|
1
|
Ziranu P, Pretta A, Aimola V, Cau F, Mariani S, D’Agata AP, Codipietro C, Rizzo D, Dell’Utri V, Sanna G, Moledda G, Cadoni A, Lai E, Puzzoni M, Pusceddu V, Castagnola M, Scartozzi M, Faa G. CD44: A New Prognostic Marker in Colorectal Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1569. [PMID: 38672650 PMCID: PMC11048923 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081569] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is a non-kinase cell surface glycoprotein. It is overexpressed in several cell types, including cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cells overexpressing CD44 exhibit several CSC traits, such as self-renewal, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) capability, and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. The role of CD44 in maintaining stemness and the CSC function in tumor progression is accomplished by binding to its main ligand, hyaluronan (HA). The HA-CD44 complex activates several signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion. The CD44 gene regularly undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in the standard (CD44s) and variant (CD44v) isoforms. The different functional roles of CD44s and specific CD44v isoforms still need to be fully understood. The clinicopathological impact of CD44 and its isoforms in promoting tumorigenesis suggests that CD44 could be a molecular target for cancer therapy. Furthermore, the recent association observed between CD44 and KRAS-dependent carcinomas and the potential correlations between CD44 and tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) open new research scenarios for developing new strategies in cancer treatment. This review summarises current research regarding the different CD44 isoform structures, their roles, and functions in supporting tumorigenesis and discusses its therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pina Ziranu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Valentina Aimola
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (V.A.); (F.C.)
| | - Flaviana Cau
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (V.A.); (F.C.)
| | - Stefano Mariani
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandra Pia D’Agata
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Claudia Codipietro
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Daiana Rizzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Veronica Dell’Utri
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Giorgia Sanna
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Giusy Moledda
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Cadoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00013 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio per Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.); (C.C.); (D.R.); (V.D.); (G.S.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (E.L.); (M.P.); (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Kesharwani P, Chadar R, Sheikh A, Rizg WY, Safhi AY. CD44-Targeted Nanocarrier for Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:800481. [PMID: 35431911 PMCID: PMC9008230 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.800481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is a cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed in varieties of solid tumors including pancreatic, breast, ovary, brain, and lung cancers. It is a multi-structural glycoprotein of the cell surface which is majorly involved in cell proliferation, cell-to-cell interaction, cellular migration, inflammation, and generation of immune responses. Numerous studies focus on the development of nanocarriers for active targeting of the CD44 receptor to improve efficacy of targeting chemotherapy and achieve precise chemotherapy by defining the release, uptake, and accumulation of therapeutic agents. The CD44 receptor has a selective binding affinity towards hyaluronic and chondroitin sulfate (CS). Taking this into consideration, this review focused on the role of CD44 in cancer and its therapy using several nanocarriers such as polymeric/non-polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimer, micelles, carbon nanotubes, nanogels, nanoemulsions etc., for targeted delivery of several chemotherapeutic molecules and nucleic acid. This review also illuminates the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in cancer therapy, interaction of HA with CD44, and various approaches to target CD44-overexpressed neoplastic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Prashant Kesharwani,
| | - Rahul Chadar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Afsana Sheikh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Waleed Y. Rizg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awaji Y Safhi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Preferential interaction of platelets with prostate cancer cells with stem cell markers. Thromb Res 2021; 206:42-51. [PMID: 34403851 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) may be initiated by CD133+/CD44+ expressing stem cell-like cells (PCSC), which are also thought to drive metastasis. Platelets also contribute to metastasis via tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA), which in part enhances cancer cell invasion. Moreover, activated platelets secrete stromal derived growth factor-1α (SDF-1α) that can mobilize CSCs via the CXCR4 receptor. However, the potential reciprocal interactions between CSCs and platelets have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE To characterize the mechanisms behind PCSC-platelet interaction. METHODS Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting was utilized to separate DU145 and PC3 PCa cells into CD133+/CD44+, CD133+/CD44-, CD44+/CD133-, and CD133-/CD44- subpopulations and to measure their CXCR4 surface expression. PCa subpopulation TCIPA experiments were performed using aggregometry and immunoblot was used to measure prothrombin. Platelet SDF-1α secretion was measured by ELISA. Modified-Boyden chamber assays were used to assess the role of SDF-1α:CXCR4 pathway in platelet-PCSC interactions. RESULTS DU145 and PC3 expressing both CD133 and CD44 stem cell markers accounted for only small fractions of total cells (DU145: CD133+/CD44+ 3.44 ± 1.45% vs. CD133+/CD44- 1.56 ± 0.45% vs. CD44+/CD133- 68.19 ± 6.25% vs. CD133-/CD44- 20.36 ± 4.51%). However, CD133+ subpopulations induced the greatest amount of aggregation compared to CD44+/CD133- and double-negative DU145, and this aggregation potency of CD133+ PCa cells corresponded with high levels of prothrombin expression. Additionally, CD133+ subpopulations expressed significantly higher level of CXCR4 compared to CD133-/CD44- and CD44+/CD133-. Disruption of SDF-1α:CXCR4 pathway reduced platelet-induced PCSC invasion. CONCLUSIONS CD133+/CD44+ and CD133+/CD44- PCSCs have highest platelet aggregation potency, which could be attributed to their increased prothrombin expression. Reciprocally, platelet-derived SDF-1α stimulates PCSC invasion.
Collapse
|
|
4
|
The biology and role of CD44 in cancer progression: therapeutic implications. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:64. [PMID: 29747682 PMCID: PMC5946470 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 762] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CD44, a non-kinase transmembrane glycoprotein, is overexpressed in several cell types including cancer stem cells and frequently shows alternative spliced variants that are thought to play a role in cancer development and progression. Hyaluronan, the main ligand for CD44, binds to and activates CD44 resulting in activation of cell signaling pathways that induces cell proliferation, increases cell survival, modulates cytoskeletal changes, and enhances cellular motility. The different functional roles of CD44 standard (CD44s) and specific CD44 variant (CD44v) isoforms are not fully understood. CD44v contain additional peptide motifs that can interact with and sequester growth factors and cytokines at the cell surface thereby functioning as coreceptors to facilitate cell signaling. Moreover, CD44v were expressed in metastasized tumors, whereas switching between CD44v and CD44s may play a role in regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and in the adaptive plasticity of cancer cells. Here, we review current data on the structural and functional properties of CD44, the known roles for CD44 in tumorigencity, the regulation of CD44 expression, and the potential for targeting CD44 for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Hong T, Shen D, Chen X, Wu X, Hua D. Preoperative plasma fibrinogen, but not D-dimer might represent a prognostic factor in non-metastatic colorectal cancer: A prospective cohort study. Cancer Biomark 2018; 19:103-111. [PMID: 28269756 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Cancer progression has been associated with host hemostasis system. Whether preoperative plasma hemostasis factors can predict survival in colorectal cancer is quite intriguing. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study to validate the prognostic significance of three hemostasis parameters - fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer - in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with curative resection. RESULTS All three parameters were positively correlated with C reactive protein (CRP) levels and Glasgow Prognostic scores (GPS). In univariate cox hazards regression model, as continuous variables, both fibrinogen (HR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01-1.13) and FDPs (HR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.05-1.31) were prognostic, while D-dimer levels were not. Patients with hyperfibrinogenemia had a 2.12-fold increased mortality risk compared with patients without hyperfibrinogenemia. Patients with positive FDPs had a 3.68-fold increased mortality risk compared with patients with negative FDPs. In multivariate models, hyperfibrinogenemia was prognostic (HR: 3.39, 95%CI: 1.34-8.67) in patients with normal GPS scores. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative fibrinogen levels appeared as an independent mortality risk factor in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients with normal GPS scores. Fibrinogen could be a reliable marker to identify high risk patients for those without systematic inflammation responses.
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Roles and targeting of the HAS/hyaluronan/CD44 molecular system in cancer. Matrix Biol 2016; 59:3-22. [PMID: 27746219 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis, deposition, and interactions of hyaluronan (HA) with its cellular receptor CD44 are crucial events that regulate the onset and progression of tumors. The intracellular signaling pathways initiated by HA interactions with CD44 leading to tumorigenic responses are complex. Moreover, HA molecules may perform dual functions depending on their concentration and size. Overexpression of variant isoforms of CD44 (CD44v) is most commonly linked to cancer progression, whereas their loss is associated with inhibition of tumor growth. In this review, we highlight that the regulation of HA synthases (HASes) by post-translational modifications, such as O-GlcNAcylation and ubiquitination, environmental factors and the action of microRNAs is important for HA synthesis and secretion in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we focus on the roles and interactions of CD44 with various proteins that reside extra- and intracellularly, as well as on cellular membranes with particular reference to the CD44-HA axis in cancer stem cell functions, and the importance of CD44/CD44v6 targeting to inhibit tumorigenesis.
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Liu FT, Ou-Yang X, Zhang GP, Luo HL. Progress in research of colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia and adenoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015; 23:3413-3420. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v23.i21.3413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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
Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor in the digestive system, and the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer has been the focus of its prevention and control. Colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia and adenoma are considered to be the most important precancerous lesions of colorectal cancer. In recent years, with the development of biological medicine, genetics,
and other disciplines, many studies have explored the relationship between intraepithelial neoplasia and adenoma and colorectal cancer, and some new research progress has been achieved to provide some guidance for the future clinical screening, regular follow-up and chemical prevention. However, it remains to be studied how colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia and adenoma form and evolve to colorectal cancer.
Collapse
|
|
8
|
Orian-Rousseau V, Sleeman J. CD44 is a multidomain signaling platform that integrates extracellular matrix cues with growth factor and cytokine signals. Adv Cancer Res 2015; 123:231-54. [PMID: 25081532 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800092-2.00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The reception and integration of the plethora of signals a cell receives from its microenvironment is decisive in determining cell behavior. Perturbation of extracellular cues, or an inappropriate response to or integration of these signals lies at the root of many diseases such as cancer. The transmembrane protein CD44 contributes to the reception of a broad variety of microenvironmental components, including extracellular matrix constituents such as hyaluronic acid, as well as growth factors and cytokines. In this chapter, we review the range of extracellular cues that are recognized by CD44, and show how CD44 serves to integrate this information at several levels through the mechanisms by which it contributes to transduction of these various microenvironmental signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Sleeman
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe, Germany; Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
|
9
|
Characterization of monobody scaffold interactions with ligand via force spectroscopy and steered molecular dynamics. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8247. [PMID: 25650239 PMCID: PMC4316159 DOI: 10.1038/srep08247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Monobodies are antibody alternatives derived from fibronectin that are thermodynamically stable, small in size, and can be produced in bacterial systems. Monobodies have been engineered to bind a wide variety of target proteins with high affinity and specificity. Using alanine-scanning mutagenesis simulations, we identified two scaffold residues that are critical to the binding interaction between the monobody YS1 and its ligand, maltose-binding protein (MBP). Steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations predicted that the E47A and R33A mutations in the YS1 scaffold substantially destabilize the YS1-MBP interface by reducing the bond rupture force and the lifetime of single hydrogen bonds. SMD simulations further indicated that the R33A mutation weakens the hydrogen binding between all scaffold residues and MBP and not just between R33 and MBP. We validated the simulation data and characterized the effects of mutations on YS1-MBP binding by using single-molecule force spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. We propose that interfacial stability resulting from R33 of YS1 stacking with R344 of MBP synergistically stabilizes both its own bond and the interacting scaffold residues of YS1. Our integrated approach improves our understanding of the monobody scaffold interactions with a target, thus providing guidance for the improved engineering of monobodies.
Collapse
|