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Qin W, Li J, Gao N, Kong X, Guo L, Chen Y, Huang L, Chen X, Qi F. Multiomics-based molecular subtyping based on the commensal microbiome predicts molecular characteristics and the therapeutic response in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:99. [PMID: 38730464 PMCID: PMC11083817 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota has been demonstrated to be correlated with the clinical phenotypes of diseases, including cancers. However, there are few studies on clinical subtyping based on the gut microbiota, especially in breast cancer (BC) patients. Here, using machine learning methods, we analysed the gut microbiota of BC, colorectal cancer (CRC), and gastric cancer (GC) patients to identify their shared metabolic pathways and the importance of these pathways in cancer development. Based on the gut microbiota-related metabolic pathways, human gene expression profile and patient prognosis, we established a novel BC subtyping system and identified a subtype called "challenging BC". Tumours with this subtype have more genetic mutations and a more complex immune environment than those of other subtypes. A score index was proposed for in-depth analysis and showed a significant negative correlation with patient prognosis. Notably, activation of the TPK1-FOXP3-mediated Hedgehog signalling pathway and TPK1-ITGAE-mediated mTOR signalling pathway was linked to poor prognosis in "challenging BC" patients with high scores, as validated in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Furthermore, our subtyping system and score index are effective predictors of the response to current neoadjuvant therapy regimens, with the score index significantly negatively correlated with both treatment efficacy and the number of immune cells. Therefore, our findings provide valuable insights into predicting molecular characteristics and treatment responses in "challenging BC" patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxing Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Xiuyan Kong
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Liting Guo
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, PR China.
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
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Krenn PW, Aberger F. Targeting cancer hallmark vulnerabilities in hematologic malignancies by interfering with Hedgehog/GLI signaling. Blood 2023; 142:1945-1959. [PMID: 37595276 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014761] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic alterations, disrupted signaling pathways, and hijacked mechanisms in oncogene-transformed hematologic cells is critical for the development of effective and durable treatment strategies against liquid tumors. In this review, we focus on the specific involvement of the Hedgehog (HH)/GLI pathway in the manifestation and initiation of various cancer features in hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma, T- and B-cell lymphomas, and lymphoid and myeloid leukemias. By reviewing canonical and noncanonical, Smoothened-independent HH/GLI signaling and summarizing preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies in hematologic malignancies, we elucidate common molecular mechanisms by which HH/GLI signaling controls key oncogenic processes and cancer hallmarks such as cell proliferation, cancer stem cell fate, genomic instability, microenvironment remodeling, and cell survival. We also summarize current clinical trials with HH inhibitors and discuss successes and challenges, as well as opportunities for future combined therapeutic approaches. By providing a bird's eye view of the role of HH/GLI signaling in liquid tumors, we suggest that a comprehensive understanding of the general oncogenic effects of HH/GLI signaling on the formation of cancer hallmarks is essential to identify critical vulnerabilities within tumor cells and their supporting remodeled microenvironment, paving the way for the development of novel and efficient personalized combination therapies for hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Krenn
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Li X, Wang F, Zhang X, Sun Q, Kuang E. Suppression of KSHV lytic replication and primary effusion lymphoma by selective RNF5 inhibition. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011103. [PMID: 36656913 PMCID: PMC9888681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a rare aggressive B-cell lymphoma in immunosuppressed patients, is etiologically associated with oncogenic γ-herpesvirus infection. Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat PEL but usually results in poor prognosis and survival; thus, novel therapies and drug development are urgently needed for PEL treatment. Here, we demonstrated that inhibition of Ring finger protein 5 (RNF5), an ER-localized E3 ligase, suppresses multiple cellular pathways and lytic replication of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in PEL cells. RNF5 interacts with and induces Ephrin receptors A3 (EphA3) and EphA4 ubiquitination and degradation. RNF5 inhibition increases the levels of EphA3 and EphA4, thereby reducing ERK and Akt activation and KSHV lytic replication. RNF5 inhibition decreased PEL xenograft tumor growth and downregulated viral gene expression, cell cycle gene expression, and hedgehog signaling in xenograft tumors. Our study suggests that RNF5 plays the critical roles in KSHV lytic infection and tumorigenesis of primary effusion lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Li
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Sun
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ersheng Kuang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Samanta S, Mahata R, Santra MK. The Cross-Talk between Epigenetic Gene Regulation and Signaling Pathways Regulates Cancer Pathogenesis. Subcell Biochem 2022; 100:427-472. [PMID: 36301502 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07634-3_13] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer begins due to uncontrolled cell division. Cancer cells are insensitive to the signals that control normal cell proliferation. This uncontrolled cell division is due to the accumulation of abnormalities in different factors associated with the cell division, including different cyclins, cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors, and cellular signaling. Cellular signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in cancer mainly due to epigenetic regulation and post-translational regulation. In this chapter, the role of epigenetic regulation in aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT, Ras, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, JAK/STAT, and mTOR signaling pathways in cancer progression is discussed. The role of epigenetic regulators in controlling the upstream regulatory proteins and downstream effector proteins responsible for abnormal cellular signaling-mediated cancer progression is covered in this chapter. Similarly, the role of signaling pathways in controlling epigenetic gene regulation-mediated cancer progression is also discussed. We have tried to ascertain the current status of potential epigenetic drugs targeting several epigenetic regulators to prevent different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Samanta
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rumpa Mahata
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manas Kumar Santra
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
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Huang B, Yan X, Li Y. Cancer Stem Cell for Tumor Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194814. [PMID: 34638298 PMCID: PMC8508418 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although many methods have been applied in clinical treatment for tumors, they still always show a poor prognosis. Molecule targeted therapy has revolutionized tumor therapy, and a proper target must be found urgently. With a crucial role in tumor development, metastasis and recurrence, cancer stem cells have been found to be a feasible and potential target for tumor therapy. We list the unique biological characteristics of cancer stem cells and summarize the recent strategies to target cancer stem cells for tumor therapy, through which we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer stem cells and find a better combinational strategy to target cancer stem cells for tumor therapy. Abstract Tumors pose a significant threat to human health. Although many methods, such as operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have been proposed to eliminate tumor cells, the results are unsatisfactory. Targeting therapy has shown potential due to its specificity and efficiency. Meanwhile, it has been revealed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in the genesis, development, metastasis and recurrence of tumors. Thus, it is feasible to inhibit tumors and improve prognosis via targeting CSCs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological characteristics of CSCs, including mitotic pattern, metabolic phenotype, therapeutic resistance and related mechanisms. Finally, we summarize CSCs targeted strategies, including targeting CSCs surface markers, targeting CSCs related signal pathways, targeting CSC niches, targeting CSC metabolic pathways, inducing differentiation therapy and immunotherapy (tumor vaccine, CAR-T, oncolytic virus, targeting CSCs–immune cell crosstalk and immunity checkpoint inhibitor). We highlight the potential of immunity therapy and its combinational anti-CSC therapies, which are composed of different drugs working in different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (B.H.); (X.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (B.H.); (X.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (B.H.); (X.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-9361-5421
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Lin M, Kowolik CM, Xie J, Yadav S, Overman LE, Horne DA. Potent Anticancer Effects of Epidithiodiketopiperazine NT1721 in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133367. [PMID: 34282785 PMCID: PMC8268131 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of blood cancers that cannot be cured with current chemotherapeutical or biological drugs. Patients with advanced disease are severely immunocompromised due to the unchecked expansion of malignant T cells and have low survival rates of less than four years. Hence, new treatment options for CTCLs are urgently needed. In this study the anti-CTCL activity of a new compound, NT1721, was determined in vitro and in two CTCL mouse models. We found that NT1721 increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the malignant T cells and reduced tumor growth better than two drugs that are currently clinically used for CTCL treatment (i.e., gemcitabine, romidepsin). These results suggest that NT1721 may represent a potent new agent for the treatment of advanced CTCL. Abstract Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of debilitating, incurable malignancies. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common subtypes, accounting for ~65% of CTCL cases. Patients with advanced disease have a poor prognosis and low median survival rates of four years. CTCLs develop from malignant skin-homing CD4+ T cells that spread to lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow and viscera in advanced stages. Current treatments options for refractory or advanced CTCL, including chemotherapeutic and biological approaches, rarely lead to durable responses. The exact molecular mechanisms of CTCL pathology remain unclear despite numerous genomic and gene expression profile studies. However, apoptosis resistance is thought to play a major role in the accumulation of malignant T cells. Here we show that NT1721, a synthetic epidithiodiketopiperazine based on a natural product, reduced cell viability at nanomolar concentrations in CTCL cell lines, while largely sparing normal CD4+ cells. Treatment of CTCL cells with NT1721 reduced proliferation and potently induced apoptosis. NT1721 mediated the downregulation of GLI1 transcription factor, which was associated with decreased STAT3 activation and the reduced expression of downstream antiapoptotic proteins (BCL2 and BCL-xL). Importantly, NT1721, which is orally available, reduced tumor growth in two CTCL mouse models significantly better than two clinically used drugs (romidepsin, gemcitabine). Moreover, a combination of NT1721 with gemcitabine reduced the tumor growth significantly better than the single drugs. Taken together, these results suggest that NT1721 may be a promising new agent for the treatment of CTCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
| | - Claudia M. Kowolik
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (C.M.K.); (D.A.H.)
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
| | - Sushma Yadav
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
- Department of Translational Research and Cellular Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Larry E. Overman
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2025, USA;
| | - David A. Horne
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (C.M.K.); (D.A.H.)
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