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Giaccari C, Antonouli S, Anifandis G, Cecconi S, Di Nisio V. An Update on Physiopathological Roles of Akt in the ReprodAKTive Mammalian Ovary. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:722. [PMID: 38929705 PMCID: PMC11204812 DOI: 10.3390/life14060722] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is a key signaling cascade responsible for the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and metabolism in the ovarian microenvironment. The optimal finetuning of this pathway is essential for physiological processes concerning oogenesis, folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. The dysregulation of PI3K/Akt can impair molecular and structural mechanisms that will lead to follicle atresia, or the inability of embryos to reach later stages of development. Due to its pivotal role in the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and survival mechanisms, the dysregulation of this molecular pathway can trigger the onset of pathological conditions. Among these, we will focus on diseases that can harm female fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure, or women's general health, such as ovarian cancer. In this review, we report the functions of the PI3K/Akt pathway in both its physiological and pathological roles, and we address the existing application of inhibitors and activators for the balancing of the molecular cascade in ovarian pathological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giaccari
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (S.A.); (G.A.)
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41334 Larisa, Greece; (S.A.); (G.A.)
| | - Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, Università dell’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
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Syed RU, Alshammari MD, Banu H, Khojali WMA, Jafar M, Nagaraju P, Alshammari A. Targeting the autophagy-miRNA axis in prostate cancer: toward novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03153-0. [PMID: 38761210 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Since prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, a better understanding of the molecular pathways guiding its development is imperative. A key factor in prostate cancer is autophagy, a cellular mechanism that affects both cell survival and death. Autophagy is essential in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is a physiological mechanism wherein redundant or malfunctioning cellular constituents are broken down and recycled. It is essential for preserving cellular homeostasis and is implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Autophagy has been linked to metastasis, tumor development, and treatment resistance in prostate cancer. The deregulation of miRNAs related to autophagy appears to be a crucial element in the etiology of prostate cancer. These miRNAs influence the destiny of cancer cells by finely regulating autophagic mechanisms. Numerous investigations have emphasized the dual function of specific miRNAs in prostate cancer, which alter autophagy-related pathways to function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Notably, miRNAs have been linked to the control of autophagy and the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of prostate cancer cells. To create customized therapy approaches, it is imperative to comprehend the dynamic interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer. The identification of key miRNAs provides potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. Unraveling the complex network of lncRNAs, like PCA3, also expands the repertoire of molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. This review explores the intricate interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer, focusing on their regulatory roles in cellular processes ranging from survival to programmed cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahamat Unissa Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Maali D Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Humera Banu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Weam M A Khojali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, 14415, Sudan
| | - Mohammed Jafar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P. O. Box 1982, Dammam, 34212, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Potnuri Nagaraju
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Mandesh Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research Center, Mhaswad, Maharashtra, India
| | - Alia Alshammari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia
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Wang J, Fu K, Zhang M, Liang L, Ni M, Sun HX, Yin R, Tang M. Mutation characteristics of cancer susceptibility genes in Chinese ovarian cancer patients. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1395818. [PMID: 38817903 PMCID: PMC11137316 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1395818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The association between mutations in susceptibility genes and the occurrence of ovarian cancer has been extensively studied. Previous research has primarily concentrated on genes involved in the homologous recombination repair pathway, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2. However, a wider range of genes related to the DNA damage response pathways has not been fully explored. Methods To investigate the mutation characteristics of cancer susceptibility genes in the Chinese ovarian cancer population and the associations between gene mutations and clinical data, this study initially gathered a total of 1171 Chinese ovarian cancer samples and compiled a dataset of germline mutations in 171 genes. Results In this study, it was determined that MC1R and PRKDC were high-frequency ovarian cancer susceptibility genes in the Chinese population, exhibiting notable distinctions from those in European and American populations; moreover high-frequency mutation genes, such as MC1R: c.359T>C and PRKDC: c.10681T>A, typically had high-frequency mutation sites. Furthermore, we identified c.8187G>T as a characteristic mutation of BRCA2 in the Chinese population, and the CHEK2 mutation was significantly associated with the early onset of ovarian cancer, while the CDH1 and FAM175A mutations were more prevalent in Northeast China. Additionally, Fanconi anemia pathway-related genes were significantly associated with ovarian carcinogenesis. Conclusion In summary, this research provided fundamental data support for the optimization of ovarian cancer gene screening policies and the determination of treatment, and contributed to the precise intervention and management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiyu Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Birth Defects, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengpei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Birth Defects, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | | | - Meng Ni
- BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Rutie Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Birth Defects, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Lu M, Zhang X, Chu Q, Chen Y, Zhang P. Susceptibility Genes Associated with Multiple Primary Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5788. [PMID: 38136334 PMCID: PMC10741435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With advancements in treatment and screening techniques, we have been witnessing an era where more cancer survivors harbor multiple primary cancers (MPCs), affecting approximately one in six patients. Identifying MPCs is crucial for tumor staging and subsequent treatment choices. However, the current clinicopathological criteria for clinical application are limited and insufficient, making it challenging to differentiate them from recurrences or metastases. The emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has provided a genetic perspective for defining multiple primary cancers. Researchers have found that, when considering multiple tumor pairs, it is crucial not only to examine well-known essential mutations like MLH1/MSH2, EGFR, PTEN, BRCA1/2, CHEK2, and TP53 mutations but also to explore certain pleiotropic loci. Moreover, specific deleterious mutations may serve as regulatory factors in second cancer development following treatment. This review aims to discuss these susceptibility genes and provide an explanation of their functions based on the signaling pathway background. Additionally, the association network between genetic signatures and different tumor pairs will be summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (M.L.)
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Jurca CM, Frățilă O, Iliaș T, Jurca A, Cătana A, Moisa C, Jurca AD. A New Frameshift Mutation of PTEN Gene Associated with Cowden Syndrome-Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1909. [PMID: 37895258 PMCID: PMC10606311 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101909] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare disease that was first described in 1963 and later included in the large group of genodermatoses. It is the most common syndrome among the PTEN-associated hamartomatous tumor syndromes (PHTS). CS has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, with increased penetrance and variable expressivity, making early diagnosis difficult. Mutations in the PTEN gene (phosphatase and TENsin homolog) are involved in its pathogenesis, involving many organs and systems originating in the three embryonic layers (ectodermum, endodermum, and mesodermum). The consequence is the development of hamartomatous lesions in various organs (brain, intestines, thyroid, oropharyngeal cavity, colon, rectum, etc.). Multiple intestinal polyps are common in patients with CS, being identified in over 95% of patients undergoing colonoscopy. The authors describe the case of a patient who presented the first signs of the disease at 3 ½ years (tonsil polyp) but was diagnosed only at the age of 20 following a colonoscopy that revealed hundreds of intestinal polyps, suggesting further molecular testing. A heterozygous frameshift mutation was identified in the PTEN gene, classified as a potentially pathogenic variant (c.762del.p(Val255*)). The authors present this case to highlight the path taken by the patient from the first symptoms to the diagnosis and to emphasize the clinical aspects of this mutational variant that have still not been identified in other patients with this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Maria Jurca
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410081 Oradea, Romania; (C.M.J.); (A.D.J.)
- Regional Center of Medical Genetics Bihor, County Emergency Clinical Hospital Oradea (Part of ERN-ITHACA), 410469 Oradea, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Frățilă
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410081 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Tiberia Iliaș
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410081 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Aurora Jurca
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410081 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Andreea Cătana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400012 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Corina Moisa
- Department of Pharmacy Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410081 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Daniel Jurca
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410081 Oradea, Romania; (C.M.J.); (A.D.J.)
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Kozman D, Kao CS, Nguyen JK, Smith SC, Kehr EL, Tretiakova M, Przybycin CG, Williamson SR, Argani P, Eng C, Campbell SC, McKenney JK, Alaghehbandan R. Renal Neoplasia Occurring in Patients With PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome : Clinicopathologic Study of 12 Renal Cell Carcinomas From 9 Patients and Association With Intrarenal "Lipomas". Am J Surg Pathol 2023; 47:1001-1010. [PMID: 37357918 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the histopathologic spectrum of renal tumors in patients with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS), with a specific focus on potential features predictive of the underlying syndrome. A multi-institutional study was conducted to obtain clinical and pathologic data on renal tumors arising in patients with PHTS, either diagnosed by germline mutational analysis or clinical criteria for Cowden syndrome. Histologic sections of the renal tumors were re-reviewed for classification. Twelve renal epithelial tumors from 9 patients were identified (4 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 41.8 y), 7 of whom carried germline PTEN mutations. All 12 renal epithelial tumors were renal cell carcinomas (RCCs): 5 were chromophobe RCCs, 4 papillary RCCs, and 3 RCC not otherwise specified. Pathologic stage distribution was: 7 (59%) pT1a, 2 (17%) pT1b, 1 (8%) pT2a, 1 (8%) pT2b, and 1 (8%) pT3a. World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) histologic grade was applicable in 7 (54%) nonchromophobe tumors: 4 (57%) G2, 2 (29%) G3, and 1 (14%) G4. An unexpected histologic finding was the presence of 2 patients with incidental microscopic collections of intrarenal adipocytes that had no features of angiomyolipoma (and were negative with 2 sensitive PEComa markers: cathepsin-K and GPNMB); both were classified as lipoma/"lipomatous hamartomas." The average follow-up interval was 67.8 months (13 to 172 mo): 5 patients had no evidence of disease, 2 were lost to follow-up, 1 died of other (non-PHTS) causes (ie, prostate cancer), and 1 was alive with metastatic RCC to the lung (RCC not otherwise specified with rhabdoid differentiation). All tumors showed loss of nuclear PTEN staining by immunohistochemistry. Fumarate hydratase was retained and 2SC was negative in all papillary RCCs. CK7 was moderate-strong/diffuse positive in 4 of 5 chromophobe RCCs and in 3 of 4 papillary RCCs. Renal epithelial tumors associated with PHTS represent a heterogeneous group of RCCs, but classic chromophobe and papillary RCC are most common. The majority have a favorable clinical behavior as would be predicted by subtype. In contrast to other hereditary renal neoplasia syndromes, morphologic features of the RCCs do not allow identification of PHTS-associated neoplasia with any degree of specificity in the absence of clinical setting and/or prior history, but the presence of microscopic "lipomas" within the kidney may provide a clue in rare cases. Therefore, clinical suspicion and genetic counseling with germline testing remain necessary for identifying PHTS-associated RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Kozman
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute
| | - Chia-Sui Kao
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical Center, Stanford, CA
| | - Jane K Nguyen
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute
| | - Steven C Smith
- Departments of Departments of Pathology, Urology, and Massey Cancer Center, VCU School of Medicine
- Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | | | - Maria Tretiakova
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | - Pedram Argani
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Steven C Campbell
- Section of Urologic Oncology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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