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Feng D, Liu B, Chen Z, Xu J, Geng M, Duan W, Ai J, Zhang H. Discovery of hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 inhibitors using machine learning-based screening and free energy perturbation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38198294 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2301754] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) is a key negative regulator of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling and a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. The development of novel HPK1 inhibitors is challenging yet promising. In this study, we used a combination of machine learning (ML)-based virtual screening and free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations to identify novel HPK1 inhibitors. ML-based screening yielded 10 potent HPK1 inhibitors (IC50 < 1 μM). The FEP-guided modification of the in-house false-positive hit, DW21302, revealed that a single key atom change could trigger activity cliffs. The resulting DW21302-A was a potent HPK1 inhibitor (IC50 = 2.1 nM) and potently inhibited cellular HPK1 signaling and enhanced T-cell function. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and ADME predictions confirmed DW21302-A as candidate compound. This study provides new strategies and chemical scaffolds for HPK1 inhibitor development.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhi Feng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hefeng Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Ponomarev A, Gilazieva Z, Solovyeva V, Allegrucci C, Rizvanov A. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Impacting Cancer Stemness and Tumor Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:970. [PMID: 35205716 PMCID: PMC8869813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity represents an important limitation to the development of effective cancer therapies. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their differentiation hierarchies contribute to cancer complexity and confer tumors the ability to grow, resist treatment, survive unfavorable conditions, and invade neighboring and distant tissues. A large body of research is currently focusing on understanding the properties of CSCs, including their cellular and molecular origin, as well as their biological behavior in different tumor types. In turn, this knowledge informs strategies for targeting these tumor initiating cells and related cancer stemness. Cancer stemness is modulated by the tumor microenvironment, which influences CSC function and survival. Several advanced in vitro models are currently being developed to study cancer stemness in order to advance new knowledge of the key molecular pathways involved in CSC self-renewal and dormancy, as well as to mimic the complexity of patients' tumors in pre-clinical drug testing. In this review, we discuss CSCs and the modulation of cancer stemness by the tumor microenvironment, stemness factors and signaling pathways. In addition, we introduce current models that allow the study of CSCs for the development of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Ponomarev
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Zarema Gilazieva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeriya Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science (SVMS) and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
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Dai X, Karol MD, Hitron M, Hard ML, Goulet MT, McLaughlin CF, Brantley SJ. Napabucasin Drug-Drug Interaction Potential, Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics Following Oral Dosing in Healthy Adult Volunteers. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2021; 10:824-839. [PMID: 34107166 PMCID: PMC8453567 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.961] [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: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Napabucasin is an orally administered reactive oxygen species generator that is bioactivated by the intracellular antioxidant nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:quinone oxidoreductase 1. Napabucasin induces cell death in cancer cells, including cancer stem cells. This phase 1 study (NCT03411122) evaluated napabucasin drug‐drug interaction potential for 7 cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the breast cancer resistance protein transporter/organic anion transporter 3. Healthy volunteers who tolerated napabucasin during period 1 received probe drugs during period 2, and in period 3 received napabucasin (240 mg twice daily; days 1‐11) plus a phenotyping cocktail containing omeprazole (CYP2C19), caffeine (CYP1A2), flurbiprofen (CYP2C9), bupropion (CYP2B6), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), midazolam (CYP3A) (all oral; day 6), intravenous midazolam (day 7), repaglinide (CYP2C8; day 8), and rosuvastatin (breast cancer resistance protein/organic anion transporter 3; day 9). Drug‐drug interaction potential was evaluated in 17 of 30 enrolled volunteers. Napabucasin coadministration increased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (geometric mean ratio [90% confidence interval]) of caffeine (124% [109.0%‐141.4%]), intravenous midazolam (118% [94.4%‐147.3%]), repaglinide (127% [104.7%‐153.3%]), and rosuvastatin (213% [42.5%‐1068.3%]) and decreased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity of dextromethorphan (71% [47.1%‐108.3%]), bupropion (79% [64.6%‐97.0%]), and hydroxybupropion (45% [15.7%‐129.6%]). No serious adverse events/deaths were reported. Generally, napabucasin is not expected to induce/inhibit drug clearance to a clinically meaningful degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshu Dai
- Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Metabolism, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael D Karol
- Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Metabolism, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Hitron
- Clinical Development, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marjie L Hard
- Clinical Pharmacology, Nuventra, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Current address: Praxis Precision Medicines, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew T Goulet
- Clinical Pharmacology, Nuventra, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Current address: Program Management Department, KSQ Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Scott J Brantley
- Clinical NCA & PK/PD, Nuventra, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Bharadwaj U, Kasembeli MM, Robinson P, Tweardy DJ. Targeting Janus Kinases and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 to Treat Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Cancer: Rationale, Progress, and Caution. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:486-526. [PMID: 32198236 PMCID: PMC7300325 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.018440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Before it was molecularly cloned in 1994, acute-phase response factor or signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 was the focus of intense research into understanding the mammalian response to injury, particularly the acute-phase response. Although known to be essential for liver production of acute-phase reactant proteins, many of which augment innate immune responses, molecular cloning of acute-phase response factor or STAT3 and the research this enabled helped establish the central function of Janus kinase (JAK) family members in cytokine signaling and identified a multitude of cytokines and peptide hormones, beyond interleukin-6 and its family members, that activate JAKs and STAT3, as well as numerous new programs that their activation drives. Many, like the acute-phase response, are adaptive, whereas several are maladaptive and lead to chronic inflammation and adverse consequences, such as cachexia, fibrosis, organ dysfunction, and cancer. Molecular cloning of STAT3 also enabled the identification of other noncanonical roles for STAT3 in normal physiology, including its contribution to the function of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, its basal and stress-related adaptive functions in mitochondria, its function as a scaffold in inflammation-enhanced platelet activation, and its contributions to endothelial permeability and calcium efflux from endoplasmic reticulum. In this review, we will summarize the molecular and cellular biology of JAK/STAT3 signaling and its functions under basal and stress conditions, which are adaptive, and then review maladaptive JAK/STAT3 signaling in animals and humans that lead to disease, as well as recent attempts to modulate them to treat these diseases. In addition, we will discuss how consideration of the noncanonical and stress-related functions of STAT3 cannot be ignored in efforts to target the canonical functions of STAT3, if the goal is to develop drugs that are not only effective but safe. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Key biological functions of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling can be delineated into two broad categories: those essential for normal cell and organ development and those activated in response to stress that are adaptive. Persistent or dysregulated JAK/STAT3 signaling, however, is maladaptive and contributes to many diseases, including diseases characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and cancer. A comprehensive understanding of JAK/STAT3 signaling in normal development, and in adaptive and maladaptive responses to stress, is essential for the continued development of safe and effective therapies that target this signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddalak Bharadwaj
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine (U.B., M.M.K., P.R., D.J.T.), and Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (D.J.T.), University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Moses M Kasembeli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine (U.B., M.M.K., P.R., D.J.T.), and Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (D.J.T.), University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Prema Robinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine (U.B., M.M.K., P.R., D.J.T.), and Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (D.J.T.), University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David J Tweardy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine (U.B., M.M.K., P.R., D.J.T.), and Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (D.J.T.), University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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5
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Sonbol MB, Ahn DH, Bekaii-Saab T. Therapeutic Targeting Strategies of Cancer Stem Cells in Gastrointestinal Malignancies. Biomedicines 2019; 7:biomedicines7010017. [PMID: 30857342 PMCID: PMC6466109 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be a distinct population of cells within a tumor mass that are capable of asymmetric division and known to have chemoresistant characteristics. The description and identification of CSC models in cancer growth and recurrence has inspired the design of novel treatment strategies to overcome treatment resistance by targeting both CSCs and non-CSC tumor cells. Several cellular signaling pathways have been described as playing a role in the induction and maintenance of stemness in CSCs, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, STAT3, and Hedgehog pathways. In this review, we aim to review some of the ongoing CSC therapeutic targeting strategies in gastrointestinal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel H Ahn
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA.
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Saygin C, Matei D, Majeti R, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Targeting Cancer Stemness in the Clinic: From Hype to Hope. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 24:25-40. [PMID: 30595497 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumors are composed of non-homogeneous cell populations exhibiting varying degrees of genetic and functional heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of sustaining tumors by manipulating genetic and non-genetic factors to metastasize, resist treatment, and maintain the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the key traits and mechanisms of CSC survival provides opportunities to improve patient outcomes via improved prognostic models and therapeutics. Here, we review the clinical significance of CSCs and results of potential CSC-targeting therapies in various cancers. We discuss barriers to translating cues from pre-clinical models into clinical applications and propose new strategies for rational design of future anti-CSC trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caner Saygin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA.
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7
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Sankhala KK. Clinical development landscape in GIST: from novel agents that target accessory pathways to revisiting non-targeted therapies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:427-443. [PMID: 28267385 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1303045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activating mutations in the genes encoding the tyrosine receptor kinases KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor occur in 85%-90% of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Although imatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of GIST, most patients progress within a few years. Areas covered: Monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors targeting specific signaling pathways or proteins associated with resistance to existing treatments are being explored as alternative treatment approaches for GIST. Other alternative approaches include inhibiting more general regulators of protein folding, chromatin packaging, and cell-cycle regulation; nontargeted approaches are also being evaluated in select patient populations. This review summarizes preclinical and clinical data from agents using these accessory pathways. Expert opinion: As we learn more about GIST biology, it is becoming clear that treatment strategies will become more personalized, as reflected by the fact that several trials are enrolling specific subpopulations of patients with GIST. Going forward, researchers should evaluate these new drugs alone or in combination with other types of drugs to better meet patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalesh K Sankhala
- a Translational and Clinical Research , Sarcoma Oncology Center , Santa Monica , CA , USA
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8
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Ahmed M, Chaudhari K, Babaei-Jadidi R, Dekker LV, Shams Nateri A. Concise Review: Emerging Drugs Targeting Epithelial Cancer Stem-Like Cells. Stem Cells 2017; 35:839-850. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehreen Ahmed
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group; Nottingham United Kingdom
| | | | - Roya Babaei-Jadidi
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group; Nottingham United Kingdom
- Tumor & Vascular Biology Laboratories; Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine; Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Lodewijk V. Dekker
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology, School of Pharmacy; Centre for Biomolecular Science, University of Nottingham; Nottingham United Kingdom
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Carnero A, Garcia-Mayea Y, Mir C, Lorente J, Rubio IT, LLeonart ME. The cancer stem-cell signaling network and resistance to therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2016; 49:25-36. [PMID: 27434881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The study of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has shown that tumors are driven by a subpopulation of self-renewing CSCs that retain the capacity to engender the various differentiated cell populations that form tumors. The characterization of CSCs has indicated that CSCs are remarkably resistant to conventional radio- and chemo-therapy. Clinically, the remaining populations of CSC are responsible for metastasis and recurrence in patients with cancer, which can lead to the disease becoming chronic and incurable. Therefore, the elimination of CSCs is an important goal of cancer treatments. Furthermore, CSCs are subject to strong regulation by the surrounding microenvironment, which also impacts tumor responses. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which pathways that are defective in CSCs influence ultimately therapeutic and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Carnero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS/HUVR/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla), Molecular Biology of Cancer Group, Oncohematology and Genetic Department, Campus HUVR, Edificio IBIS, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n. 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Y Garcia-Mayea
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Translational Research in Cancer Stem Cell Group, Pathology Department, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Mir
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Translational Research in Cancer Stem Cell Group, Pathology Department, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Lorente
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Translational Research in Cancer Stem Cell Group, Pathology Department, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - I T Rubio
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Oncologia (VHIO), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Breast Surgical Oncology Unit, Breast Cancer Center, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M E LLeonart
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Translational Research in Cancer Stem Cell Group, Pathology Department, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
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Okamoto M, Nasu K, Abe W, Aoyagi Y, Kawano Y, Kai K, Moriyama M, Narahara H. Enhanced miR-210 expression promotes the pathogenesis of endometriosis through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Hum Reprod 2014; 30:632-41. [PMID: 25516558 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the roles of the microRNA miR-210-an miRNA that is up-regulated in endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs)-in the pathogenesis of endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Up-regulated miR-210 expression in ECSCs is involved in their proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and angiogenesis through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In the pathogenesis of endometriosis, a number of roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) are becoming apparent. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ECSCs and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were isolated from ovarian endometriotic tissues (patients aged 24-40 years undergoing salpingo-oophorectomy or evisceration for the treatment of ovarian endometriotic cysts, n = 10) and the eutopic endometrial tissues without endometriosis (premenopausal patients aged 35-45 years undergoing hysterectomies for subserousal leiomyoma, n = 13), respectively. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We used a global gene expression microarray technique to identify downstream targets of miR-210, and we assessed the functions of miR-210 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by using the miR-210-transfected NESCs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Gene expression microarray analysis revealed that one of the key target molecules of miR-210 is STAT3. In the NESCs, in comparison to the control, miR-210 transfection resulted in the induction of cell proliferation (P < 0.0005), the production of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) (P < 0.0005) and the inhibition of apoptosis (P < 0.05) through STAT3 activation [increased levels of mRNA (P < 0.0005), and protein (P < 0.005)]. In the ECSCs, inhibitors of STAT3 inhibited the cell proliferation and VEGF production (P < 0.05), and induced the apoptosis of these cells (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The roles of aberrant miR-210 expression were investigated only in the stromal component of ectopic and eutopic endometrium. Control endometrial tissues were obtained from premenopausal patients who had subserosal leiomyoma and NESC gene expression patterns may be altered in these women. Furthermore, the effects of STAT3 inhibitors were evaluated only in ECSCs and not in NESCs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present findings indicate that miR-210 induces NESCs to differentiate into the endometriotic phenotype and we speculate that up-regulated miR-210 expression in ECSCs is involved in the creation of the endometriosis-specific cellular dysfunctions through epigenetic mechanisms. The data indicate that STAT3 inhibitors may be promising candidates for the treatment of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported in part by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (no. 13237327 to K.N., no. 25861500 to Y.K. and no. 23592407 to H.N.). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Okamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - K Nasu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Support System for Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - W Abe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Y Aoyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Y Kawano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - K Kai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - M Moriyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - H Narahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5593, Japan
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