assaf M, Ghayad SE, Fervers B, Cavaillès V, Maguer-Satta V, Cohen PA. Long-Term Exposure of Early-Transformed Human Mammary Cells to Low Doses of Benzo[a]pyrene and/or Bisphenol A Enhances Their Cancerous Phenotype via an AhR/GPR30 Interplay. Front Oncol 2020; 10:712. [PMID: 32670863 PMCID: PMC7326103 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is of utmost importance to decipher the role of chronic exposure to low doses of environmental carcinogens on breast cancer progression. The early-transformed triple-negative human mammary MCF10AT1 cells were chronically (60 days) exposed to low doses (10−10 M) of Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a genotoxic agent, and/or Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor. Our study revealed that exposed MCF10AT1 cells developed, in a time-dependent manner, an acquired phenotype characterized by an increase in cancerous properties (anchorage independent growth and stem-like phenotype). Co-exposure of MCF10AT1 cells to B[a]P and BPA led to a significantly greater aggressive phenotype compared to B[a]P or BPA alone. This study provided new insights into the existence of a functional interplay between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) by which chronic and low-dose exposure of B[a]P and/or BPA fosters the progression of MCF10AT1 cells into a more aggressive substage. Experiments using AhR or GPR30 antagonists, siRNA strategies, and RNAseq analysis led us to propose a model in which AhR signaling plays a “driver role” in the AhR/GPR30 cross-talk in mediating long-term and low-dose exposure of B[a]P and/or BPA. Retrospective analysis of two independent breast cancer cohorts revealed that the AhR/GPR30 mRNA expression signature resulted in poor breast cancer prognosis, in particular in the ER-negative and the triple-negative subtypes. Finally, the study identified targeting AhR and/or GPR30 with specific antagonists as a strategy capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis associated with chronic exposure to low doses of B[a]P and BPA in MCF10AT1 cells. Altogether, our results indicate that the engagement of both AhR and GPR30 functions, in particular in an ER-negative/triple-negative context of breast cells, favors tumor progression and leads to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina F Donini
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Département Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Myriam El Helou
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Faculty of sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Anne Wierinckx
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University and TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sophie Aires
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France
| | | | - Séverine Croze
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France
| | | | - Joël Lachuer
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Béatrice Fervers
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Département Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cavaillès
- IRCM - Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Pascale A Cohen
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,CRCL-Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon-Inserm U1052-CNRS U5286, Lyon, France.,Département Cancer et Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,ProfileXpert, SFR-Est, CNRS UMR-S3453, INSERM US7, Lyon, France.,INSERM, UMR1033 LYOS, Lyon, France
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31
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Lappano R, Rigiracciolo DC, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, De Francesco EM. Cancer associated fibroblasts: role in breast cancer and potential as therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:559-572. [PMID: 32249708 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1751819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the largest population of stromal cells in breast tumors. Emerging evidence has suggested that CAFs are important players not only in fostering tumor growth and spread but also in altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents. On the basis of these observations, huge efforts have been made to exploit CAFs as potential targets for breast cancer therapy.Areas covered: The current understanding of the hallmarks and biology of CAFs, their multilayered interplay with various cell populations of breast tumor microenvironment toward cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and resistance to anticancer therapies are discussed. In addition, a comprehensive overview of the CAFs-based molecular druggable targets in breast tumors is provided. The most relevant literature, in particular the studies retrieved in Medline in the last 10 years, served for this purpose.Expert opinion: The interest on CAFs as a target to fight breast cancer has becoming a hot topic for drug discovery. Indeed, several CAFs-targeted approaches are emerging as appealing therapeutic strategies in breast cancer. At pre-clinical level, this research field is speedily advancing toward the assessment of successful tactics targeting CAFs in breast cancer. Therefore, anti-CAFs therapies may display an intriguing potential to be exploited in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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Shu C, Zha H, Long H, Wang X, Yang F, Gao J, Hu C, Zhou L, Guo B, Zhu B. C3a-C3aR signaling promotes breast cancer lung metastasis via modulating carcinoma associated fibroblasts. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:11. [PMID: 31931851 PMCID: PMC6958674 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1515-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Mounting evidence suggests that complement components promote tumor progression via modulating immune suppression, angiogenesis, or tumor cell proliferation. However, the role of C3a-C3aR signaling in regulating lung metastasis of breast cancer remains unknown. Methods We performed various ex-vivo and in-vivo assays. Genetic and pharmacological C3aR blockade models were applied to investigate the role of C3a-C3aR in metastasis of breast cancer. Results C3a-C3aR signaling in CAFs facilitates the metastasis of breast cancer. Mechanically, C3a-C3aR signaling augments pro-metastatic cytokine secretion and extracellular matrix components expression of CAFs via the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling. Genetic or pharmacological blockade of C3aR signaling effectively inhibited lung metastasis of breast cancer in mouse models. Conclusions C3a-C3aR signaling in CAFs facilitates the metastasis of breast cancer. Targeting C3aR signaling is a potential anti-metastasis strategy for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Shu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Zha
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, 100088, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Long
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Yang
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbao Gao
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Hu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Guo
- Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518101, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Zhu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.
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Périan S, Vanacker JM. GPER as a Receptor for Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:545. [PMID: 32973678 PMCID: PMC7466721 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals that interfere with endogenous hormonal systems at various levels, resulting in adverse health effects. EDCs belong to diverse chemical families and can accumulate in the environment, diet and body fluids, with different levels of persistence. Their action can be mediated by several receptors, including members of the nuclear receptor family, such as estrogen and androgen receptors. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a seven-transmembrane domain receptor, has also attracted attention as a potential target of EDCs. This review summarizes our current knowledge concerning GPER as a mediator of EDCs' effects.
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