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Caricasulo MA, Zanetti A, Terao M, Garattini E, Paroni G. Cellular and micro-environmental responses influencing the antitumor activity of all-trans retinoic acid in breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:127. [PMID: 38360674 PMCID: PMC10870483 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01492-2] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is the most relevant and functionally active metabolite of Vitamin-A. From a therapeutic standpoint, ATRA is the first example of pharmacological agent exerting its anti-tumor activity via a cell differentiating action. In the clinics, ATRA is used in the treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, a rare form of myeloid leukemia with unprecedented therapeutic results. The extraordinary effectiveness of ATRA in the treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia patients has raised interest in evaluating the potential of this natural retinoid in the treatment of other types of neoplasias, with particular reference to solid tumors.The present article provides an overview of the available pre-clinical and clinical studies focussing on ATRA as a therapeutic agent in the context of breast cancer from a holistic point of view. In detail, we focus on the direct effects of ATRA in breast cancer cells as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of action. In addition, we summarize the available information on the action exerted by ATRA on the breast cancer micro-environment, an emerging determinant of the progression and invasive behaviour of solid tumors. In particular we discuss the recent evidences of ATRA activity on the immune system. Finally, we analyse and discuss the results obtained with the few ATRA-based clinical trials conducted in the context of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Azzurra Caricasulo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Adriana Zanetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Mineko Terao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Enrico Garattini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Gabriela Paroni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, Milan, 20156, Italy.
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Zhang Z, Wu W, Fang X, Lu M, Wu H, Gao C, Xia Z. Sox9 promotes renal tubular epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix aggregation via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4017-4030. [PMID: 32901875 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sox9 is important for multiple aspects of development, such as testis, pancreas and heart development. Previous studies have reported that Sox9 induced epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in organ fibrosis and associated diseases, such as vascular calcification. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role and underlying mechanism of action of Sox9 in renal fibrogenesis remains unknown. The results of the present study revealed that Sox9 expression levels were upregulated in the tubular epithelial cells of a rat model of obstructive nephropathy. Furthermore, the overexpression of Sox9 in NRK‑52E cells was discovered to promote renal tubular EMT and ECM aggregation, and these fibrogenic actions were potentiated by TGF‑β1. Notably, RNA‑sequencing analysis indicated the possible regulatory role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in Sox9‑mediated renal tubular EMT and ECM aggregation. It was further demonstrated that the expression levels of phosphorylated AKT were upregulated in NRK‑52E cells overexpressing Sox9, while the PI3K inhibitors, LY29002 and wortmannin, inhibited the renal tubular EMT and ECM aggregation induced by the overexpression of Sox9 in NEK‑52E cells. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that Sox9 may serve a profibrotic role in the development of renal tubular EMT and ECM aggregation via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, Sox9 may be considered as a promising target for treating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Mei Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Heyan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Chunlin Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Zhengkun Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
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Jana S, Madhu Krishna B, Singhal J, Horne D, Awasthi S, Salgia R, Singhal SS. SOX9: The master regulator of cell fate in breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 174:113789. [PMID: 31911091 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SRY-related high-mobility group box 9 (SOX9) is an indispensable transcription factor that regulates multiple developmental pathways related to stemness, differentiation, and progenitor development. Previous studies have demonstrated that the SOX9 protein directs pathways involved in tumor initiation, proliferation, migration, chemoresistance, and stem cell maintenance, thereby regulating tumorigenesis as an oncogene. SOX9 overexpression is a frequent event in breast cancer (BC) subtypes. Of note, the molecular mechanisms and functional regulation underlying SOX9 upregulation during BC progression are still being uncovered. The focus of this review is to appraise recent advances regarding the involvement of SOX9 in BC pathogenesis. First, we provide a general overview of SOX9 structure and function, as well as its involvement in various kinds of cancer. Next, we discuss pathways of SOX9 regulation, particularly its miRNA-mediated regulation, in BC. Finally, we describe the involvement of SOX9 in BC pathogenesis via its regulation of pathways involved in regulating cancer hallmarks, as well as its clinical and therapeutic importance. In general, this review article aims to serve as an ample source of knowledge on the involvement of SOX9 in BC progression. Targeting SOX9 activity may improve therapeutic strategies to treat BC, but precisely inhibiting SOX9 using drugs and/or small peptides remains a huge challenge for forthcoming cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Jana
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - B Madhu Krishna
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jyotsana Singhal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - David Horne
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sanjay Awasthi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sharad S Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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Li C, Imai M, Hasegawa S, Yamasaki M, Takahashi N. Growth Inhibition of Refractory Human Gallbladder Cancer Cells by Retinol, and Its Mechanism of Action. Biol Pharm Bull 2017; 40:495-503. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b16-00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Li
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Masahiko Imai
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Shinya Hasegawa
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Masahiro Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
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Li C, Imai M, Yamasaki M, Hasegawa S, Takahashi N. Effects of Pre- and Post-Administration of Vitamin A on the Growth of Refractory Cancers in Xenograft Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2017; 40:486-494. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b16-00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Li
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Masahiko Imai
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Masahiro Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Shinya Hasegawa
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | - Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
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Vascular Transdifferentiation in the CNS: A Focus on Neural and Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:2759403. [PMID: 27738435 PMCID: PMC5055959 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2759403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas are devastating and extensively vascularized brain tumors from which glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) have been isolated by many groups. These cells have a high tumorigenic potential and the capacity to generate heterogeneous phenotypes. There is growing evidence to support the possibility that these cells are derived from the accumulation of mutations in adult neural stem cells (NSCs) as well as in oligodendrocyte progenitors. It was recently reported that GSCs could transdifferentiate into endothelial-like and pericyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo, notably under the influence of Notch and TGFβ signaling pathways. Vascular cells derived from GBM cells were also observed directly in patient samples. These results could lead to new directions for designing original therapeutic approaches against GBM neovascularization but this specific reprogramming requires further molecular investigations. Transdifferentiation of nontumoral neural stem cells into vascular cells has also been described and conversely vascular cells may generate neural stem cells. In this review, we present and discuss these recent data. As some of them appear controversial, further validation will be needed using new technical approaches such as high throughput profiling and functional analyses to avoid experimental pitfalls and misinterpretations.
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PGE2 signaling and its biosynthesis-related enzymes in cholangiocarcinoma progression. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:8051-64. [PMID: 24839005 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) involves in progression of various chronic inflammation-related cancers including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This study aimed to determine the role of PGE2 signaling, its biosynthesis-related enzymes in a clinical prognosis, and their targeted inhibition in CCA progression. The immunohistochemical staining of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, mPGES-1, EP1, and EP4 was examined in CCA tissues, and their expressions were compared with clinicopathological parameters. The effect of PGE2 on levels of its signaling molecules was examined in CCA cell lines using proteome profiler array. The suppression of mPGES-1 using a small-molecule inhibitor (CAY10526) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) was determined for growth and migration ability in CCA cells. The results indicated that strong expressions of COX-1, COX-2, mPGES-1, EP1, and EP4 were found in CCA tissues as 87.5, 47.5, 52.5, 55, and 80 % of frequencies, respectively. High mPGES-1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor stages III-IV (p = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.004), shorter survival (p = 0.009), and prognostic indicator of CCA patients (HR = 2.512, p = 0.041). Expressions of COX-1, COX-2, and EP receptors did not correlate with data tested from patients. PGE2 markedly enhanced protein levels of integrinα6, VE-cadherin, Jagged1, and Notch3, and CAY10526 suppressed those protein levels as well as PGE2 production in CCA cells. CAY10526 and siRNA mPGES-1 markedly suppressed mPGES-1 protein levels, growth, and migration abilities of CCA cell lines. In conclusion, PGE2 signaling strongly promotes CCA progression. Therefore, inhibition of PGE2 synthesis by suppression of its biosynthesis-related enzymes could be useful for prevention and treatment of CCA.
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Cui J, Xi H, Cai A, Bian S, Wei B, Chen L. Decreased expression of Sox7 correlates with the upregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the poor survival of gastric cancer patients. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:197-204. [PMID: 24788044 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sox7 is a tumor suppressor gene that plays an important role in the inhibition and progression of cancer. In the present study, we sought to investigate Sox7 expression in gastric cancer (GC) and its association with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We also wished to determine its clinicopathological significance and prognostic implications. Sox7 expression and its effects on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vitro were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using the AGS, MKN-45 and GES-1 gastric cell lines. We also used immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue samples and western blot analysis on fresh tissue samples from patients with GC. The results revealed that Sox7 expression was significantly lower in the GC samples than in distal normal tissues, which was in accordance with our results obtained from our in vitro experiments on the cell lines. However, the expression levels of β-catenin were significantly higher. Sox7 and β-catenin expression significantly correlated with the depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and the TNM stage. Patient samples that were Sox7-negative correlated with a significantly shorter survival time. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that Sox7 and β-catenin had an independent effect on the survival of GC patients. Sox7 and β-catenin expression in GC had a negative liner correlation with each other. Our findings suggest that Sox7 plays an important role in inhibiting tumorigenesis and progression, and may be a potential marker for predicting the prognosis of patients with GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Hongqing Xi
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Aizhen Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Shibo Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
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Qin GQ, He HC, Han ZD, Liang YX, Yang SB, Huang YQ, Zhou L, Fu H, Li JX, Jiang FN, Zhong WD. Combined overexpression of HIVEP3 and SOX9 predicts unfavorable biochemical recurrence-free survival in patients with prostate cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:137-46. [PMID: 24493929 PMCID: PMC3908830 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s55432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To clarify the involvement of HIVEP3 and SOX9 coexpression in prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS A small interfering RNA was used to knockdown SOX9 expression in a PCa cell line and to analyze the effects of SOX9 inhibition on the expression of HIVEP3 in vitro. Then, HIVEP3 and SOX9 expression patterns in the human PCa tissues were detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We found that the downregulation of SOX9 could inhibit the expression of HIVEP3 in the PCa cells in vitro. In addition, both HIVEP3 and SOX9 messenger RNA expression levels in the PCa tissues were significantly higher than those in the noncancerous prostate tissues (P=0.006 and P<0.001, respectively). Moreover, the immunohistochemical staining scores of HIVEP3 in the PCa tissues with PSA failure were significantly higher than those without (P=0.042); the increased SOX9 protein expression was more frequently found in the PCa tissues with a high Gleason score (P=0.045) and a high clinical stage (P=0.012). The tumors showing the HIVEP3-high/SOX9-high expression more frequently had PSA failure (P=0.024). When the patients with an HIVEP3 overexpression combined with the SOX9 overexpression, this group had a worse biochemical recurrence-free survival (P<0.001). Furthermore, the multivariate analysis showed that the HIVEP3/SOX9 coexpression was an independent predictor of an unfavorable biochemical recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION Our data offer the convincing evidence for the first time that a combined analysis of HIVEP3 and SOX9 may help to predict the tumor progression and prognosis of PCa patients. In particular, the overexpression of HIVEP3 in PCa might partly explain the poor prognosis of patients with an upregulation of SOX9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qiang Qin
- Central Hospital of Panyu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Chan He
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Dong Han
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xiang Liang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Bang Yang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Qiang Huang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Fu
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Xian Li
- Central Hospital of Panyu District, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Neng Jiang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-de Zhong
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; Urology Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Pupo M, Pisano A, Abonante S, Maggiolini M, Musti AM. GPER activates Notch signaling in breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 46:56-67. [PMID: 24275097 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor GPR30/GPER has been shown to mediate rapid effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) in diverse types of cancer cells. Here, we provide evidence for a novel crosstalk between GPER and the Notch signaling pathway in breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We show that E2 and the GPER selective ligand G-1 induce both the γ-secretase-dependent activation of Notch-1 and the expression of the Notch target gene Hes-1. These inductions are prevented by knocking down GPER or by using a dominant-negative mutant of the Notch transcriptional co-activator Master-mind like-1 (DN-MAML-1), hence suggesting the involvement of GPER in the Notch-dependent transcription. By performing chromatin-immunoprecipitation experiments and luciferase assays, we also demonstrate that E2 and G-1 induce the recruitment of the intracellular domain of Notch-1 (N1ICD) to the Hes-1 promoter and the transactivation of a Hes-1-reporter gene, respectively. Functionally, the E2 and G-1-induced migration of breast cancer cells and CAFs is abolished in presence of the γ-secretase inhibitor GSI or DN-MAML-1, which both inhibit the Notch signaling pathway. In addition, we demonstrate that E2 and G-1 prevent the expression of VE-Cadherin, while both compounds induce the expression of Snail, a Notch target gene acting as a repressor of cadherins expression. Notably, both GSI and DN-MAML-1 abolish the up-regulation of Snail-1 by E2 and G-1, whereas the use of GSI rescues VE-Cadherin expression. Taken together, our results prove the involvement of the Notch signaling pathway in mediating the effects of estrogenic GPER signaling in breast cancer cells and CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pupo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Assunta Pisano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Musti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy; Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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Co-evolution of breast-to-brain metastasis and neural progenitor cells. Clin Exp Metastasis 2013; 30:753-68. [PMID: 23456474 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-013-9576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain colonization by metastatic tumor cells offers a unique opportunity to investigate microenvironmental influences on the neoplastic process. The bi-directional interplay of breast cancer cells (mesodermal origin) and brain cells (neuroectodermal origin) is poorly understood and rarely investigated. In our patients undergoing neurosurgical resection of breast-to-brain metastases, specimens from the tumor/brain interface exhibited increased active gliosis as previously described. In addition, our histological characterization revealed infiltration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) both outside and inside the tumor margin, leading us to investigate the cellular and molecular interactions between NPCs and metastases. Since signaling by the TGF-β superfamily is involved in both developmental neurobiology and breast cancer pathogenesis, we examined the role of these proteins in the context of brain metastases. The brain-metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231Br (231Br) expressed BMP-2 at significantly higher levels compared to its matched primary breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 (231). Co-culturing was used to examine bi-directional cellular effects and the relevance of BMP-2 overexpression. When co-cultured with NPCs, 231 (primary) tumor cells failed to proliferate over 15 days. However, 231Br (brain metastatic) tumor cells co-cultured with NPCs escaped growth inhibition after day 5 and proliferated, occurring in parallel with NPC differentiation into astrocytes. Using shRNA and gene knock-in, we then demonstrated BMP-2 secreted by 231Br cells mediated NPC differentiation into astrocytes and concomitant tumor cell proliferation in vitro. In xenografts, overexpression of BMP-2 in primary breast cancer cells significantly enhanced their ability to engraft and colonize the brain, thereby creating a metastatic phenotype. Conversely, BMP-2 knockdown in metastatic breast cancer cells significantly diminished engraftment and colonization. The results suggest metastatic tumor cells create a permissive neural niche by steering NPC differentiation toward astrocytes through paracrine BMP-2 signaling.
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Zhong WD, Qin GQ, Dai QS, Han ZD, Chen SM, Ling XH, Fu X, Cai C, Chen JH, Chen XB, Lin ZY, Deng YH, Wu SL, He HC, Wu CL. SOXs in human prostate cancer: implication as progression and prognosis factors. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:248. [PMID: 22703285 PMCID: PMC3583167 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SOX genes play an important role in a number of developmental processes. Potential roles of SOXs have been demonstrated in various neoplastic tissues as tumor suppressors or promoters depending on tumor status and types. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of SOXs in the progression and prognosis of human prostate cancer (PCa). Methods The gene expression changes of SOXs in human PCa tissues compared with non-cancerous prostate tissues was detected using gene expression microarray, and confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) analysis and immunohositochemistry. The roles of these genes in castration resistance were investigated in LNCaP xenograft model of PCa. Results The microarray analysis identified three genes (SOX7, SOX9 and SOX10) of SOX family that were significantly dis-regulated in common among four PCa specimens. Consistent with the results of the microarray, differential mRNA and protein levels of three selected genes were found in PCa tissues by QRT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we found that the immunohistochemical staining scores of SOX7 in PCa tissues with higher serum PSA level (P = 0.02) and metastasis (P = 0.03) were significantly lower than those with lower serum PSA level and without metastasis; the increased SOX9 protein expression was frequently found in PCa tissues with higher Gleason score (P = 0.02) and higher clinical stage (P < 0.0001); the down-regulation of SOX10 tend to be found in PCa tissues with higher serum PSA levels (P = 0.03) and advanced pathological stage (P = 0.01). Moreover, both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the down-regulation of SOX7 and the up-regulation of SOX9 were independent predictors of shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, we discovered that SOX7 was significantly down-regulated and SOX9 was significantly up-regulated during the progression to castration resistance. Conclusions Our data offer the convince evidence that the dis-regulation of SOX7, SOX9 and SOX10 may be associated with the aggressive progression of PCa. SOX7 and SOX9 may be potential markers for prognosis in PCa patients. Interestingly, the down-regulation of SOX7 and the up-regulation of SOX9 may be important mechanisms for castration-resistant progression of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-de Zhong
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First Municipal People's Hospital, Affiliated Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510180, China.
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Qiu XW, Yu CH. Advances in understanding the relationship between liver cancer stem cells and metastasis and relapse of liver cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:1802-1807. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i17.1802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many factors may affect the prognosis of liver cancer, including late diagnosis, cirrhosis, and insensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy, and postoperative metastasis and relapse. Previous studies on the metastasis and relapse of liver cancer focused mainly on the migration and shedding of liver cancer cells, adhesion of liver cancer cells to surrounding tissue, and generation of peripheral vessels. The advances in research on liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) have led to a better understanding of the metastasis and relapse of liver cancer. This paper gives a comprehensive review of LCSCs at the genetic level in terms of their origin and surface markers, signaling pathways involved, and treatment implications.
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Chakravarty G, Moroz K, Makridakis NM, Lloyd SA, Galvez SE, Canavello PR, Lacey MR, Agrawal K, Mondal D. Prognostic significance of cytoplasmic SOX9 in invasive ductal carcinoma and metastatic breast cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2011; 236:145-55. [PMID: 21321311 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2010.010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX9, a high mobility group (HMG) box transcription factor, is required for development, differentiation and lineage commitment. It is known to exert its effects through nuclear translocation, such as cell cycle changes in response to retinoic acid treatment in breast cancer cells. However, it is not known whether SOX9 has prognostic significance in human breast cancer. Over-expression and cytoplasmic sequestration of nuclear proteins are implicated in tumor progression. To determine whether SOX9 has any prognostic significance in human breast cancer, its expression and subcellular localization were analyzed in more than 200 human breast carcinomas (BCs). SOX9 mRNA expression data for human BCs were computed from microarray studies available in public databases and correlated with known poor prognostic parameters of BCs. SOX9 protein expression and its correlation with Ki-67 staining in human BCs were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Higher SOX9 mRNA levels were significantly associated with estrogen receptor negative (P ≤ 0.001) and higher grade (P ≤ 0.01) human breast tumors. Patients with higher SOX9 mRNA level had significantly shorter overall survival (P ≤ 0.0001). SOX9 protein, which is normally nuclear, was instead localized in the cytoplasm of 25-30% invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs) and lymph node metastases. Its cytoplasmic accumulation significantly correlated with enhanced proliferation in breast tumors (Kendall's tau = 0.337 with a P value < 0.0001). Cytoplasmic SOX9 can serve as a valuable prognostic marker for IDCs and metastatic breast cancer. Its significant correlation with breast tumor cell proliferation implies that SOX9 directly contributes to the poor clinical outcomes associated with invasive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Chakravarty
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, TUHSC, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Pritchett J, Athwal V, Roberts N, Hanley NA, Hanley KP. Understanding the role of SOX9 in acquired diseases: lessons from development. Trends Mol Med 2011; 17:166-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 11/26/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cells in liver cancer: current concepts and clinical implications. J Hepatol 2010; 53:568-77. [PMID: 20646772 PMCID: PMC3492877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The two dominant models of carcinogenesis postulate stochastic (clonal evolution) or hierarchic organization of tumor (cancer stem cell model). According to the latter, at the germinal center of tumor evolution is a cancer stem cell (CSC) which, similar to normal adult stem cells, possesses the capacity of self-renewal and a differentiation potential. Over the past few years, compelling evidence has emerged in support of the hierarchic cancer model for many solid tumors including hepatocellular cancers. The CSCs are posited to be responsible not only for tumor initiation but also for the generation of distant metastasis and relapse after therapy. These characteristics are particularly relevant for a multi-resistant tumor entity like human hepatocellular carcinoma and may herald a paradigm shift in the management of this deadly disease. Identification and detailed characterization of liver CSCs is therefore imperative for improving prevention approaches, enhancing early detection, and extending the limited treatment options. Despite the current progress in understanding the contribution of CSCs to the generation of heterogeneity of tumors, the molecular complexity and exact regulation of CSCs is poorly understood. This review focuses on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate and define the unique CSC properties with an emphasis on key regulatory pathways of liver CSCs and their clinical significance.
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Maddodi N, Setaluri V. Prognostic significance of melanoma differentiation and trans-differentiation. Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:989-99. [PMID: 22545195 PMCID: PMC3336875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2020989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanomas share a number of molecular attributes such as limitless replicative potential that define capabilities acquired by most malignancies. Accordingly, much effort has been focused on evaluating and validating protein markers related to these capabilities to function as melanoma prognostic markers. However, a few studies have also highlighted the prognostic value of markers that define melanocytic differentiation and the plasticity of melanoma cells to trans-differentiate along several other cellular pathways. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of the prognostic significance of melanocyte-lineage markers such as MITF and melanogenic proteins, as well as markers of vascular epithelial and neuronal differentiation.
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Chromik AM, Huss S, Osseili H, Daigeler A, Kersting S, Sülberg D, Mittelkötter U, Herdegen T, Uhl W, Müller AM. Oral administration of the anti-proliferative substance taurolidine has no impact on dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis-associated carcinogenesis in mice. J Carcinog 2010; 9:5. [PMID: 20442801 PMCID: PMC2862504 DOI: 10.4103/1477-3163.62536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: New chemopreventive strategies for ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated dysplasia and cancer have to be evaluated. Taurolidine (TRD) has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-neoplastic properties with almost absent toxicity. The aim of the study was to determine whether TRD decreases dysplasia in the well-characterized Dextran Sulfate Sodium – Azoxymethane (DSS-AOM) animal model for UC-associated carcinogenesis. Material and Methods: The DSS-AOM model of carcinogenesis was induced in female inbred C57BL/6 mice. Half of the mice were treated with TRD, the other served as control. After 100 days macroscopic, histological and immunhistochemical (β-Catenin, E-Cadherin, SOX9, Ki-67, Cyclin-D1) examination of the colon was performed. Results: Incidence, multiplicity, grading and growth pattern of adenomas did not differ significantly between TRD and control group. In all animals, inflammatory changes were absent. Immunhistochemistry revealed increased expression of Ki-67, β-catenin, SOX9 and Cyclin-D1 in adenomas compared to normal mucosa – without significant difference between TRD and control treatment. Conclusion: Oral administration of TRD has no impact on DSS-induced colitis-associated carcinogenesis. However, SOX9 and Cyclin-D1 representing key members of the Wnt pathway have not yet been described in the DSS-AOM model of carcinogenesis – underlining the importance of this oncogenic pathway in this setting.
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Prahalad P, Dakshanamurthy S, Ressom H, Byers SW. Retinoic acid mediates regulation of network formation by COUP-TFII and VE-cadherin expression by TGFbeta receptor kinase in breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10023. [PMID: 20386594 PMCID: PMC2850308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor development, growth, and metastasis depend on the provision of an adequate vascular supply. This can be due to regulated angiogenesis, recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitors, and/or vascular transdifferentiation. Our previous studies showed that retinoic acid (RA) treatment converts a subset of breast cancer cells into cells with significant endothelial genotypic and phenotypic elements including marked induction of VE-cadherin, which was responsible for some but not all morphological changes. The present study demonstrates that of the endothelial-related genes induced by RA treatment, only a few were affected by knockdown of VE-cadherin, ruling it out as a regulator of the RA-induced endothelial genotypic switch. In contrast, knockdown of the RA-induced gene COUP-TFII prevented the formation of networks in Matrigel but had no effect on VE-cadherin induction or cell fusion. Two pan-kinase inhibitors markedly blocked RA-induced VE-cadherin expression and cell fusion. However, RA treatment resulted in a marked and broad reduction in tyrosine kinase activity. Several genes in the TGFβ signaling pathway were induced by RA, and specific inhibition of the TGFβ type I receptor blocked both RA-induced VE-cadherin expression and cell fusion. Together these data indicate a role for the TGFβ pathway and COUP-TFII in mediating the endothelial transdifferentiating properties of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Prahalad
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C., United States of America
| | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C., United States of America
| | - Habtom Ressom
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C., United States of America
| | - Stephen W. Byers
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yao Z, Mishra L. Cancer stem cells and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2010; 8:1691-8. [PMID: 19901516 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.8.18.9843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, with a median survival of 6-16 m. Factors responsible for the poor prognosis include late onset diagnosis, underlying cirrhosis and resistance to chemotherapy; 40% of HCCs are clonal and therefore potentially arise from progenitor/stem cells. New insights are provided from several signaling pathways, such as STAT3, NOTCH, hedgehog and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta), which are involved in stem cell renewal, differentiation, survival, and are commonly deregulated in HCC. Control of stem cell proliferation by the TGFbeta, Notch, Wnt and Hedgehog pathways to suppress hepatocellular cancer and to form the endoderm suggest a dual role for this pathway in tumor suppression as well as progression of differentiation from a stem or progenitor stage. This review provides a rationale for detecting and analyzing tumor stem cells as one of the most effective ways to treat cancers such as hepatocellular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Yao
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases and Developmental Molecular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Anderson KR, White P, Kaestner KH, Sussel L. Identification of known and novel pancreas genes expressed downstream of Nkx2.2 during development. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2009; 9:65. [PMID: 20003319 PMCID: PMC2799404 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-9-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The homeodomain containing transcription factor Nkx2.2 is essential for the differentiation of pancreatic endocrine cells. Deletion of Nkx2.2 in mice leads to misspecification of islet cell types; insulin-expressing beta cells and glucagon-expressing alpha cells are replaced by ghrelin-expressing cells. Additional studies have suggested that Nkx2.2 functions both as a transcriptional repressor and activator to regulate islet cell formation and function. To identify genes that are potentially regulated by Nkx2.2 during the major wave of endocrine and exocrine cell differentiation, we assessed gene expression changes that occur in the absence of Nkx2.2 at the onset of the secondary transition in the developing pancreas. RESULTS Microarray analysis identified 80 genes that were differentially expressed in e12.5 and/or e13.5 Nkx2.2-/- embryos. Some of these genes encode transcription factors that have been previously identified in the pancreas, clarifying the position of Nkx2.2 within the islet transcriptional regulatory pathway. We also identified signaling factors and transmembrane proteins that function downstream of Nkx2.2, including several that have not previously been described in the pancreas. Interestingly, a number of known exocrine genes are also misexpressed in the Nkx2.2-/- pancreas. CONCLUSIONS Expression profiling of Nkx2.2-/- mice during embryogenesis has allowed us to identify known and novel pancreatic genes that function downstream of Nkx2.2 to regulate pancreas development. Several of the newly identified signaling factors and transmembrane proteins may function to influence islet cell fate decisions. These studies have also revealed a novel function for Nkx2.2 in maintaining appropriate exocrine gene expression. Most importantly, Nkx2.2 appears to function within a complex regulatory loop with Ngn3 at a key endocrine differentiation step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Program in Molecular Biology, University of Colorado Health Science Center, Denver, CO 80045, USA
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Mishra L, Banker T, Murray J, Byers S, Thenappan A, He AR, Shetty K, Johnson L, Reddy EP. Liver stem cells and hepatocellular carcinoma. HEPATOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD.) 2009. [PMID: 19111019 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22704.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) was first proposed over 40 years ago, only in the past decade have these cells been identified in hematological malignancies, and more recently in solid tumors that include liver, breast, prostate, brain, and colon. Constant proliferation of stem cells is a vital component in liver tissues. In these renewing tissues, mutations will most likely result in expansion of the altered stem cells, perpetuating and increasing the chances of additional mutations and tumor progression. However, many details about hepatocellular cancer stem cells that are important for early detection remain poorly understood, including the precise cell(s) of origin, molecular genetics, and the mechanisms responsible for the highly aggressive clinical picture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exploration of the difference between CSCs from normal stem cells is crucial not only for the understanding of tumor biology but also for the development of specific therapies that effectively target these cells in patients. These ideas have drawn attention to control of stem cell proliferation by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways. Recent evidence also suggests a key role for the TGF-beta signaling pathway in both hepatocellular cancer suppression and endoderm formation, suggesting a dual role for this pathway in tumor suppression as well as progression of differentiation from a stem or progenitor stage. This review provides a rationale for detecting and analyzing tumor stem cells as one of the most effective ways to treat cancers such as HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lopa Mishra
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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Mishra L, Banker T, Murray J, Byers S, Thenappan A, He AR, Shetty K, Johnson L, Reddy EP. Liver stem cells and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2009; 49:318-29. [PMID: 19111019 PMCID: PMC2726720 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) was first proposed over 40 years ago, only in the past decade have these cells been identified in hematological malignancies, and more recently in solid tumors that include liver, breast, prostate, brain, and colon. Constant proliferation of stem cells is a vital component in liver tissues. In these renewing tissues, mutations will most likely result in expansion of the altered stem cells, perpetuating and increasing the chances of additional mutations and tumor progression. However, many details about hepatocellular cancer stem cells that are important for early detection remain poorly understood, including the precise cell(s) of origin, molecular genetics, and the mechanisms responsible for the highly aggressive clinical picture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exploration of the difference between CSCs from normal stem cells is crucial not only for the understanding of tumor biology but also for the development of specific therapies that effectively target these cells in patients. These ideas have drawn attention to control of stem cell proliferation by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways. Recent evidence also suggests a key role for the TGF-beta signaling pathway in both hepatocellular cancer suppression and endoderm formation, suggesting a dual role for this pathway in tumor suppression as well as progression of differentiation from a stem or progenitor stage. This review provides a rationale for detecting and analyzing tumor stem cells as one of the most effective ways to treat cancers such as HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lopa Mishra
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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