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Sevimli TS, Ghorbani A, Gakhiyeva F, Cevizlidere BD, Sevimli M. Boric Acid Alters the Expression of DNA Double Break Repair Genes in MCF-7-Derived Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:3980-3987. [PMID: 38087035 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer pathology ranks second in mortality among women worldwide due to the resistance of cancer stem cells in tumor tissue to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and their effective DNA damage response system (DDR). Targeting the expression of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair genes in breast cancer stem cells (BC-SCs) is essential for facilitating their elimination with conventional therapies. This study aims to investigate the effects of boric acid (BA) on the expression of DNA DSB repair genes in BC-SCs, which has not been studied in the literature before. BS-SCs were isolated by the MACS method and characterized by flow cytometry. The effects of BA on BC-SCs' DNA DSB repair genes were deciphered by cell viability assay, inverted microscopy, and RT-qPCR. While the expression of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 was upregulated, the expression of the ATM (p < 0.001), RAD51 (p < 0.001), and KU70 (p < 0.001) was downregulated in dose-treated BC-SCs (p < 0.001) to the qPCR results. Consequently, BA affects some of the DNA DSB repair genes of breast cancer stem cells. Findings from this study could provide new insights into the potential therapeutic application of BA in BC-SC elimination and cancer intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Semerci Sevimli
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey.
- Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey.
| | - Aynaz Ghorbani
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey
| | - Fidan Gakhiyeva
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey
| | - Bahar Demir Cevizlidere
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Production, Application, and Research Center (ESTEM), Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey
| | - Murat Sevimli
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey
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Wu Y, Li Z, Lee AV, Oesterreich S, Luo B. Liver tropism of ER mutant breast cancer is characterized by unique molecular changes and immune infiltration. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 205:371-386. [PMID: 38427312 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hotspot estrogen receptor alpha (ER/ESR1) mutations are recognized as the driver for both endocrine resistance and metastasis in advanced ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer, but their contributions to metastatic organ tropism remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we aim to comprehensively profile the organotropic metastatic pattern for ESR1 mutant breast cancer. METHODS The organ-specific metastatic pattern of ESR1 mutant breast cancer was delineated using multi-omics data from multiple publicly available cohorts of ER+ metastatic breast cancer patients. Gene mutation/copy number variation (CNV) and differential gene expression analyses were performed to identify the genomic and transcriptomic alterations uniquely associated with ESR1 mutant liver metastasis. Upstream regulator, downstream pathway, and immune infiltration analysis were conducted for subsequent mechanistic investigations. RESULTS ESR1 mutation-driven liver tropism was revealed by significant differences, encompassing a higher prevalence of liver metastasis in patients with ESR1 mutant breast cancer and an enrichment of mutations in liver metastatic samples. The significant enrichment of AGO2 copy number amplifications (CNAs) and multiple gene expression changes were revealed uniquely in ESR1 mutant liver metastasis. We also unveiled alterations in downstream signaling pathways and immune infiltration, particularly an enrichment of neutrophils, suggesting potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. CONCLUSION Our data provide a comprehensive characterization of the behaviors and mechanisms of ESR1 mutant liver metastasis, paving the way for the development of personalized therapy to target liver metastasis for patients with ESR1 mutant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zheqi Li
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China.
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Ma Q, Ye S, Liu H, Zhao Y, Zhang W. The emerging role and mechanism of HMGA2 in breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:259. [PMID: 38753081 PMCID: PMC11098884 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is a member of the non-histone chromosomal high mobility group (HMG) protein family, which participate in embryonic development and other biological processes. HMGA2 overexpression is associated with breast cancer (BC) cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, HMGA2 expression is positively associated with poor prognosis of patients with BC, and inhibiting HMGA2 signaling can stimulate BC cell progression and metastasis. In this review, we focus on HMGA2 expression changes in BC tissues and multiple BC cell lines. Wnt/β-catenin, STAT3, CNN6, and TRAIL-R2 proteins are upstream mediators of HMGA2 that can induce BC invasion and metastasis. Moreover, microRNAs (miRNAs) can suppress BC cell growth, invasion, and metastasis by inhibiting HMGA2 expression. Furthermore, long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) and circular RNAs (CircRNAs) mainly regulate HMGA2 mRNA and protein expression levels by sponging miRNAs, thereby promoting BC development. Additionally, certain small molecule inhibitors can suppress BC drug resistance by reducing HMGA2 expression. Finally, we summarize findings demonstrating that HMGA2 siRNA and HMGA2 siRNA-loaded nanoliposomes can suppress BC progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ma
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sisi Ye
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Liu
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Emergency Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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4
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Bamodu OA, Chung CC, Pisanic TR, Wu ATH. The intricate interplay between cancer stem cells and cell-of-origin of cancer: implications for therapeutic strategies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1404628. [PMID: 38800385 PMCID: PMC11116576 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1404628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as pivotal players in tumorigenesis, disease progression, and resistance to therapies. Objective This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between CSCs and the cell-of-origin in diverse cancer types. Design Comprehensive review of thematically-relevant literature. Methods We explore the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive the conversion of normal cells into CSCs and the impact of the cell-of-origin on CSC properties, tumor initiation, and therapeutic responses. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting CSCs based on their distinct cell-of-origin characteristics. Results Accruing evidence suggest that the cell-of-origin, the cell type from which the tumor originates, plays a crucial role in determining the properties of CSCs and their contribution to tumor heterogeneity. Conclusion By providing critical insights into the complex interplay between CSCs and their cellular origins, this article aims to enhance our understanding of cancer biology and pave the way for more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Adebayo Bamodu
- Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, School of Clinical Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chen-Chih Chung
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Medical University - Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University - Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Thomas R. Pisanic
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology - Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alexander T. H. Wu
- The Program for Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yoon H, Sabaté Del Río J, Cho SW, Park TE. Recent advances in micro-physiological systems for investigating tumor metastasis and organotropism. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1351-1366. [PMID: 38303676 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01033c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis involves complex processes that traditional 2D cultures and animal models struggle to fully replicate. Metastatic tumors undergo a multitude of transformations, including genetic diversification, adaptation to diverse microenvironments, and modified drug responses, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality. Micro-physiological systems (MPS) technology emerges as a promising approach to emulate the metastatic process by integrating critical biochemical, biomechanical, and geometrical cues at a microscale. These systems are particularly advantageous simulating metastasis organotropism, the phenomenon where tumors exhibit a preference for metastasizing to particular organs. Organotropism is influenced by various factors, such as tumor cell characteristics, unique organ microenvironments, and organ-specific vascular conditions, all of which can be effectively examined using MPS. This review surveys the recent developments in MPS research from the past five years, with a specific focus on their applications in replicating tumor metastasis and organotropism. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations in MPS-based studies of organotropism and propose strategies for more accurately replicating and analyzing the intricate aspects of organ-specific metastasis, which is pivotal in the development of targeted therapeutic approaches against metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jonathan Sabaté Del Río
- Center for Algorithmic and Robotized Synthesis (CARS), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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Xiao J, Qiu S, Ma Q, Bai S, Guo X, Wang L. Near-infrared dye IRDye800CW-NHS coupled to Trastuzumab for near-infrared II fluorescence imaging in tumor xenograft models of HER-2-positive breast cancer. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:10738-10746. [PMID: 37929679 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01486j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Near-infrared II fluorescent probes targeting tumors for diagnostic purposes have received much attention in recent years. In this study, a fluorescent probe for the NIR-II was constructed by using IRDye800CW-NHS fluorescent dye with Trastuzumab, which was investigated for its ability to target HER-2-positive breast cancer in xenograft mice models. This probe was compared with Trastuzumab-ICG which was synthesized using a similar structure, ICG-NHS. The results demonstrated that the IRDye800CW-NHS had significantly stronger fluorescence in the NIR-I and NIR-II than ICG-NHS in the aqueous phase. And the different metabolic modes of IRDye800CW-NHS and ICG-NHS were revealed in bioimaging experiments. IRDye800CW-NHS was mainly metabolised by the kidneys, while ICG-NHS was mainly metabolised by the liver. After coupling with Trastuzumab, Trastuzumab-800CW (TMR = 5.35 ± 0.39) not only had a stronger tumor targeting ability than Trastuzumab-ICG (TMR = 4.42 ± 0.10) based on the calculated maximum tumor muscle ratio (TMR), but also had a comparatively lower hepatic uptake and faster metabolism. Histopathology analysis proved that both fluorescent probes were non-toxic to various organ tissues. These results reveal the excellent optical properties of IRDye800CW-NHS, and the great potential of coupling with antibodies to develop fluorescent probes that will hopefully be applied to intraoperative breast cancer navigation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, People's Republic of China.
| | - Siqi Qiu
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Breast Diseases, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou 515041, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Qiufeng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, People's Republic of China.
| | - Silan Bai
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinrong Guo
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lishi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, People's Republic of China.
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Wang GZ, Yang LH, Gao C. SEPTIN3 Promotes Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via Activating Wnt Pathway. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:4155-4164. [PMID: 37720177 PMCID: PMC10505033 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s419827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a lack of targeted therapies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), necessitating the search for novel targets. Patients with TNBC exhibit elevated expression of neuron-specific septin-3 (SEPTIN3), leading to poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the modulation of SEPTIN3 expression in TNBC cells. Methods The relative expression levels of SEPTIN3 in TNBC tissues and cell lines were determined using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. We generated lentivirally transduced TNBC cell lines so such that SEPTIN3 was overexpressed or knocked down. Next, the effect of SEPTIN3 on the biological behavior of TNBC cells was detected using a series of functional assays, including CCK8, colony formation, scratch, and transwell assays. We monitored the tumorigenicity of SEPTIN3 overexpressed cells and performed Ki-67 immunostaining in mice. The mechanism mediated by SEPTIN3 was studied using functional enrichment analysis and Western blotting. Results Protein and mRNA expression levels of SEPTIN3 were observed to be increased in TNBC tissues and cell lines. SEPTIN3 knockdown reduced cell growth, invasion, and migration, whereas SEPTIN3 overexpression exerted the opposite effects. SEPTIN3 was observed to favor cell growth and tumorigenicity in vivo. In addition, SEPTIN3 promoted TNBC cell aggressiveness and proliferation via activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusion SEPTIN3 emerged as an oncogene that accelerates tumor progression by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Zhou Wang
- Department of Breast Tumor Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei Province, 435000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Hua Yang
- Department of Breast Tumor Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei Province, 435000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of General Practitioner, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei Province, 435000, People’s Republic of China
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Wang Y, Wang R, Liu X, Liu M, Sun L, Pan X, Hu H, Jiang B, Zou Y, Liu Q, Gong Y, Wang M, Sun G. Chemotherapy-induced executioner caspase activation increases breast cancer malignancy through epigenetic de-repression of CDH12. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:34. [PMID: 37355711 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer relapse and metastasis are major obstacles for effective treatment. One important mechanism to eliminate cancer cells is to induce apoptosis. Activation of executioner caspases is the key step in apoptosis and was considered "a point of no return". However, in recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that cells can survive executioner caspase activation in response to apoptotic stimuli through a process named anastasis. Here we show that breast cancer cells that have survived through anastasis (anastatic cells) after exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs acquire enhanced proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, cadherin 12 (CDH12) is persistently upregulated in anastatic cells and promotes breast cancer malignancy via activation of ERK and CREB. Moreover, we demonstrate that executioner caspase activation induced by chemotherapeutic drugs results in loss of DNA methylation and repressive histone modifications in the CDH12 promoter region, leading to increased CDH12 expression. Our work unveils the mechanism underlying anastasis-induced enhancement in breast cancer malignancy, offering new therapeutic targets for preventing post-chemotherapy cancer relapse and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaohe Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Menghao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Huili Hu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Department of Systems Biomedicine and Research Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Baichun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yongxin Zou
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Molin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Gongping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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Wang R, Xu K, Chen Q, Hu Q, Zhang J, Guan X. Cuproptosis engages in c-Myc-mediated breast cancer stemness. J Transl Med 2023; 21:409. [PMID: 37353799 PMCID: PMC10288777 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a distinguished hallmark of cancer, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to this malignant characteristic. Therefore, it is of great significance to investigate and even target the regulatory factors driving intra-tumoral stemness. c-Myc is a vital oncogene frequently overexpressed or amplified in various cancer types, including breast cancer. Our previous study indicated its potential association with breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) biomarkers. METHODS In this research, we performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining on sixty breast cancer surgical specimens for c-Myc, CD44, CD24, CD133 and ALDH1A1. Then, we analyzed transcriptomic atlas of 1533 patients with breast cancer from public database. RESULTS IHC staining indicated the positive correlation between c-Myc and BCSC phenotype. Then, we used bioinformatic analysis to interrogate transcriptomics data of 1533 breast cancer specimens and identified an intriguing link among c-Myc, cancer stemness and copper-induced cell death (also known as "cuproptosis"). We screened out cuproptosis-related characteristics that predicts poor clinical outcomes and found that the pro-tumoral cuproptosis-based features were putatively enriched in MYC-targets and showed a significantly positive correlation with cancer stemness. CONCLUSION In addition to previous reports on its oncogenic roles, c-Myc showed significant correlation to stemness phenotype and copper-induced cell toxicity in breast cancer tissues. Moreover, transcriptomics data demonstrated that pro-tumoral cuproptosis biomarkers had putative positive association with cancer stemness. This research combined clinical samples with large-scale bioinformatic analysis, covered description and deduction, bridged classic oncogenic mechanisms to innovative opportunities, and inspired the development of copper-based nanomaterials in targeting highly heterogeneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runtian Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kun Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qin Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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10
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Wong GL, Manore SG, Doheny DL, Lo HW. STAT family of transcription factors in breast cancer: Pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:84-106. [PMID: 35995341 PMCID: PMC9714692 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) promote metastasis and therapeutic resistance contributing to tumor relapse. Through activating genes important for BCSCs, transcription factors contribute to breast cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance, including the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors. The STAT family consists of six major isoforms, STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, and STAT6. Canonical STAT signaling is activated by the binding of an extracellular ligand to a cell-surface receptor followed by STAT phosphorylation, leading to STAT nuclear translocation and transactivation of target genes. It is important to note that STAT transcription factors exhibit diverse effects in breast cancer; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic while others maintain dual, context-dependent roles. Among the STAT transcription factors, STAT3 is the most widely studied STAT protein in breast cancer for its critical roles in promoting BCSCs, breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Consequently, there have been substantial efforts in developing cancer therapeutics to target breast cancer with dysregulated STAT3 signaling. In this comprehensive review, we will summarize the diverse roles that each STAT family member plays in breast cancer pathobiology, as well as, the opportunities and challenges in pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L Wong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sara G Manore
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Daniel L Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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11
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Advances in Biomarkers and Endogenous Regulation of Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192941. [PMID: 36230903 PMCID: PMC9562239 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Even if breast cancer patients initially respond to treatment, developed resistance can lead to a poor prognosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a group of undifferentiated cells with self-renewal and multipotent differentiation characteristics. Existing evidence has shown that CSCs are one of the determinants that contribute to the heterogeneity of primary tumors. The emergence of CSCs causes tumor recurrence, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Previous studies indicated that different stemness-associated surface markers can identify other breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) subpopulations. Deciphering the critical signaling networks that are involved in the induction and maintenance of stemness is essential to develop novel BCSC-targeting strategies. In this review, we reviewed the biomarkers of BCSCs, critical regulators of BCSCs, and the signaling networks that regulate the stemness of BCSCs.
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Yuan M, Chen D, Sun H, Wang X, Wan D. Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast with leptomeninges metastasis: A case report and literature review. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221118505. [PMID: 36069002 PMCID: PMC9459456 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221118505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (NECB) is a rare tumour with an incident rate of 0.3-0.5%. The most common metastatic sites of NECB are liver, bones, lung, pancreas, soft tissues and brain, while leptomeninges metastasis (LM) is reported rarely. This current case report describes a 50-year-old female patient with NECB and LM whose overall survival was 2 months. The report also presents the current literature regarding the knowledge of this unusual tumour and metastatic type. The current patient was diagnosed with NECB with right cerebellar metastasis, followed by LM. She underwent modified radical mastectomy of the left breast, left whole breast radiation therapy and incomplete adjuvant chemotherapy until the metastasis occurred. Whole-brain radiation therapy and a first-line salvage regimen of etoposide and cis-platinum were then undertaken. The patient died 2 months after their LM diagnosis. Primary NECB with LM is sporadic, devoid of effective treatment and associated with a poor prognosis. Consequently, it is vitally important to identify LM in order to achieve longer patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Yuan
- Department of Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Chen
- Department of Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongliang Sun
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuhong Wang
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Donggui Wan
- Department of Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Bennett C, Carroll C, Wright C, Awad B, Park JM, Farmer M, Brown E(B, Heatherly A, Woodard S. Breast Cancer Genomics: Primary and Most Common Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133046. [PMID: 35804819 PMCID: PMC9265113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific genomic alterations have been found in primary breast cancer involving driver mutations that result in tumorigenesis. Metastatic breast cancer, which is uncommon at the time of disease onset, variably impacts patients throughout the course of their disease. Both the molecular profiles and diverse genomic pathways vary in the development and progression of metastatic breast cancer. From the most common metastatic site (bone), to the rare sites such as orbital, gynecologic, or pancreatic metastases, different levels of gene expression indicate the potential involvement of numerous genes in the development and spread of breast cancer. Knowledge of these alterations can, not only help predict future disease, but also lead to advancement in breast cancer treatments. This review discusses the somatic landscape of breast primary and metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bennett
- Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (C.B.); (C.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Caleb Carroll
- Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (C.B.); (C.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Cooper Wright
- Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (C.B.); (C.C.); (C.W.)
| | - Barbara Awad
- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA;
| | - Jeong Mi Park
- Department of Radiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35249, USA;
| | - Meagan Farmer
- Department of Genetics, Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.F.); (A.H.)
| | - Elizabeth (Bryce) Brown
- Laboratory Genetics Counselor, UAB Medical Genomics Laboratory, Kaul Human Genetics Building, 720 20th Street South, Suite 332, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Alexis Heatherly
- Department of Genetics, Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.F.); (A.H.)
| | - Stefanie Woodard
- Department of Radiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35249, USA;
- Correspondence:
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