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Liang Z, Ge Y, Li J, Bai Y, Xiao Z, Yan R, An G, Zhang D. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway offer a promising therapeutic strategy for cholangiocarcinoma patients with high doublecortin-like kinase 1 expression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:342. [PMID: 38980538 PMCID: PMC11233391 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05875-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), characterized by high heterogeneity and extreme malignancy, has a poor prognosis. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) promotes a variety of malignant cancers in their progression. Targeting DCLK1 or its associated regulatory pathways can prevent the generation and deterioration of several malignancies. However, the role of DCLK1 in CCA progression and its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether and how DCLK1 contributes to CCA progression. METHODS The expression of DCLK1 in CCA patients was detected using Immunohistochemistry (IHC). We established DCLK1 knockout and DCLK1 overexpression cell lines for Colony Formation Assay and Transwell experiments to explore the tumor-promoting role of DCLK1. RT-PCR, Western blot and multiple fluorescent staining were used to assess the association between DCLK1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify the underlying mechanisms by which DCLK1 regulates CCA progression and the EMT program. RESULTS DCLK1 was overexpressed in CCA tissues and was associated with poor prognosis. DCLK1 overexpression facilitated CCA cell invasion, migration, and proliferation, whereas DCLK1 knockdown reversed the malignant tendencies of CCA cells, which had been confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DCLK1 was substantially linked to the advancement of the EMT program, which included the overexpression of mesenchymal markers and the downregulation of epithelial markers. For the underlying mechanism, we proposed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is the key process for the role of DCLK1 in tumor progression and the occurrence of the EMT program. When administered with LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the tumor's ability to proliferate, migrate, and invade was greatly suppressed, and the EMT process was generally reversed. CONCLUSIONS DCLK1 facilitates the malignant biological behavior of CCA cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In individuals with cholangiocarcinoma who express DCLK1 at high levels, inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may be an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Liang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Yang Ge
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jianjian Li
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yunting Bai
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Zeru Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Guangyu An
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Donglei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu Road, Chaoyang Dist., Beijing, 100020, China.
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Mohamed AH, Ahmed AT, Al Abdulmonem W, Bokov DO, Shafie A, Al-Hetty HRAK, Hsu CY, Alissa M, Nazir S, Jamali MC, Mudhafar M. Interleukin-6 serves as a critical factor in various cancer progression and therapy. Med Oncol 2024; 41:182. [PMID: 38900329 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02422-5] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, plays a crucial role in host immune defense and acute stress responses. Moreover, it modulates various cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and differentiation. These effects are facilitated by various signaling pathways, particularly the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). However, excessive IL-6 production and dysregulated signaling are associated with various cancers, promoting tumorigenesis by influencing all cancer hallmarks, such as apoptosis, survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis, and notably, metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that selective inhibition of the IL-6 signaling pathway yields therapeutic benefits across diverse malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, prostate, colorectal, renal, ovarian, and lung cancers. Targeting key components of IL-6 signaling, such as IL-6Rs, gp130, STAT3, and JAK via monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or small molecules, is a heavily researched approach in preclinical cancer studies. The purpose of this study is to offer an overview of the role of IL-6 and its signaling pathway in various cancer types. Furthermore, we discussed current preclinical and clinical studies focusing on targeting IL-6 signaling as a therapeutic strategy for various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma'a H Mohamed
- Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technologies, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babil, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
| | - Abdulrahman T Ahmed
- Department of Nursing, Al-Maarif University College, Ramadi, AL-Anbar Governorate, Iraq.
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dmitry Olegovich Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy named after A.P. Nelyubin, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8 Trubetskaya St., bldg. 2, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119991
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, 2/14 Ustyinsky pr., Moscow, Russian Federation, 109240
| | - Alaa Shafie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Chou-Yi Hsu
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Mohammed Alissa
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Nazir
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammad Chand Jamali
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Liwa College, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mustafa Mudhafar
- Department of Medical Physics, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Kerbala, Karbala, 56001, Iraq
- Department of Anesthesia Techniques and Intensive Care, Al-Taff University College, Kerbala, 56001, Iraq
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Moore LL, Qu D, Sureban S, Mitchell S, Pitts K, Cooper N, Fazili J, Harty R, Oseini A, Ding K, Bronze M, Houchen CW. From Inflammation to Oncogenesis: Tracing Serum DCLK1 and miRNA Signatures in Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6481. [PMID: 38928187 PMCID: PMC11203803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126481] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC are often a consequence of persistent inflammation. However, the transition mechanisms from a normal liver to fibrosis, then cirrhosis, and further to HCC are not well understood. This study focused on the role of the tumor stem cell protein doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in the modulation of molecular factors in fibrosis, cirrhosis, or HCC. Serum samples from patients with hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC were analyzed via ELISA or NextGen sequencing and were compared with control samples. Differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs (miRNA) identified from these patient sera were correlated with DCLK1 expression. We observed elevated serum DCLK1 levels in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC patients; however, TGF-β levels were only elevated in fibrosis and cirrhosis. While DE miRNAs were identified for all three disease states, miR-12136 was elevated in fibrosis but was significantly increased further in cirrhosis. Additionally, miR-1246 and miR-184 were upregulated when DCLK1 was high, while miR-206 was downregulated. This work distinguishes DCLK1 and miRNAs' potential role in different axes promoting inflammation to tumor progression and may serve to identify biomarkers for tracking the progression from pre-neoplastic states to HCC in chronic liver disease patients as well as provide targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Moore
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Sripathi Sureban
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Stephanie Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Kamille Pitts
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Nasya Cooper
- Department of Natural Sciences, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA;
| | - Javid Fazili
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Richard Harty
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Abdul Oseini
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Michael Bronze
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Sipos F, Műzes G. Colonic Tuft Cells: The Less-Recognized Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6209. [PMID: 38892399 PMCID: PMC11172904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuft cells are more than guardian chemosensory elements of the digestive tract. They produce a variety of immunological effector molecules in response to stimulation; moreover, they are essential for defense against protozoa and nematodes. Beyond the description of their characteristics, this review aims to elucidate the potential pathogenic and therapeutic roles of colonic tuft cells in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, focusing on their primarily immunomodulatory action. Regarding inflammatory bowel disease, tuft cells are implicated in both maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and in tissue repair and regeneration processes. In addition to maintaining intestinal homeostasis, they display complex immune-regulatory functions. During the development of colorectal cancer, tuft cells can promote the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, alter the gastrointestinal microenvironment, and modulate both the anti-tumor immune response and the tumor microenvironment. A wide variety of their biological functions can be targeted for anti-inflammatory or anti-tumor therapies; however, the adverse side effects of immunomodulatory actions must be strictly considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Sipos
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Györgyi Műzes
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y. Transcriptional regulation of cancer stem cell: regulatory factors elucidation and cancer treatment strategies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:99. [PMID: 38561775 PMCID: PMC10986082 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first discovered in the 1990s, revealing the mysteries of cancer origin, migration, recurrence and drug-resistance from a new perspective. The expression of pluripotent genes and complex signal regulatory networks are significant features of CSC, also act as core factors to affect the characteristics of CSC. Transcription is a necessary link to regulate the phenotype and potential of CSC, involving chromatin environment, nucleosome occupancy, histone modification, transcription factor (TF) availability and cis-regulatory elements, which suffer from ambient pressure. Especially, the expression and activity of pluripotent TFs are deeply affected by both internal and external factors, which is the foundation of CSC transcriptional regulation in the current research framework. Growing evidence indicates that regulating epigenetic modifications to alter cancer stemness is effective, and some special promoters and enhancers can serve as targets to influence the properties of CSC. Clarifying the factors that regulate CSC transcription will assist us directly target key stem genes and TFs, or hinder CSC transcription through environmental and other related factors, in order to achieve the goal of inhibiting CSC and tumors. This paper comprehensively reviews the traditional aspects of transcriptional regulation, and explores the progress and insights of the impact on CSC transcription and status through tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, metabolism and new meaningful regulatory factors in conjunction with the latest research. Finally, we present opinions on omnidirectional targeting CSCs transcription to eliminate CSCs and address tumor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Jin X, Wang J, Wang Z, Pang W, Chen Y, Yang L. Chromatin-modifying protein 4C (CHMP4C) affects breast cancer cell growth and doxorubicin resistance as a potential breast cancer therapeutic target. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2024; 77:93-101. [PMID: 37993600 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is one of the common malignancies among women. Doxorubicin (Dox), a type of anthracycline anti-tumor drug, is a first-line chemotherapy drug for BCa. It is badly needed to effectively reverse BCa resistance to Dox and improve the clinical symptoms of BCa. Chromatin Modification protein 4C (CHMP4C) is a subunit of the endosomal sorting complex and is expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm. CHMP4C has been shown to be overexpressed in multiple types of cancers. However, its possible effects on the progression and drug resistance of BCa are still unclear. In this study, we found CHMP4C was highly expressed in BCa tissues and promoted cell proliferation. In addition, CHMP4C promoted resistance of BCa cells to Dox through targeting Snail. We further found that knockdown of CHMP4C inhibited tumor growth and enhanced sensitivity to Dox in vivo. We therefore thought CHMP4C could serve as a target for decreasing BCa drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Jin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Zhengyi Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Wenyang Pang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China.
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Ilari A, Cogliati V, Sherif N, Grassilli E, Ramazzotti D, Cordani N, Cazzaniga G, Di Bella C, Lavitrano M, Cazzaniga ME, Cerrito MG. Differential Expression of NOTCH-1 and Its Molecular Targets in Response to Metronomic Followed by Conventional Therapy in a Patient with Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:272. [PMID: 38397874 PMCID: PMC10886740 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A group of 27 patients diagnosed with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) was randomly distributed into two groups and underwent different lines of metronomic treatment (mCHT). The former group (N 14) received first-line mCHT and showed a higher overall survival rate than the second group (N 13), which underwent second-line mCHT. Analysis of one patient still alive from the first group, diagnosed with mTNBC in 2019, showed a complete metabolic response (CMR) after a composite approach implicating first-line mCHT followed by second-line epirubicin and third-line nab-paclitaxel, and was chosen for subsequent molecular characterization. We found altered expression in the cancer stemness-associated gene NOTCH-1 and its corresponding protein. Additionally, we found changes in the expression of oncogenes, such as MYC and AKT, along with their respective proteins. Overall, our data suggest that a first-line treatment with mCHT followed by MTD might be effective by negatively regulating stemness traits usually associated with the emergence of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Ilari
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Viola Cogliati
- Phase 1 Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Noorhan Sherif
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Emanuela Grassilli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Daniele Ramazzotti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Nicoletta Cordani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Giorgio Cazzaniga
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (G.C.); (C.D.B.)
| | - Camillo Di Bella
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy; (G.C.); (C.D.B.)
| | - Marialuisa Lavitrano
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Marina Elena Cazzaniga
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
- Phase 1 Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Cerrito
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20900 Monza, Italy; (A.I.); (N.S.); (E.G.); (D.R.); (N.C.); (M.L.); (M.E.C.)
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Ye L, Liu B, Huang J, Zhao X, Wang Y, Xu Y, Wang S. DCLK1 and its oncogenic functions: A promising therapeutic target for cancers. Life Sci 2024; 336:122294. [PMID: 38007147 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a significant constituent of the protein kinase superfamily and the doublecortin family, has been recognized as a prooncogenic factor that exhibits a strong association with the malignant progression and clinical prognosis of various cancers. DCLK1 serves as a stem cell marker that governs tumorigenesis, tumor cell reprogramming, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Multiple studies have indicated the capable of DCLK1 in regulating the DNA damage response and facilitating DNA damage repair. Additionally, DCLK1 is involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment and the promotion of tumor immune evasion. Recently, DCLK1 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for a multitude of cancers. Several small-molecule inhibitors of DCLK1 have been identified. Nevertheless, the biological roles of DCLK1 are mainly ambiguous, particularly with the disparities between its α- and β-form transcripts in the malignant progression of cancers, which impedes the development of more precisely targeted drugs. This article focuses on tumor stem cells, tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the DNA damage response, and the tumor microenvironment to provide a comprehensive overview of the association between DCLK1 and tumor malignant progression, address unsolved questions and current challenges, and project future directions for targeting DCLK1 for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jingling Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Yungen Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Shuping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
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Moore LL, Houchen CW. Epigenetic Landscape and Therapeutic Implication of Gene Isoforms of Doublecortin-Like Kinase 1 for Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16407. [PMID: 38003596 PMCID: PMC10671580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant strides have been made in understanding cancer biology, the enhancement in patient survival is limited, underscoring the urgency for innovative strategies. Epigenetic modifications characterized by hereditary shifts in gene expression without changes to the DNA sequence play a critical role in producing alternative gene isoforms. When these processes go awry, they influence cancer onset, growth, spread, and cancer stemness. In this review, we delve into the epigenetic and isoform nuances of the protein kinase, doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1). Recognized as a hallmark of tumor stemness, DCLK1 plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, and DCLK1 isoforms, shaped by alternative promoter usage and splicing, can reveal potential therapeutic touchpoints. Our discussion centers on recent findings pertaining to the specific functions of DCLK1 isoforms and the prevailing understanding of its epigenetic regulation via its two distinct promoters. It is noteworthy that all DCLK1 isoforms retain their kinase domain, suggesting that their unique functionalities arise from non-kinase mechanisms. Consequently, our research has pivoted to drugs that specifically influence the epigenetic generation of these DCLK1 isoforms. We posit that a combined therapeutic approach, harnessing both the epigenetic regulators of specific DCLK1 isoforms and DCLK1-targeted drugs, may prove more effective than therapies that solely target DCLK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Moore
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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