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Leuci R, Brunetti L, Tufarelli V, Cerini M, Paparella M, Puvača N, Piemontese L. Role of copper chelating agents: between old applications and new perspectives in neuroscience. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:751-762. [PMID: 38886940 PMCID: PMC11433910 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00140] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of copper element has been an increasingly relevant topic in recent years in the fields of human and animal health, for both the study of new drugs and innovative food and feed supplements. This metal plays an important role in the central nervous system, where it is associated with glutamatergic signaling, and it is widely involved in inflammatory processes. Thus, diseases involving copper (II) dyshomeostasis often have neurological symptoms, as exemplified by Alzheimer's and other diseases (such as Parkinson's and Wilson's diseases). Moreover, imbalanced copper ion concentrations have also been associated with diabetes and certain types of cancer, including glioma. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive overview of recent results that show the importance of these metal ions in several pathologies, mainly Alzheimer's disease, through the lens of the development and use of copper chelators as research compounds and potential therapeutics if included in multi-target hybrid drugs. Seeing how copper homeostasis is important for the well-being of animals as well as humans, we shortly describe the state of the art regarding the effects of copper and its chelators in agriculture, livestock rearing, and aquaculture, as ingredients for the formulation of feed supplements as well as to prevent the effects of pollution on animal productions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Leuci
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tufarelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), Section of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Cerini
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Paparella
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nikola Puvača
- Department of Engineering Management in Biotechnology, Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management in Novi Sad, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Luca Piemontese
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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2
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Rouaen JRC, Salerno A, Shai-Hee T, Murray JE, Castrogiovanni G, McHenry C, Jue TR, Pham V, Bell JL, Poursani E, Valli E, Cazzoli R, Damstra N, Nelson DJ, Stevens KLP, Chee J, Slapetova I, Kasherman M, Whan R, Lin F, Cochran BJ, Tedla N, Veli FC, Yuksel A, Mayoh C, Saletta F, Mercatelli D, Chtanova T, Kulasinghe A, Catchpoole D, Cirillo G, Biro M, Lode HN, Luciani F, Haber M, Gray JC, Trahair TN, Vittorio O. Copper chelation redirects neutrophil function to enhance anti-GD2 antibody therapy in neuroblastoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:10462. [PMID: 39668192 PMCID: PMC11638255 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54689-x] [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: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) antibody therapy has provided clinical benefit to patients with neuroblastoma however efficacy is likely impaired by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We have previously defined a link between intratumoral copper levels and immune evasion. Here, we report that adjuvant copper chelation potentiates anti-GD2 antibody therapy to confer durable tumor control in immunocompetent models of neuroblastoma. Mechanistic studies reveal copper chelation creates an immune-primed tumor microenvironment through enhanced infiltration and activity of Fc-receptor-bearing cells, specifically neutrophils which are emerging as key effectors of antibody therapy. Moreover, we report copper sequestration by neuroblastoma attenuates neutrophil function which can be successfully reversed using copper chelation to increase pro-inflammatory effector functions. Importantly, we repurpose the clinically approved copper chelating agent Cuprior as a non-toxic, efficacious immunomodulatory strategy. Collectively, our findings provide evidence for the clinical testing of Cuprior as an adjuvant to enhance the activity of anti-GD2 antibody therapy and improve outcomes for patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jourdin R C Rouaen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonietta Salerno
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tyler Shai-Hee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jayne E Murray
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giulia Castrogiovanni
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charlotte McHenry
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Toni Rose Jue
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vu Pham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Lilian Bell
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ensieh Poursani
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emanuele Valli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cazzoli
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Naomi Damstra
- Institute for Respiratory Health, National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Delia J Nelson
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Kofi L P Stevens
- Institute for Respiratory Health, National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chee
- Institute for Respiratory Health, National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Iveta Slapetova
- Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Kasherman
- Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Renee Whan
- Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Francis Lin
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Blake J Cochran
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicodemus Tedla
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Feyza Colakoglu Veli
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science Node, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aysen Yuksel
- Tumour Bank, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Federica Saletta
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniele Mercatelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tatyana Chtanova
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- Tumour Bank, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia, Single Molecule Science Node, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Holger N Lode
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fabio Luciani
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Juliet C Gray
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Toby N Trahair
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Orazio Vittorio
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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3
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Li J, Xie B, Wang H, Wang Q, Wu Y. Investigating MATN3 and ASPN as novel drivers of gastric cancer progression via EMT pathways. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:2035-2050. [PMID: 39301785 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae129] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets. This study investigates the roles of MATN3 and ASPN in GC progression via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas-Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) dataset revealed that both MATN3 and ASPN are significantly upregulated in GC tissues and correlate with poor patient survival. Protein-protein interaction and co-expression analyses confirmed a direct interaction between MATN3 and ASPN, suggesting their synergistic role in EMT activation. Functional assays demonstrated that MATN3 promotes GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its knockdown inhibits these malignant behaviors and induces apoptosis. ASPN overexpression further amplified these oncogenic effects. In vivo, studies in a mouse model corroborated that co-overexpression of MATN3 and ASPN enhances tumor growth and metastasis. These findings highlight the MATN3-ASPN axis as a potential therapeutic target in GC, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving GC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 1055, Sanxiang Road, Suzhou 215004, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Oncological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Longzihu District, Bengbu 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Department of Oncological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Longzihu District, Bengbu 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Department of Oncological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Longzihu District, Bengbu 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - QingKang Wang
- Department of Oncological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Longzihu District, Bengbu 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - YongYou Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 1055, Sanxiang Road, Suzhou 215004, Jiangsu Province, China
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4
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Squitti R, Tondolo V, Pal A, Rizzo G, Arijit S, Mehboob H, di Veroli L, Catalano P, Ventura MD, Mastromoro G, Rossi L, Rongioletti M, De Luca A. Copper Dysmetabolism is Connected to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: A Pilot Study in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04440-w. [PMID: 39557817 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04440-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most diagnosed cancers worldwide, whose risk of mortality is associated with the development of metastases to the liver, lungs, and peritoneum. Of note, CRC is highly dependent on copper to sustain its proliferation and aggressiveness. Copper acts not only as a pivotal cofactor for several cuproproteins but also as an allosteric modulator of kinases essential to fulfill the epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), the main mechanism driving cancer cell spreading. System biology identified the APP and SOD1 genes among the top 10 genes shared between CRC and copper metabolism, as confirmed by the upregulation of the protein/mRNA levels of APP observed in CRC tissues. The significant increase of copper found in the sera of CRC patients was paralleled by a strong reduction of copper in the CRC tissues, in agreement with the decreased level of the high-affinity copper transporter CTR1 mRNA (SLC31A1) and LOXL2. As expected, in CRC tissues the mesenchymal marker fibronectin was significantly increased, whereas vimentin and vinculin protein levels were decreased compared to adjacent healthy mucosa. Interestingly, correlation analysis showed an interconnection between vinculin and both CCS and APP. A positive correlation was also observed between APP mRNA and both CDH1 and SOD1 mRNAs. Overall, we demonstrate a correlation between cell copper imbalance and CRC progression via EMT. The results obtained lay the scientific basis for further investigation to describe the kinetics of copper dysregulation during CRC progression and to identify the main cuproproteins involved in the modulation of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Squitti
- Department of Laboratory Science, Research and Development Division, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Viale Massenzio Masia, 26, 22100, Como, Novedrate, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Tondolo
- Digestive and Colorectal Surgery, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Amit Pal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani, 741245, India
| | - Gianluca Rizzo
- Digestive and Colorectal Surgery, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Samanta Arijit
- Applied Bio-Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, 700160, India
| | - Hoque Mehboob
- Applied Bio-Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, 700160, India
| | - Laura di Veroli
- Department of Laboratory Science, Research and Development Division, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Catalano
- Department of Laboratory Science, Research and Development Division, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Della Ventura
- Department of Laboratory Science, Research and Development Division, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Mastromoro
- Department of Laboratory Science, Research and Development Division, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Rongioletti
- Department of Laboratory Science, Research and Development Division, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186, Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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5
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Focaccio A, Rossi L, De Luca A. A spotlight on the role of copper in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Life Sci 2024; 354:122972. [PMID: 39142503 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The complex process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in several biological settings, encompassing embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. In recent years, a bulk of research has brought to light the key role of copper, a trace element with essential functions in cellular metabolism, cancer initiation and progression. Indeed, copper, besides functioning as cofactor of enzymes required for essential cellular processes, such as energy production and oxidation reactions, has emerged as an allosteric regulator of kinases whose activity is required to fulfill cancer dissemination through the EMT. In this comprehensive review, we try to describe the intricate relationship between the transition metal copper and EMT, spanning from the earliest foundational studies to the latest advancements. Our aim is to shed light on the multifaceted roles undertaken by copper in EMT in cancer and to unveil the diverse mechanisms by which copper homeostasis exerts its influence over EMT regulators, signaling pathways, cell metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors ultimately contributing to the spread of cancer. Therefore, this review not only may contribute to a deeper comprehension of copper-mediated mechanisms in EMT but also supports the hypothesis that targeting copper may contribute to counteract the progression of EMT-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Focaccio
- PhD School in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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6
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Pham VVH, Jue TR, Bell JL, Luciani F, Michniewicz F, Cirillo G, Vahdat L, Mayoh C, Vittorio O. A novel network-based method identifies a cuproplasia-related pan-cancer gene signature to predict patient outcome. Hum Genet 2024; 143:1145-1162. [PMID: 38642129 PMCID: PMC11485146 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02673-2] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a vital micronutrient involved in many biological processes and is an essential component of tumour cell growth and migration. Copper influences tumour growth through a process called cuproplasia, defined as abnormal copper-dependent cell-growth and proliferation. Copper-chelation therapy targeting this process has demonstrated efficacy in several clinical trials against cancer. While the molecular pathways associated with cuproplasia are partially known, genetic heterogeneity across different cancer types has limited the understanding of how cuproplasia impacts patient survival. Utilising RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) datasets, we generated gene regulatory networks to identify the critical cuproplasia-related genes across 23 different cancer types. From this, we identified a novel 8-gene cuproplasia-related gene signature associated with pan-cancer survival, and a 6-gene prognostic risk score model in low grade glioma. These findings highlight the use of gene regulatory networks to identify cuproplasia-related gene signatures that could be used to generate risk score models. This can potentially identify patients who could benefit from copper-chelation therapy and identifies novel targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Viet Hoang Pham
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Toni Rose Jue
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Lilian Bell
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabio Luciani
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Filip Michniewicz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Linda Vahdat
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center: Lebanon, New Hampshire, US
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Orazio Vittorio
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
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7
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Ross MO, Xie Y, Owyang RC, Ye C, Zbihley ONP, Lyu R, Wu T, Wang P, Karginova O, Olopade OI, Zhao M, He C. PTPN2 copper-sensing relays copper level fluctuations into EGFR/CREB activation and associated CTR1 transcriptional repression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6947. [PMID: 39138174 PMCID: PMC11322707 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50524-5] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluxes in human copper levels recently garnered attention for roles in cellular signaling, including affecting levels of the signaling molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate. We herein apply an unbiased temporal evaluation of the signaling and whole genome transcriptional activities modulated by copper level fluctuations to identify potential copper sensor proteins responsible for driving these activities. We find that fluctuations in physiologically relevant copper levels modulate EGFR signal transduction and activation of the transcription factor CREB. Both intracellular and extracellular assays support Cu1+ inhibition of the EGFR phosphatase PTPN2 (and potentially PTPN1)-via ligation to the PTPN2 active site cysteine side chain-as the underlying mechanism. We additionally show i) copper supplementation drives weak transcriptional repression of the copper importer CTR1 and ii) CREB activity is inversely correlated with CTR1 expression. In summary, our study reveals PTPN2 as a physiological copper sensor and defines a regulatory mechanism linking feedback control of copper stimulated EGFR/CREB signaling and CTR1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Ross
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Yuan Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan C Owyang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chang Ye
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olivia N P Zbihley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ruitu Lyu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pingluan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olga Karginova
- Department of Medicine, Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olufunmilayo I Olopade
- Department of Medicine, Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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8
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Fredlund E, Andersson S, Hilgert E, Monferrer E, Álvarez-Hernán G, Karakaya S, Loontiens S, Bek JW, Gregor T, Lecomte E, Magnusson E, Miltenyte E, Cabirol M, Kyknas M, Engström N, Henriksson MA, Hammarlund E, Rosenblum JS, Noguera R, Speleman F, van Nes J, Mohlin S. MOXD1 is a lineage-specific gene and a tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado1583. [PMID: 38905335 PMCID: PMC11192077 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a childhood developmental cancer; however, its embryonic origins remain poorly understood. Moreover, in-depth studies of early tumor-driving events are limited because of the lack of appropriate models. Herein, we analyzed RNA sequencing data obtained from human neuroblastoma samples and found that loss of expression of trunk neural crest-enriched gene MOXD1 associates with advanced disease and worse outcome. Further, by using single-cell RNA sequencing data of human neuroblastoma cells and fetal adrenal glands and creating in vivo models of zebrafish, chick, and mouse, we show that MOXD1 is a determinate of tumor development. In addition, we found that MOXD1 expression is highly conserved and restricted to mesenchymal neuroblastoma cells and Schwann cell precursors during healthy development. Our findings identify MOXD1 as a lineage-restricted tumor-suppressor gene in neuroblastoma, potentiating further stratification of these tumors and development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Fredlund
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stina Andersson
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elien Hilgert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ezequiel Monferrer
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Álvarez-Hernán
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sinan Karakaya
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Siebe Loontiens
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Willem Bek
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tomas Gregor
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Estelle Lecomte
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Magnusson
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Enrika Miltenyte
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie Cabirol
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michail Kyknas
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niklas Engström
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie Arsenian Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum B7, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Hammarlund
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jared S. Rosenblum
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rosa Noguera
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Frank Speleman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johan van Nes
- Department of Oncogenomics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sofie Mohlin
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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9
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Zhang F, Wei D, Xie S, Ren L, Qiao S, Li L, Ji J, Fan Z. CircZCCHC2 decreases pirarubicin sensitivity and promotes triple-negative breast cancer development via the miR-1200/TPR axis. iScience 2024; 27:109057. [PMID: 38361605 PMCID: PMC10867422 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has attracted attention due to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The mechanisms underlying the association between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and the occurrence and development of TNBC remain unclear. CircZCCHC2 is observed to be upregulated in TNBC cells, tissues, and plasma exosomes. Knockdown of circZCCHC2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Pirarubicin (THP) treatment downregulated circZCCHC2, and circZCCHC2 affected the sensitivity to THP. CircZCCHC2/miR-1200/translocated promoter region, the nuclear basket protein (TPR) pathway was cascaded and verified. It is demonstrated that circZCCHC2 plays a crucial role in the malignant progression of TNBC via the miR-1200/TPR axis, thereby activating the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway. The present results indicate that circZCCHC2 has the potential to serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Dexian Wei
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Shishun Xie
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Liqun Ren
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Sennan Qiao
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Liying Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Jiahua Ji
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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10
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Cazzoli R, Zamborlin A, Ermini ML, Salerno A, Curcio M, Nicoletta FP, Iemma F, Vittorio O, Voliani V, Cirillo G. Evolving approaches in glioma treatment: harnessing the potential of copper metabolism modulation. RSC Adv 2023; 13:34045-34056. [PMID: 38020008 PMCID: PMC10661684 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra06434d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The key properties and high versatility of metal nanoparticles have shed new perspectives on cancer therapy, with copper nanoparticles gaining great interest because of the ability to couple the intrinsic properties of metal nanoparticles with the biological activities of copper ions in cancer cells. Copper, indeed, is a cofactor involved in different metabolic pathways of many physiological and pathological processes. Literature data report on the use of copper in preclinical protocols for cancer treatment based on chemo-, photothermal-, or copper chelating-therapies. Copper nanoparticles exhibit anticancer activity via multiple routes, mainly involving the targeting of mitochondria, the modulation of oxidative stress, the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and the modulation of immune response. Moreover, compared to other metal nanoparticles (e.g. gold, silver, palladium, and platinum), copper nanoparticles are rapidly cleared from organs with low systemic toxicity and benefit from the copper's low cost and wide availability. Within this review, we aim to explore the impact of copper in cancer research, focusing on glioma, the most common primary brain tumour. Glioma accounts for about 80% of all malignant brain tumours and shows a poor prognosis with the five-year survival rate being less than 5%. After introducing the glioma pathogenesis and the limitation of current therapeutic strategies, we will discuss the potential impact of copper therapy and present the key results of the most relevant literature to establish a reliable foundation for future development of copper-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cazzoli
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Agata Zamborlin
- NEST-Scuola Normale Superiore Piazza San Silvestro 12 - 56127 Pisa Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Piazza San Silvestro 12 - 56127 Pisa Italy
| | - Maria Laura Ermini
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Piazza San Silvestro 12 - 56127 Pisa Italy
| | - Antonietta Salerno
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Manuela Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Science, University of Calabria 87036 Rende Italy +39 0984493208
| | - Fiore Pasquale Nicoletta
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Science, University of Calabria 87036 Rende Italy +39 0984493208
| | - Francesca Iemma
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Science, University of Calabria 87036 Rende Italy +39 0984493208
| | - Orazio Vittorio
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Valerio Voliani
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Piazza San Silvestro 12 - 56127 Pisa Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano 4 - 16148 Genoa Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Science, University of Calabria 87036 Rende Italy +39 0984493208
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