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Samant C, Kale R, Pai KSR, Nandakumar K, Bhonde M. Role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer drug resistance: Insights into molecular aspects of major solid tumors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 729:150348. [PMID: 38986260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150348] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Adaptive resistance to conventional and targeted therapies remains one of the major obstacles in the effective management of cancer. Aberrant activation of key signaling mechanisms plays a pivotal role in modulating resistance to drugs. An evolutionarily conserved Wnt/β-catenin pathway is one of the signaling cascades which regulate resistance to drugs. Elevated Wnt signaling confers resistance to anticancer therapies, either through direct activation of its target genes or via indirect mechanisms and crosstalk over other signaling pathways. Involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer hallmarks like inhibition of apoptosis, promotion of invasion and metastasis and cancer stem cell maintenance makes this pathway a potential target to exploit for addressing drug resistance. Accumulating evidences suggest a critical role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in imparting resistance across multiple cancers including PDAC, NSCLC, TNBC, etc. Here we present a comprehensive assessment of how Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediates cancer drug resistance in majority of the solid tumors. We take a deep dive into the Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated modulation of cellular and downstream molecular mechanisms and their impact on cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charudatt Samant
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ramesh Kale
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - K Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Krishnadas Nandakumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Mandar Bhonde
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
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Palma AM, Bushnell GG, Wicha MS, Gogna R. Tumor microenvironment interactions with cancer stem cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:343-372. [PMID: 37268400 PMCID: PMC11218813 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer in the United States. Additionally, the low survival rate makes PDAC the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, and it is projected that by 2030, it will become the second-leading cause of cancer mortality. Several biological factors contribute to PDAC aggressiveness, and their understanding will narrow the gap from biology to clinical care of PDAC, leading to earlier diagnoses and the development of better treatment options. In this review, we describe the origins of PDAC highlighting the role of cancer stem cells (CSC). CSC, also known as tumor initiating cells, which exhibit a unique metabolism that allows them to maintain a highly plastic, quiescent, immune- and therapy-evasive state. However, CSCs can exit quiescence during proliferation and differentiation, with the capacity to form tumors while constituting a small population in tumor tissues. Tumorigenesis depends on the interactions between CSCs and other cellular and non-cellular components in the microenvironment. These interactions are fundamental to support CSC stemness and are maintained throughout tumor development and metastasis. PDAC is characterized by a massive desmoplastic reaction, which result from the deposition of high amounts of extracellular matrix components by stromal cells. Here we review how this generates a favorable environment for tumor growth by protecting tumor cells from immune responses and chemotherapy and inducing tumor cell proliferation and migration, leading to metastasis formation ultimately leading to death. We emphasize the interactions between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment leading to metastasis formation and posit that better understanding and targeting of these interactions will improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grace G Bushnell
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Rajan Gogna
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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3
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Bubin R, Uljanovs R, Strumfa I. Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087030. [PMID: 37108193 PMCID: PMC10138709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in leukaemia triggered active research on stemness in neoplastic tissues. CSCs represent a subpopulation of malignant cells, defined by unique properties: a dedifferentiated state, self-renewal, pluripotency, an inherent resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, the presence of certain epigenetic alterations, as well as a higher tumorigenicity in comparison with the general population of cancer cells. A combination of these features highlights CSCs as a high-priority target during cancer treatment. The presence of CSCs has been confirmed in multiple malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an entity that is well known for its dismal prognosis. As the aggressive course of pancreatic carcinoma is partly attributable to treatment resistance, CSCs could contribute to adverse outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current information regarding the markers and molecular features of CSCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the therapeutic options to remove them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Bubin
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Romans Uljanovs
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilze Strumfa
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
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Chianese U, Papulino C, Ali A, Ciardiello F, Cappabianca S, Altucci L, Carafa V, Benedetti R. FASN multi-omic characterization reveals metabolic heterogeneity in pancreatic and prostate adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:32. [PMID: 36650542 PMCID: PMC9847120 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03874-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and prostate cancer (PCa) are among the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. There is now a comprehensive understanding of metabolic reprogramming as a hallmark of cancer. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key regulator of the lipid metabolic network, providing energy to favor tumor proliferation and development. Whereas the biological role of FASN is known, its response and sensitivity to inhibition have not yet been fully established in these two cancer settings. METHODS To evaluate the association between FASN expression, methylation, prognosis, and mutational profile in PDAC and PCa, we interrogated public databases and surveyed online platforms using TCGA data. The STRING database was used to investigate FASN interactors, and the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis platform Reactome database was used to perform an enrichment analysis using data from RNA sequencing public databases of PDAC and PCa. In vitro models using PDAC and PCa cell lines were used to corroborate the expression of FASN, as shown by Western blot, and the effects of FASN inhibition on cell proliferation/cell cycle progression and mitochondrial respiration were investigated with MTT, colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis and MitoStress Test. RESULTS The expression of FASN was not modulated in PDAC compared to normal pancreatic tissues, while it was overexpressed in PCa, which also displayed a different level of promoter methylation. Based on tumor grade, FASN expression decreased in advanced stages of PDAC, but increased in PCa. A low incidence of FASN mutations was found for both tumors. FASN was overexpressed in PCa, despite not reaching statistical significance, and was associated with a worse prognosis than in PDAC. The biological role of FASN interactors correlated with lipid metabolism, and GSEA indicated that lipid-mediated mitochondrial respiration was enriched in PCa. Following validation of FASN overexpression in PCa compared to PDAC in vitro, we tested TVB-2640 as a FASN inhibitor. PCa proliferation arrest was modulated by FASN inhibition in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas PDAC proliferation was not altered. In line with this finding, mitochondrial respiration was found to be more affected in PCa than in PDAC. FASN inhibition interfered with metabolic signaling causing lipid accumulation and affecting cell viability with an impact on the replicative processes. CONCLUSIONS FASN exhibited differential expression patterns in PDAC and PCa, suggesting a different evolution during cancer progression. This was corroborated by the fact that both tumors responded differently to FASN inhibition in terms of proliferative potential and mitochondrial respiration, indicating that its use should reflect context specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Chianese
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Papulino
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ahmad Ali
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cappabianca
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy ,grid.428067.f0000 0004 4674 1402Biogem Institute of Molecular and Genetic Biology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy ,grid.429047.c0000 0004 6477 0469IEOS, Institute for Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carafa
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy ,grid.428067.f0000 0004 4674 1402Biogem Institute of Molecular and Genetic Biology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Li LJ, Li CH, Chang PMH, Lai TC, Yong CY, Feng SW, Hsiao M, Chang WM, Huang CYF. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sensitizes Irinotecan to Suppress Head and Neck Cancer Stem-Like Cells by Downregulation of WNT Signaling. Front Oncol 2022; 12:775541. [PMID: 35912234 PMCID: PMC9328800 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.775541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Current treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited, especially for cases with cancer stem cell-induced chemoresistance and recurrence. The WNT signaling pathway contributes to maintenance of stemness via translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus, and represents a promising druggable target in HNSCC. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone, has potential as an anticancer drug. However, the potential anticancer mechanisms of DHEA including inhibition of stemness, and its therapeutic applications in HNSCC remain unclear. Methods Firstly, SRB assay and sphere formation assay were used to examine cellular viability and cancer stem cell-like phenotype, respectively. The expressions of stemness related factors were measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The luciferase reporter assay was applied to evaluate transcriptional potential of stemness related pathways. The alternations of WNT signaling pathway were measured by nuclear translocation of β-catenin, RT-qPCR and western blotting. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of drugs in vivo, both HNSCC orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft mouse models were applied. Results We found that DHEA reduced HNSCC cell viability, suppressed sphere formation, and inhibited the expression of cancer-stemness markers, such as BMI-1 and Nestin. Moreover, DHEA repressed the transcriptional activity of stemness-related pathways. In the WNT pathway, DHEA reduced the nuclear translocation of the active form of β-catenin and reduced the protein expression of the downstream targets, CCND1 and CD44. Furthermore, when combined with the chemotherapeutic drug, irinotecan (IRN), DHEA enhanced the sensitivity of HNSCC cells to IRN as revealed by reduced cell viability, sphere formation, expression of stemness markers, and activation of the WNT pathway. Additionally, this combination reduced in vivo tumor growth in both orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft mouse models. Conclusion These findings indicate that DHEA has anti-stemness potential in HNSCC and serves as a promising anticancer agent. The combination of DHEA and IRN may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Li
- Ph.D. Program in School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiu Li
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Peter Mu-Hsin Chang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ching Lai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yin Yong
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Wei Feng
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Prosthodontics, Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Min Chang
- School of Oral Hygiene, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chi-Ying F. Huang, ; Wei-Min Chang,
| | - Chi-Ying F. Huang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chi-Ying F. Huang, ; Wei-Min Chang,
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6
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Liu H, Xiang Y, Zong QB, Zhang XY, Wang ZW, Fang SQ, Zhang TC, Liao XH. miR-6745-TIMP1 axis inhibits cell growth and metastasis in gastric cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:24402-24416. [PMID: 34775375 PMCID: PMC8610132 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) has been reported to act as a tumor oncogene in colon cancer. However, little is known about the biological role of TIMP1 in gastric cancer. In this study, we found that the expression of TIMP1 in GC tissues was upregulated compared with the normal gastric tissues. TIMP1 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-6745 and silencing TIMP1 mimicked the effects of miR-6745 in GC cells. Further mechanism studies have shown that miR-6745 inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by targeting TIMP1, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In addition, through the analysis of GC tissues, a negative correlation between miR-6745 and TIMP1 was found in 42 GC tissues. Our findings indicate that the miR-6745-TIMP1 axis regulates Wnt/βcatenin signaling and participates in GC tumorigenesis and provide a potential therapeutic target for preventing GC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430081, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Xiang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430081, P.R. China.,Department of Medical Laboratory, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Bei Zong
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430081, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430081, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Wen Wang
- Yueyang Key Laboratory of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases, Yueyang Vocational and Technical College, Hunan 414000, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Qiang Fang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Tong-Cun Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430081, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Hua Liao
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430081, P.R. China
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7
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Truong LH, Pauklin S. Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment and Cellular Composition: Current Understandings and Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5028. [PMID: 34638513 PMCID: PMC8507722 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal human solid tumors, despite great efforts in improving therapeutics over the past few decades. In PDAC, the distinct characteristic of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the main barrier for developing effective treatments. PDAC TME is characterized by a dense stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells populations that crosstalk to the subpopulations of neoplastic cells that include cancer stem cells (CSCs). The heterogeneity in TME is also exhibited in the diversity and dynamics of acellular components, including the Extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokines, growth factors, and secreted ligands to signaling pathways. These contribute to drug resistance, metastasis, and relapse in PDAC. However, clinical trials targeting TME components have often reported unexpected results and still have not benefited patients. The failures in those trials and various efforts to understand the PDAC biology demonstrate the highly heterogeneous and multi-faceted TME compositions and the complexity of their interplay within TME. Hence, further functional and mechanistic insight is needed. In this review, we will present a current understanding of PDAC biology with a focus on the heterogeneity in TME and crosstalk among its components. We also discuss clinical challenges and the arising therapeutic opportunities in PDAC research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK;
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8
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Patil K, Khan FB, Akhtar S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. The plasticity of pancreatic cancer stem cells: implications in therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:691-720. [PMID: 34453639 PMCID: PMC8556195 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing perception of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a plastic state rather than a hardwired defined entity has evolved our understanding of the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Pancreatic cancer (PC), based on its biological features and clinical evolution, is a prototypical example of a CSC-driven disease. Since the discovery of pancreatic CSCs (PCSCs) in 2007, evidence has unraveled their control over many facets of the natural history of PC, including primary tumor growth, metastatic progression, disease recurrence, and acquired drug resistance. Consequently, the current near-ubiquitous treatment regimens for PC using aggressive cytotoxic agents, aimed at ‘‘tumor debulking’’ rather than eradication of CSCs, have proven ineffective in providing clinically convincing improvements in patients with this dreadful disease. Herein, we review the key hallmarks as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms of CSCs that mediate treatment failure in PC and enlist the potential CSC-targeting ‘natural agents’ that are gaining popularity in recent years. A better understanding of the molecular and functional landscape of PCSC-intrinsic evasion of chemotherapeutic drugs offers a facile opportunity for treating PC, an intractable cancer with a grim prognosis and in dire need of effective therapeutic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farheen B Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, The United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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9
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Peng D, Gleyzer R, Tai WH, Kumar P, Bian Q, Isaacs B, da Rocha EL, Cai S, DiNapoli K, Huang FW, Cahan P. Evaluating the transcriptional fidelity of cancer models. Genome Med 2021; 13:73. [PMID: 33926541 PMCID: PMC8086312 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00888-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer researchers use cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, engineered mice, and tumoroids as models to investigate tumor biology and to identify therapies. The generalizability and power of a model derive from the fidelity with which it represents the tumor type under investigation; however, the extent to which this is true is often unclear. The preponderance of models and the ability to readily generate new ones has created a demand for tools that can measure the extent and ways in which cancer models resemble or diverge from native tumors. METHODS We developed a machine learning-based computational tool, CancerCellNet, that measures the similarity of cancer models to 22 naturally occurring tumor types and 36 subtypes, in a platform and species agnostic manner. We applied this tool to 657 cancer cell lines, 415 patient-derived xenografts, 26 distinct genetically engineered mouse models, and 131 tumoroids. We validated CancerCellNet by application to independent data, and we tested several predictions with immunofluorescence. RESULTS We have documented the cancer models with the greatest transcriptional fidelity to natural tumors, we have identified cancers underserved by adequate models, and we have found models with annotations that do not match their classification. By comparing models across modalities, we report that, on average, genetically engineered mice and tumoroids have higher transcriptional fidelity than patient-derived xenografts and cell lines in four out of five tumor types. However, several patient-derived xenografts and tumoroids have classification scores that are on par with native tumors, highlighting both their potential as faithful model classes and their heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS CancerCellNet enables the rapid assessment of transcriptional fidelity of tumor models. We have made CancerCellNet available as a freely downloadable R package ( https://github.com/pcahan1/cancerCellNet ) and as a web application ( http://www.cahanlab.org/resources/cancerCellNet_web ) that can be applied to new cancer models that allows for direct comparison to the cancer models evaluated here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Peng
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Rachel Gleyzer
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Wen-Hsin Tai
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Pavithra Kumar
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Qin Bian
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Bradley Isaacs
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Edroaldo Lummertz da Rocha
- grid.411237.20000 0001 2188 7235Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC Brazil
| | - Stephanie Cai
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Kathleen DiNapoli
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Franklin W. Huang
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine; Helen Diller Family Cancer Center; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Patrick Cahan
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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10
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Al-Share B, Hammad N, Diab M. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: molecular drivers and the role of targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:355-371. [PMID: 33398620 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Prognosis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be poor despite the many efforts channeled to improve its management. Although the mainstay treatment is still traditional chemotherapy, recent advances highlighted a promising potential for targeted therapy in the management of this disease. Those advances emphasize the significance of timely genomic profiling of tumor tissue as well as germline testing of patients to identify potential markers of targeted therapy. While targeted therapy is reserved for a relatively small subset of patients with PDAC, ongoing research is uncovering additional markers, and targeted agents, that will hopefully translate to better outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayan Al-Share
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nour Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Ascension Providence Hospital and Medical Center/Michigan State University/Collage of Human Medicine, Southfield, MI, USA
| | - Maria Diab
- Department of Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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11
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Immunological Gene Signature Associated With the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Pancreas 2020; 49:1240-1245. [PMID: 32898010 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but its effects on immune gene signatures are unknown. Here, we examined the immune transcriptome after NAC for PDAC. METHODS Resected tumor specimens were obtained from 140 patients with PDAC who received surgery first (n = 93) or NAC (n = 47). Six patients were randomly selected from each group, and RNA was extracted from tumor tissues. We compared 770 immune-related genes among the 2 groups using nCounterPanCancer Immune Profiling (NanoString Technologies, Seattle, Wash). Gene clusters were classified into 14 immune function groups based on gene ontology argolism by nSolver 4.0 software (NanoString Technologies), and corresponding immune cell function scores were compared. RESULTS Eleven genes (LY86, SH2D1A, CD247, TIGIT, CR2, CD83, LAMP3, CXCR4, DUSP4, SELL, and IL2RA) were significantly downregulated in the NAC group. Gene expression analysis showed that the functions of regulatory T cells, B cells, and natural killer CD56 dim cells were significantly decreased in the NAC group. CONCLUSIONS Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may suppress regulatory T cells and B-cell function in the PDAC microenvironment. The 11 identified genes could be useful for predicting the efficacy of NAC and could be therapeutic targets for PDAC.
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12
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Gzil A, Zarębska I, Bursiewicz W, Antosik P, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. Markers of pancreatic cancer stem cells and their clinical and therapeutic implications. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:6629-6645. [PMID: 31486978 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05058-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cause of death among all cancers. Poor prognosis of PC may be caused by a prevalence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a population of cancer cells showing stem cell-like characteristics. CSCs have the ability to self-renew and may initiate tumorigenesis. PC CSCs express markers such as CD133, CD24, CD44, DCLK1, CXCR4, ESA, Oct4 and ABCB1. There is a wide complexity of interaction and relationships between CSC markers in PC. These markers are negative prognostic factors and are connected with tumor recurrence and clinical progression. Additionally, PC CSCs are resistant to treatment with gemcitabine. Thus, most current therapies for PC are ineffective. Numerous studies have shown, that targeting of these proteins may increase both disease-free and overall survival in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Wiktor Bursiewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Paulina Antosik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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13
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Sandhu V, Labori KJ, Borgida A, Lungu I, Bartlett J, Hafezi-Bakhtiari S, Denroche RE, Jang GH, Pasternack D, Mbaabali F, Watson M, Wilson J, Kure EH, Gallinger S, Haibe-Kains B. Meta-Analysis of 1,200 Transcriptomic Profiles Identifies a Prognostic Model for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2019; 3:1-16. [DOI: 10.1200/cci.18.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With a dismal 8% median 5-year overall survival, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy. Only 10% to 20% of patients are eligible for surgery, and more than 50% of these patients will die within 1 year of surgery. Building a molecular predictor of early death would enable the selection of patients with PDAC who are at high risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed the Pancreatic Cancer Overall Survival Predictor (PCOSP), a prognostic model built from a unique set of 89 PDAC tumors in which gene expression was profiled using both microarray and sequencing platforms. We used a meta-analysis framework that was based on the binary gene pair method to create gene expression barcodes that were robust to biases arising from heterogeneous profiling platforms and batch effects. Leveraging the largest compendium of PDAC transcriptomic data sets to date, we show that PCOSP is a robust single-sample predictor of early death—1 year or less—after surgery in a subset of 823 samples with available transcriptomics and survival data. RESULTS The PCOSP model was strongly and significantly prognostic, with a meta-estimate of the area under the receiver operating curve of 0.70 ( P = 2.6E−22) and d-index (robust hazard ratio) of 1.9 (range, 1.6 to 2.3; ( = 1.4E−04) for binary and survival predictions, respectively. The prognostic value of PCOSP was independent of clinicopathologic parameters and molecular subtypes. Over-representation analysis of the PCOSP 2,619 gene pairs—1,070 unique genes—unveiled pathways associated with Hedgehog signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and extracellular matrix signaling. CONCLUSION PCOSP could improve treatment decisions by identifying patients who will not benefit from standard surgery/chemotherapy but who may benefit from a more aggressive treatment approach or enrollment in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Sandhu
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Oslo University Hospital, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Ilinca Lungu
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Bartlett
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Gun Ho Jang
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Matthew Watson
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Wilson
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elin H. Kure
- Oslo University Hospital, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway
- University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø in Telemark, Norway
| | - Steven Gallinger
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin Haibe-Kains
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Acquisition of a side population fraction augments malignant phenotype in ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14215. [PMID: 31578411 PMCID: PMC6775117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Side population (SP) cells harbor malignant phenotypes in cancer. The aim of this study was to identify genes that modulate the proportion of ovarian cancer SP cells. Using a shRNA library targeting 15,000 genes, a functional genomics screen was performed to identify genes whose suppression increased the SP percentage. The biological effects caused by alteration of those identified genes were investigated in vitro and in vivo. We found that suppression of MSL3, ZNF691, VPS45, ITGB3BP, TLE2, and ZNF498 increased the proportion of SP cells. Newly generated SP cells exhibit greater capacity for sphere formation, single cell clonogenicity, and in vivo tumorigenicity. On the contrary, overexpression of MSL3, VPS45, ITGB3BP, TLE2, and ZNF498 decreased the proportion of SP cells, sphere formation capacity and single cell clonogenicity. In ovarian cancer cases, low expression of MSL3, ZNF691 and VPS45 was related to poor prognosis. Suppression of these six genes enhanced activity of the hedgehog pathway. Cyclopamine, a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, significantly decreased the number of SP cells and their sphere forming ability. Our results provide new information regarding molecular mechanisms favoring SP cells and suggest that Hedgehog signaling may provide a viable target for ovarian cancer.
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15
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Ram Makena M, Gatla H, Verlekar D, Sukhavasi S, K Pandey M, C Pramanik K. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling: The Culprit in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4242. [PMID: 31480221 PMCID: PMC6747343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is responsible for 7.3% of all cancer deaths. Even though there is a steady increase in patient survival for most cancers over the decades, the patient survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains low with current therapeutic strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway controls the maintenance of somatic stem cells in many tissues and organs and is implicated in pancreatic carcinogenesis by regulating cell cycle progression, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, stemness, tumor immune microenvironment, etc. Further, dysregulated Wnt has been shown to cause drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Although different Wnt antagonists are effective in pancreatic patients, limitations remain that must be overcome to increase the survival benefits associated with this emerging therapy. In this review, we have summarized the role of Wnt signaling in pancreatic cancer and suggested future directions to enhance the survival of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monish Ram Makena
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Himavanth Gatla
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Dattesh Verlekar
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Sahithi Sukhavasi
- Center for Distance Learning, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam 530045, India
| | - Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Kartick C Pramanik
- Department of Basic Sciences, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY 41501, USA.
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16
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D’Angelo A, Sobhani N, Roviello G, Bagby S, Bonazza D, Bottin C, Giudici F, Zanconati F, De Manzini N, Guglielmi A, Generali D. Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and immune-related genes as predictors of outcome in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219566. [PMID: 31381571 PMCID: PMC6681957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the correlation between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient prognosis and the presence of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and expression of 521 immune system genes. METHODS Intratumoural CD3+, CD8+, and CD20+ lymphocytes were examined by immunohistochemistry in 12 PDAC patients with different outcomes who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The results were correlated with gene expression profile using the digital multiplexed NanoString nCounter analysis system (NanoString Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA). RESULTS Twenty immune system genes were significantly differentially expressed in patients with a good prognosis relative to patients with a worse prognosis: TLR2 and TLR7 (Toll-like receptor superfamily); CD4, CD37, FOXP3, PTPRC (B cell and T cell signalling); IRF5, IRF8, STAT1, TFE3 (transcription factors); ANP32B, CCND3 (cell cycle); BTK (B cell development); TNF, TNFRF1A (TNF superfamily); HCK (leukocyte function); C1QA (complement system); BAX, PNMA1 (apoptosis); IKBKE (NFκB pathway). Differential expression was more than twice log 2 for TLR7, TNF, C1QA, FOXP3, and CD37. DISCUSSION Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes were present at higher levels in samples from patients with better prognosis. Our findings indicate that tumour infiltrating lymphocyte levels and expression level of the immune system genes listed above influence pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma prognosis. This information could be used to improve selection of best responders to immune inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto D’Angelo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical, Surgical, & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza Ospitale, Trieste, Italy
| | - Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medical, Surgical, & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza Ospitale, Trieste, Italy
- Breast Cancer Unit, ASST Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Medical, Surgical, & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza Ospitale, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Bagby
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicolo De Manzini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guglielmi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza Ospitale, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medical, Surgical, & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza Ospitale, Trieste, Italy
- Breast Cancer Unit, ASST Cremona, Cremona, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, Italy
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17
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Tsai KK, Chan TS, Shaked Y. Next Viable Routes to Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Stemness: Learning from Clinical Setbacks. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050702. [PMID: 31108941 PMCID: PMC6571629 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating and highly aggressive malignancy. Existing therapeutic strategies only provide a small survival benefit in patients with PDAC. Laboratory and clinical research have identified various populations of stem-cell-like cancer cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs) as the driving force of PDAC progression, treatment-resistance, and metastasis. Whilst a number of therapeutics aiming at inhibiting or killing CSCs have been developed over the past decade, a series of notable clinical trial setbacks have led to their deprioritization from the pipelines, triggering efforts to refine the current CSC model and exploit alternative therapeutic strategies. This review describes the current and the evolving models of pancreatic CSCs (panCSCs) and the potential factors that hamper the clinical development of panCSC-targeted therapies, emphasizing the heterogeneity, the plasticity, and the non-binary pattern of cancer stemness, as well as the desmoplastic stroma impeding drug penetration. We summarized novel and promising therapeutic strategies implicated by the works of our groups and others' that may overcome these hurdles and have shown efficacies in preclinical models of PDAC, emphasizing the unique advantages of targeting the stroma-engendered panCSC-niches and metronomic chemotherapy. Finally, we proposed feasible clinical trial strategies and biomarkers that can guide the next-generation clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin K Tsai
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan.
| | - Tze-Sian Chan
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Yuval Shaked
- Department of Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel.
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18
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Lytle NK, Ferguson LP, Rajbhandari N, Gilroy K, Fox RG, Deshpande A, Schürch CM, Hamilton M, Robertson N, Lin W, Noel P, Wartenberg M, Zlobec I, Eichmann M, Galván JA, Karamitopoulou E, Gilderman T, Esparza LA, Shima Y, Spahn P, French R, Lewis NE, Fisch KM, Sasik R, Rosenthal SB, Kritzik M, Von Hoff D, Han H, Ideker T, Deshpande AJ, Lowy AM, Adams PD, Reya T. A Multiscale Map of the Stem Cell State in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Cell 2019; 177:572-586.e22. [PMID: 30955884 PMCID: PMC6711371 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance and relapse remain key challenges in pancreatic cancer. Here, we have used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq, and genome-wide CRISPR analysis to map the molecular dependencies of pancreatic cancer stem cells, highly therapy-resistant cells that preferentially drive tumorigenesis and progression. This integrated genomic approach revealed an unexpected utilization of immuno-regulatory signals by pancreatic cancer epithelial cells. In particular, the nuclear hormone receptor retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ), known to drive inflammation and T cell differentiation, was upregulated during pancreatic cancer progression, and its genetic or pharmacologic inhibition led to a striking defect in pancreatic cancer growth and a marked improvement in survival. Further, a large-scale retrospective analysis in patients revealed that RORγ expression may predict pancreatic cancer aggressiveness, as it positively correlated with advanced disease and metastasis. Collectively, these data identify an orthogonal co-option of immuno-regulatory signals by pancreatic cancer stem cells, suggesting that autoimmune drugs should be evaluated as novel treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma/metabolism
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Animals
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Gene Library
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/cytology
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-10/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Interleukin-10/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-10/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Transcriptome
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki K Lytle
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - L Paige Ferguson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nirakar Rajbhandari
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn Gilroy
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Raymond G Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anagha Deshpande
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christian M Schürch
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Hamilton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Neil Robertson
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Wei Lin
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Pawan Noel
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Martin Wartenberg
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Inti Zlobec
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Micha Eichmann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - José A Galván
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Karamitopoulou
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tami Gilderman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lourdes Adriana Esparza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yutaka Shima
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Philipp Spahn
- Department of Pediatrics and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Randall French
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nathan E Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roman Sasik
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marcie Kritzik
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Von Hoff
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Haiyong Han
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Trey Ideker
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Aniruddha J Deshpande
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Peter D Adams
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tannishtha Reya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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19
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Domenichini A, Edmands JS, Adamska A, Begicevic RR, Paternoster S, Falasca M. Pancreatic cancer tumorspheres are cancer stem-like cells with increased chemoresistance and reduced metabolic potential. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 72:63-77. [PMID: 30853342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a population of slow-cycling cells within the tumour bulk, with self-renewal capacity that attracts interest as a therapeutic target. In highly heterogeneous tumours, like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) however, the characterisation of cancer stem cells has led to controversial results due to the lack of consensus on specific markers. Here we investigated the characteristics of a population of pancreatic cancer tumorspheres derived from different human pancreatic cancer cell lines and a primary line from a genetically engineered KPC mouse model, using flow cytometry and western blotting to analyse surface and stemness markers. We analysed tumorspheres tumorigenic potential using anchorage-independent soft agar assay as well as their metabolic plasticity and chemoresistance. Pancreatic cancer tumorspheres display a heterogeneous pattern of surface and stemness markers, nevertheless they are characterised by an increased tumorigenic potential and higher chemoresistance. In addition, we have shown that pancreatic cancer tumorspheres have a unique metabolic profile with reduced metabolic potential. Together our results indicate that, despite the heterogeneity characterising pancreatic cancer tumorspheres, we can identify a functional vulnerability that represents a window for pharmacological intervention and development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Domenichini
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Jeanne S Edmands
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Adamska
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Romana-Rea Begicevic
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Silvano Paternoster
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
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20
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Camolotto SA, Belova VK, Snyder EL. The role of lineage specifiers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:1005-1013. [PMID: 30603119 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.05.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, multiple genomics studies have led to the identification of discrete molecular subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A general theme has emerged that most pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can be grouped into two major subtypes based on cancer cell autonomous properties: classical/pancreatic progenitor and basal-like/squamous. The classical/progenitor subtype expresses higher levels of lineage specifiers that regulate endodermal differentiation than the basal-like/squamous subtype. The basal-like/squamous subtype confers a worse prognosis, raising the possibility that loss of these lineage specifiers might enhance the malignant potential of PDAC. Here, we discuss several of these differentially expressed lineage specifiers and examine the evidence that they might play a functional role in PDAC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika K Belova
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Eric L Snyder
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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21
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Wang Y, Jiang M, Du C, Yu Y, Liu Y, Li M, Luo F. Utilization of lung cancer cell lines for the study of lung cancer stem cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:6791-6798. [PMID: 29731860 PMCID: PMC5920960 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most lethal types of cancer, and its poor prognosis is primarily due to drug resistance and cancer recurrence. As it is associated with a low five-year survival rate, lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) have been the subject of numerous recent studies. For these studies of LCSCs, lung cancer cell lines are more commonly used than lung cancer tissues obtained from patients, as they are easier to acquire. The methods utilized for the identification of LCSCs from lung cancer cell lines include fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), sphere-forming assay and bacterial surface display library screening. As LCSCs have certain proteins expressed on the surface (CD133, CD44 and CD24) or in the cytoplasm (ALDH and ABCG2), which may act as specific markers, the most frequently used technique to identify and obtain LCSCs is FACS. The current lack of recognized biomarkers in LCSCs makes the identification of LCSCs problematic. Furthermore, the various proportions of LCSCs in specific cell lines, as revealed by numerous previous studies, may cause the LCSC model to be questioned with regard to whether the utilization of certain lung cancer cell lines is dependable for LCSC studies. The current review focuses on lung cancer cell lines that are used for the study of LCSCs and the methods available to identify LCSCs with various markers. The present study also aimed to determine the proportion of LCSCs present in specific cell lines reported by various studies, and to discuss the suitability of specific lung cancer cell lines for the study of LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Chi Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Neijiang, Neijiang, Sichuan 641000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanyang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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22
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Birnbaum DJ, Bertucci F, Finetti P, Birnbaum D, Mamessier E. Molecular classification as prognostic factor and guide for treatment decision of pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1869:248-255. [PMID: 29499330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinico-pathological factors fail to consistently predict the outcome after pancreatic resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDACs show a high level of inter- and intra- tumor genetic heterogeneity. A molecular classification should help sort patients into less heterogeneous and more appropriate groups regarding the metastatic risk and the therapeutic response, with the consequences of better predicting evolution and better orienting the treatment. PDAC can be classified based on mutational subtypes and 18gene alterations. Whole-genome sequencing identified mutational signatures, mutational burden and hyper-mutated tumors with specific DNA repair defects. Their overlap/similarities allow the definition of molecular subtypes. DNA and RNA classifications can be used in prognosis assessment. They are useful in therapeutic choice for they allow the design of approaches that can predict the respective drug sensitivity of each molecular subtype. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of available molecular classifications in PDAC and how this can help guide clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Birnbaum
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Département de Chirurgie Générale et Viscérale, AP-HM, Marseille, France.
| | - François Bertucci
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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23
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Harbuzariu A, Rampoldi A, Daley-Brown DS, Candelaria P, Harmon TL, Lipsey CC, Beech DJ, Quarshie A, Ilies GO, Gonzalez-Perez RR. Leptin-Notch signaling axis is involved in pancreatic cancer progression. Oncotarget 2018; 8:7740-7752. [PMID: 27999190 PMCID: PMC5352357 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) shows a high death rate. PC incidence and prognosis are affected by obesity, a pandemic characterized by high levels of leptin. Notch is upregulated by leptin in breast cancer. Thus, leptin and Notch crosstalk could influence PC progression. Here we investigated in PC cell lines (BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, Panc-1, AsPC-1), derived tumorspheres and xenografts whether a functional leptin-Notch axis affects PC progression and expansion of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSC). PC cells and tumorspheres were treated with leptin and inhibitors of Notch (gamma-secretase inhibitor, DAPT) and leptin (iron oxide nanoparticle-leptin peptide receptor antagonist 2, IONP-LPrA2). Leptin treatment increased cell cycle progression and proliferation, and the expression of Notch receptors, ligands and targeted molecules (Notch1-4, DLL4, JAG1, Survivin and Hey2), PCSC markers (CD24/CD44/ESA, ALDH, CD133, Oct-4), ABCB1 protein, as well as tumorsphere formation. Leptin-induced effects on PC and tumorspheres were decreased by IONP-LPrA2 and DAPT. PC cells secreted leptin and expressed the leptin receptor, OB-R, which indicates a leptin autocrine/paracrine signaling loop could also affect tumor progression. IONP-LPrA2 treatment delayed the onset of MiaPaCa-2 xenografts, and decreased tumor growth and the expression of proliferation and PCSC markers. Present data suggest that leptin-Notch axis is involved in PC. PC has no targeted therapy and is mainly treated with chemotherapy, whose efficiency could be decreased by leptin and Notch activities. Thus, the leptin-Notch axis could be a novel therapeutic target, particularly for obese PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Harbuzariu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
| | - Antonio Rampoldi
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
| | - Danielle S Daley-Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
| | - Pierre Candelaria
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
| | - Tia L Harmon
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
| | - Crystal C Lipsey
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
| | - Derrick J Beech
- Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
| | - Alexander Quarshie
- Biomedical Informatics Program and Master of Science in Clinical Research Program, Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Gabriela Oprea Ilies
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, 30303 USA
| | - Ruben R Gonzalez-Perez
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30310 USA
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24
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Samson AAS, Park S, Kim SY, Min DH, Jeon NL, Song JM. Liposomal co-delivery-based quantitative evaluation of chemosensitivity enhancement in breast cancer stem cells by knockdown of GRP78/CLU. J Liposome Res 2018; 29:44-52. [PMID: 29262741 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2017.1420081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapy is a key factor in the inefficacy of various forms of treatments for cancer. In the present study, chemo-resistant proteins, including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/clusterin (CLU) targeted 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-trimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP) liposomes, were developed as a delivery system for co-delivery of camptothecin (CPT) and GRP78 siRNA/CLU siRNA. Their drug/gene co-deliveries were quantitatively assessed in cancer stem cells (CSC) and MCF-7 cells. DOTAP-CPT/siRNA were prepared via electrostatic interaction on GRP78 siRNA or CLU siRNA. The size and ζ-potential of liposomes and lipoplexes were measured by dynamic light scattering techniques and electrophoretic light scattering spectrophotometry. The lipoplexes formation was tested by using gel electrophoresis. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the expression level of CLU and GRP78 were significantly elevated in CSC compared to MCF-7 cells. Transfection and drug-delivery efficiency of DOTAP-CPT/siRNA were quantitatively compared with Lipofectamine 2000. Compared to free CPT, DOTAP-CPT-siCLU delivery in CSC and MCF-7 cells increased transfection efficiency and chemo-sensitivity by 4.1- and 5.9-fold, respectively. On the other hand, DOTAP-CPT-siGRP78 delivery increased transfection efficiency and chemo sensitivity by 4.4- and 6.2-fold in CSC and MCF-7 cells, respectively, compared to free CPT. It is significant that 3 ± 1.2-fold increase in transfection efficiency was achieved by lipofectamine. Consequently, an increase in anti-cancer/gene silencing efficacy was quantitatively observed as an effect of DOTAP-CPT/siRNA treatment, which was relatively higher than lipofectamine treatment. Conclusively, our experimental data quantitatively demonstrate that using DOTAP-CPT-siRNA specifically targeting (CSCs) chemo-resistant protein in vitro offers substantial potential for synergistic anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solji Park
- a College of Pharmacy , Seoul National University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Sung-Yon Kim
- b Department of Biophysics and Chemical Biology , Seoul National University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Dal-Hee Min
- c Department of Chemistry , Seoul National University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- d School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Joon Myong Song
- a College of Pharmacy , Seoul National University , Seoul , Korea
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25
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Begicevic RR, Falasca M. ABC Transporters in Cancer Stem Cells: Beyond Chemoresistance. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2362. [PMID: 29117122 PMCID: PMC5713331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of chemotherapy is one of the main challenges in cancer treatment and one of the major obstacles to overcome in achieving lasting remission and a definitive cure in patients with cancer is the emergence of cancer resistance. Indeed, drug resistance is ultimately accountable for poor treatment outcomes and tumour relapse. There are various molecular mechanisms involved in multidrug resistance, such as the change in the activity of membrane transporters primarily belonging to the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter family. In addition, it has been proposed that this common feature could be attributed to a subpopulation of slow-cycling cancer stem cells (CSCs), endowed with enhanced tumorigenic potential and multidrug resistance. CSCs are characterized by the overexpression of specific surface markers that vary in different cancer cell types. Overexpression of ABC transporters has been reported in several cancers and more predominantly in CSCs. While the major focus on the role played by ABC transporters in cancer is polarized by their involvement in chemoresistance, emerging evidence supports a more active role of these proteins, in which they release specific bioactive molecules in the extracellular milieu. This review will outline our current understanding of the role played by ABC transporters in CSCs, how their expression is regulated and how they support the malignant metabolic phenotype. To summarize, we suggest that the increased expression of ABC transporters in CSCs may have precise functional roles and provide the opportunity to target, particularly these cells, by using specific ABC transporter inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana-Rea Begicevic
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth WA 6102, Australia.
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26
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Birnbaum DJ, Finetti P, Lopresti A, Gilabert M, Poizat F, Raoul JL, Delpero JR, Moutardier V, Birnbaum D, Mamessier E, Bertucci F. A 25-gene classifier predicts overall survival in resectable pancreatic cancer. BMC Med 2017; 15:170. [PMID: 28927421 PMCID: PMC5606023 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0936-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the most lethal human cancers. In patients with resectable tumors, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the only curative treatment. However, the 5-year survival is 20%. Because of a strong metastatic propensity, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is being tested in randomized clinical trials. In this context, improving the selection of patients for immediate surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy is crucial, and high-throughput molecular analyses may help; the present study aims to address this. METHODS Clinicopathological and gene expression data of 695 pancreatic carcinoma samples were collected from nine datasets and supervised analysis was applied to search for a gene expression signature predictive for overall survival (OS) in the 601 informative operated patients. The signature was identified in a learning set of patients and tested for its robustness in a large independent validation set. RESULTS Supervised analysis identified 1400 genes differentially expressed between two selected patient groups in the learning set, namely 17 long-term survivors (LTS; ≥ 36 months after surgery) and 22 short-term survivors (STS; dead of disease between 2 and 6 months after surgery). From these, a 25-gene prognostic classifier was developed, which identified two classes ("STS-like" and "LTS-like") in the independent validation set (n = 562), with a 25% (95% CI 18-33) and 48% (95% CI 42-54) 2-year OS (P = 4.33 × 10-9), respectively. Importantly, the prognostic value of this classifier was independent from both clinicopathological prognostic features and molecular subtypes in multivariate analysis, and existed in each of the nine datasets separately. The generation of 100,000 random gene signatures by a resampling scheme showed the non-random nature of our prognostic classifier. CONCLUSION This study, the largest prognostic study of gene expression profiles in pancreatic carcinoma, reports a 25-gene signature associated with post-operative OS independently of classical factors and molecular subtypes. This classifier may help select patients with resectable disease for either immediate surgery (the LTS-like class) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (the STS-like class). Its assessment in the current prospective trials of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy trials is warranted, as well as the functional analysis of the classifier genes, which may provide new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Birnbaum
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Département de Chirurgie Générale et Viscérale, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Alexia Lopresti
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Marine Gilabert
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Flora Poizat
- Département d'Anatomopathologie, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Luc Raoul
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Robert Delpero
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Département d'Oncologie Chirurgicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Moutardier
- Département de Chirurgie Générale et Viscérale, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR725, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 232 Bd. Ste-Marguerite, 13009, Marseille, France.
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27
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Duong HQ, You KS, Oh S, Kwak SJ, Seong YS. Silencing of NRF2 Reduces the Expression of ALDH1A1 and ALDH3A1 and Sensitizes to 5-FU in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2017; 6:antiox6030052. [PMID: 28671577 PMCID: PMC5618080 DOI: 10.3390/antiox6030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains an intractable cancer with a poor five-year survival rate, which requires new therapeutic modalities based on the biology of pancreatic oncogenesis. Nuclear factor E2 related factor-2 (NRF2), a key cytoprotective nuclear transcription factor, regulates antioxidant production, reduction, detoxification and drug efflux proteins. It also plays an essential role in cell homeostasis, cell proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the possibility that modulation of NRF2 expression could be effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer cells. We investigated whether the depletion of NRF2 by using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is effective in the expression of biomarkers of pancreatic cancer stemness such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 (ALDH1A1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family, member A1 (ALDH3A1). NRF2 knockdown markedly reduced the expression of NRF2 and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) in cell lines established from pancreatic cancers. NRF2 silencing also decreased the ALDH1A1 and ALDH3A1 expression. Furthermore, this NRF2 depletion enhanced the antiproliferative effects of the chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Quan Duong
- Department of Cancer Research, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, 458 Minh Khai, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam.
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, K7/25 Quang Trung, Danang 59000, Vietnam.
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
| | - Kyu Sic You
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
| | - Seunghoon Oh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
| | - Sahng-June Kwak
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea.
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28
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Expression and Clinical Significance of Cancer Stem Cell Markers CD24, CD44, and CD133 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Chronic Pancreatitis. DISEASE MARKERS 2017; 2017:3276806. [PMID: 28659655 PMCID: PMC5474271 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3276806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) play an important role in pancreatic carcinogenesis and prognosis. The study aimed at examining the expression of CD24, CD44, and CD133 in human PDAC and CP in order to evaluate its clinicopathological correlations and the clinical significance. Surgical specimens from 23 patients with PDAC and 15 patients with chronic pancreatitis after pancreatic resection were stained with CD24, CD44, and CD133 antibodies. The intensity of staining was scored from 0 (negative) to 3 (strongly positive). Results. Mean CD24 staining score in PDAC was 1.38 ± 0.76 and was significantly higher than that in CP: 0.70 ± 0.53 (p < 0.01); CD44 score in PDAC was 2.23 ± 0.42 and was significantly higher than that in CP: 1.87 ± 0.55 (p < 0.05); CD133 score 0.93 ± 0.58 was not different from CP: 0.71 ± 0.43 (p > 0.05). CD44 immunoreactivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in pT1 and pT2 patients together as regards pT3: 2.45 ± 0.37 versus 2.06 ± 0.38 as well as in N0 patients compared to N1 patients: 2.5 ± 0.38 versus 2.04 ± 0.34. Conclusions. CD24 and CD44 are upregulated in human pancreatic cancer compared to chronic pancreatitis. CD44 immunoreactivity decreases with the tumor advancement and may represent the negative PDAC prognostic factor. Each CSC marker was differently related to PDAC advancement. CD133 may lack clinical significance in PDAC.
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29
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Sleightholm RL, Neilsen BK, Li J, Steele MM, Singh RK, Hollingsworth MA, Oupicky D. Emerging roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in pancreatic cancer progression and therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 179:158-170. [PMID: 28549596 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chemokine networks regulate a variety of cellular, physiological, and immune processes. These normal functions can become appropriated by cancer cells to facilitate a more hospitable niche for aberrant cells by enhancing growth, proliferation, and metastasis. This is especially true in pancreatic cancer, where chemokine signaling is a vital component in the development of the supportive tumor microenvironment and the signaling between the cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells. Although expression patterns vary among cancer types, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been implicated in nearly every major malignancy and plays a prominent role in pancreatic cancer development and progression. This receptor, in conjunction with its primary chemokine ligand CXCL12, promotes pancreatic cancer development, invasion, and metastasis through the management of the tumor microenvironment via complex crosstalk with other pathways. Thus, CXCR4 likely contributes to the poor prognoses observed in patients afflicted with this malignancy. Recent exploration of combination therapies with CXCR4 antagonists have demonstrated improved outcomes, and abolishing the contribution of this pathway may prove crucial to effectively treat pancreatic cancer at both the primary tumor and metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Sleightholm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985830 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Beth K Neilsen
- Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985950 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985830 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maria M Steele
- Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985950 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985950 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - David Oupicky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985830 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Candelaria PV, Rampoldi A, Harbuzariu A, Gonzalez-Perez RR. Leptin signaling and cancer chemoresistance: Perspectives. World J Clin Oncol 2017; 8:106-119. [PMID: 28439492 PMCID: PMC5385432 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v8.i2.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major health problem and currently is endemic around the world. Obesity is a risk factor for several different types of cancer, significantly promoting cancer incidence, progression, poor prognosis and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. The study of this resistance is critical as development of chemoresistance is a serious drawback for the successful and effective drug-based treatments of cancer. There is increasing evidence that augmented adiposity can impact on chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer and the development of resistance to these treatments, particularly through one of its signature mediators, the adipokine leptin. Leptin is a pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic and pro-tumorigenic adipokine that has been implicated in many cancers promoting processes such as angiogenesis, metastasis, tumorigenesis and survival/resistance to apoptosis. Several possible mechanisms that could potentially be developed by cancer cells to elicit drug resistance have been suggested in the literature. Here, we summarize and discuss the current state of the literature on the role of obesity and leptin on chemoresistance, particularly as it relates to breast and pancreatic cancers. We focus on the role of leptin and its significance in possibly driving these proposed chemoresistance mechanisms, and examine its effects on cancer cell survival signals and expansion of the cancer stem cell sub-populations.
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31
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Vankelecom H, Roose H. The Stem Cell Connection of Pituitary Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:339. [PMID: 29255445 PMCID: PMC5722833 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors in the pituitary gland are typically benign but cause serious morbidity due to compression of neighboring structures and hormonal disruptions. Overall, therapy efficiency remains suboptimal with negative impact on health and comfort of life, including considerable risk of therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. To date, little is known on the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors. Stem cells may represent important forces in this process. The pituitary tumors may contain a driving tumor stem cell population while the resident tissue stem cells may be directly or indirectly linked to tumor development and growth. Here, we will briefly summarize recent studies that afforded a glance behind the scenes of this stem cell connection. A better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying pituitary tumorigenesis is essential to identify more efficacious treatment modalities and improve clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Vankelecom
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Unit of Stem Cell Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Hugo Vankelecom,
| | - Heleen Roose
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Unit of Stem Cell Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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32
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Punt S, Corver WE, van der Zeeuw SAJ, Kielbasa SM, Osse EM, Buermans HPJ, de Kroon CD, Jordanova ES, Gorter A. Whole-transcriptome analysis of flow-sorted cervical cancer samples reveals that B cell expressed TCL1A is correlated with improved survival. Oncotarget 2016; 6:38681-94. [PMID: 26299617 PMCID: PMC4770729 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/1969] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is typically well infiltrated by immune cells. Because of the intricate relationship between cancer cells and immune cells, we aimed to identify both cancer cell and immune cell expressed biomarkers. Using a novel approach, we isolated RNA from flow-sorted viable EpCAM+ tumor epithelial cells and CD45+ tumor-infiltrating immune cells obtained from squamous cell cervical cancer samples (n = 24). Total RNA was sequenced and differential gene expression analysis of the CD45+ immune cell fractions identified TCL1A as a novel marker for predicting improved survival (p = 0.007). This finding was validated using qRT-PCR (p = 0.005) and partially validated using immunohistochemistry (p = 0.083). Importantly, TCL1A was found to be expressed in a subpopulation of B cells (CD3−/CD19+/CD10+/CD34−) using multicolor immunofluorescence. A high TCL1A/CD20 (B cell) ratio, determined in total tumor samples from a separate patient cohort using qRT-PCR (n = 52), was also correlated with improved survival (p = 0.027). This is the first study demonstrating the prognostic value of separating tumor epithelial cells from tumor-infiltrating immune cells and determining their RNA expression profile for identifying putative cancer biomarkers. Our results suggest that intratumoral TCL1A+ B cells are important for controlling cervical cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Punt
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willem E Corver
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sander A J van der Zeeuw
- Department of Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Szymon M Kielbasa
- Department of Bioinformatics Center of Expertise, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M Osse
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Henk P J Buermans
- Department of Leiden Genome Technology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis D de Kroon
- Department of Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ekaterina S Jordanova
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam, VUMC, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arko Gorter
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Feng S, Zheng Z, Feng L, Yang L, Chen Z, Lin Y, Gao Y, Chen Y. Proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole inhibits the proliferation, self-renewal and chemoresistance of gastric cancer stem cells via the EMT/β-catenin pathways. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:3207-3214. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Inaguma S, Riku M, Ito H, Tsunoda T, Ikeda H, Kasai K. GLI1 orchestrates CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling to enhance migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:33648-57. [PMID: 26413813 PMCID: PMC4741792 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The up-regulation of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 impacts on the distant metastasis and prognosis of breast cancer, though knowledge about the regulatory mechanism of their expressions is limited. Meanwhile, the GLI transcription factors of Hedgehog signaling have been reported to play a pivotal role in the development and progression of many types of human cancer. In breast cancer, the increased expression of GLI1 correlated with metastasis and unfavorable overall prognosis, though its molecular mechanism is also not fully understood. Based on our findings that GLI1 enhanced the lung metastasis of breast cancer cells in a mouse model system, we comprehensively screened for genes up-regulated by GLI1 in breast cancer cells, and as such identified CXCR4, CXCR7/ACKR3, and actin-binding protein LCP1/L-PLASTIN, all of which have been reported to be involved in CXCL12-stimulating signaling. In breast cancer cells, we found that GLI1 and GLI2 up-regulated these expressions, while treatment with GLI-specific inhibitor GANT61 reduced the expressions. As for CXCR4, we confirmed it as a direct target of GLI1 through the reporter assay and the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We also found that GLI1 enhanced CXCL12-induced ERK phosphorylation and cell migration, both of which were blocked by either CXCR4-specific inhibitor or knockdown of CXCR7 or LCP1. These evidences suggest an indispensable role of GLI1 in the migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells through CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Miho Riku
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ito
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Takumi Tsunoda
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ikeda
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
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Yang X, Wang J, Qu S, Zhang H, Ruan B, Gao Y, Ma B, Wang X, Wu N, Li X, Dou K, Li H. MicroRNA-200a suppresses metastatic potential of side population cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma by decreasing ZEB2. Oncotarget 2016; 6:7918-29. [PMID: 25797260 PMCID: PMC4480725 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although microRNA-200a (miR-200a) is frequently downregulated in cancer, its role in side population (SP) has not been investigated. In this study, 101 pairs of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and matched normal control tissues were analyzed for miR-200a expression and its clinicopathological value was determined. We found that miR-200a was downregulated in HCC/SP and this was associated metastasis. MiR-200a suppressed metastasis of SP cells. Overexpression of miR-200a in SP cells decreased metastasis-related markers and expression of ZEB2. The associations between miR-200a, SP cells and ZEB2 were validated in HCC. These findings reveal that miR-200a suppresses metastasis of SP cells by downregulating ZEB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xisheng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianlin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Shibin Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Bai Ruan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Ben Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
| | - Haimin Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Xijing Hospital of The Fourth Military Medical Uiversity, Xi'an, China
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Guo Z, Jiang JH, Zhang J, Yang HJ, Zhong YP, Su J, Yang RR, Li LEQ, Xiang BDE. Side population in hepatocellular carcinoma HCCLM3 cells is enriched with stem-like cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:3145-3151. [PMID: 27123080 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence implicates that low-abundance cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor metastasis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Side population (SP) cells possess typical CSCs-like features, and are frequently considered as a special subpopulation in which CSCs are enriched and in studies may be considered as a substitute for CSCs. The aim of the present study was to examine the abundance of SP cells in human HCC cell lines with different metastatic potentials and compare their CSC-like, tumorigenic and invasive properties with those of the main population (MP) cells. An experimental system is described for identifying SP cells and analyzing their CSC-like properties. The relative abundance of SP cells correlated directly with the metastatic potential of the HCC cell line: HCCLM3, 16.3±2.2%; MHCC97-H, 8.4±0.7%; MHCC97-L, 4.7±0.5%; and Huh7, 1.0±0.3% (P<0.05). SP cells isolated from HCCLM3 cultures showed significantly higher proliferation rates and clonogenicity than the corresponding MP cells, in addition to higher migration and invasive abilities in vitro and greater tumorigenicity in mice. Expression levels of all CSC-associated genes tested, except EpCAM and Oct4, were significantly higher in SP cells. The findings revealed that the proportion of SP cells correlates with metastatic potential, and SP cells demonstrated the characteristics expected of CSCs, implicating them in HCC metastasis. Further studies on the identification and characterization of SP cells using clinical HCC specimens will contribute to the understanding of how SP cells are involved in these disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China; Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Hang Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Jingmen, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Jie Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Ping Zhong
- Medical Science Experimental Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jie Su
- Medical Science Experimental Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ri-Rong Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Biological Targeting Diagnosis and Therapy, Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - LE-Qun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Bang-DE Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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The Role of miRNAs in the Regulation of Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:8352684. [PMID: 27006664 PMCID: PMC4783541 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8352684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is currently one of the deadliest cancers with low overall survival rate. This disease leads to an aggressive local invasion and early metastases and is poorly responsive to treatment with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Several studies have shown that pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) play different roles in the regulation of drug resistance and recurrence in pancreatic cancer. MicroRNA (miRNA), a class of newly emerging small noncoding RNAs, is involved in the modulation of several biological activities ranging from invasion to metastases development, as well as drug resistance of pancreatic cancer. In this review, we synthesize the latest findings on the role of miRNAs in regulating different biological properties of pancreatic cancer stem cells.
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Bandhavkar S. Cancer stem cells: a metastasizing menace! Cancer Med 2016; 5:649-55. [PMID: 26773710 PMCID: PMC4831283 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is estimated to be a reason of death of more than 18 billion people in the coming 5 years. Progress has been made in diagnosis and treatment of cancer; however, a sound understanding of the underlying cell biology still remains an unsolved mystery. Current treatments include a combination of radiation, surgery, and/or chemotherapy. However, these treatments are not a complete cure, aimed simply at shrinking the tumor and in majority of cases, there is a relapse of tumor. Several evidences suggest the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor‐initiating stem‐like cells, a small population of cells present in the tumor, capable of self‐renewal and generation of differentiated progeny. The presence of these CSCs can be attributed to the failure of cancer treatments as these cells are believed to exhibit therapy resistance. As a result, increasing attention has been given to CSC research to resolve the therapeutic problems related to cancer. Progress in this field of research has led to the development of novel strategies to treat several malignancies and has become a hot topic of discussion. In this review, we will briefly focus on the main characteristics, therapeutic implications, and perspectives of CSCs in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Bandhavkar
- Department of Biochemistry, G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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39
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Abstract
The cancer stem cell model in solid tumors has evolved significantly from the early paradigm shifting work highlighting parallels between the stem cell hierarchy in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Putative stem cells can dedifferentiated, be induced by context, and be the result of accumulated genetic mutations. The simple hypothesis that stem cell therapies will overcome the minority of cells that lead to recurrence has evolved with it. Nevertheless, the body of evidence that this field is clinically relevant in patients and patient care has grown with the complexity of the hypotheses, and numerous clinical strategies to target these cells have been identified. Herein we review this progress and highlight the work still outstanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A Woodward
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Richard P Hill
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario Cancer Insitute, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
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Jin C, Zou T, Li J, Chen X, Liu X, Wang Y, Wang X, Che Y, Wang X, Sriplung H. Side population cell level in human breast cancer and factors related to disease-free survival. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 16:991-6. [PMID: 25735394 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.3.991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Side population (SP) cells have stem cell-like properties with a capacity for self-renewal and are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore the presence of SP cells in human breast cancer probably has prognostic value. OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristics of SP cells and identify the relationship between the SP cells levels and clinico-pathological parameters of the breast tumor and disease-free survival (DFS) in breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 122 eligible breast cancer patients were consecutively recruited from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007 at Yunnan Tumor Hospital. All eligible subjects received conventional treatment and were followed up for seven years. Predictors of recurrence and/or metastasis and DFS were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Human breast cancer cells were also obtained from fresh human breast cancer tissue and cultured by the nucleic acid dye Hoechst33342 with Verapami. Flow cytometry (FCM) was employed to isolate the cells of SP and non-SP types. RESULTS In this study, SP cells were identified using flow cytometric analysis with Hoechst 33342 dye efflux. Adjusted for age, tumor size, lymph nodal status, histological grade, the Cox model showed a higher risk of recurrence and/or metastasis positively associated with the SP cell level (1.75, 1.02-2.98), as well as with axillary lymph node metastasis (2.99, 1.76-5.09), pathology invasiveness type (1.7, 1.14-2.55), and tumor volume doubling time (TVDT) (1.54, 1.01-2.36). CONCLUSIONS The SP cell level is independently associated with tumor progression and clinical outcome after controlling for other pathological factors. The axillary lymph node status, TVDT and the status of non-invasive or invasive tumor independently predict the prognosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cg Jin
- Cancer Research Institute, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, China E-mail :
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NF-κB signaling in cancer stem cells: a promising therapeutic target? Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2015; 38:327-39. [PMID: 26318853 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-015-0236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are regulated by several signaling pathways that ultimately control their maintenance and expansion. NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) forms a protein complex that controls DNA transcription and, as such, plays an important role in proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. The NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been found to be constitutively activated in CSCs from a variety of cancers, participates in the maintenance, expansion, proliferation and survival of CSCs. Targeted disruption of this pathway may profoundly impair the adverse phenotype of CSCs and may provide a therapeutic opportunity to remove the CSC fraction. In particular, it may be attractive to use specific NF-κB inhibitors in chronic therapeutic schemes to reduce disease progression. Exceptional low toxicity profiles of these inhibitors are a prerequisite for use in combined treatment regimens and to avoid resistance. CONCLUSION Although still preliminary, recent evidence shows that such targeted strategies may be useful in adjuvant chemo-preventive settings.
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Shao Y, Zhang L, Cui L, Lou W, Wang D, Lu W, Jin D, Liu T. LIN28B suppresses microRNA let-7b expression to promote CD44+/LIN28B+ human pancreatic cancer stem cell proliferation and invasion. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:2643-2659. [PMID: 26609473 PMCID: PMC4633895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the highly proliferative, migratory, and multi-drug resistant phenotype of human pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) is well characterized, knowledge of their biological mechanisms is limited. We used CD44 and LIN28B as markers to screen, isolate, and enrich CSCs from human primary pancreatic cancer. Using flow cytometry, we identified a human primary pancreatic cancer cell (PCC) subpopulation expressing high levels of both CD44 and LIN28B. CD44+/LIN28B+ PCSCs expressed high levels of stemness marker genes and possessed higher migratory and invasive ability than CD44-/LIN28B- PCCs. CD44+/LIN28B+ PCSCs were more resistant to growth inhibition induced by the chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin and gemcitabine hydrochloride, and readily established tumors in vivo in a relatively short time. Moreover, microarray analysis revealed significant differences between the cDNA expression patterns of CD44+/LIN28B+ PCSCs and CD44-/LIN28B- PCCs. Following siRNA interference of endogenous LIN28B gene expression in CD44+/LIN28B+ PCSCs, not only was their proliferation decreased, there was also cell cycle arrest due to suppression of cyclin D1 expression following the stimulation of miRNA let-7b expression. In conclusion, CD44+/LIN28B+ cells, which possess CSC characteristics, can be reliably sorted from human primary PCCs and represent a valuable model for studying cancer cell physiology and multi-drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yebo Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu University Affiliated HospitalZhengjiang 212000, China
| | - Wenhui Lou
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Dansong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiqi Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Dayong Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai 200032, China
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghai 200031, China
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Prognostic Fifteen-Gene Signature for Early Stage Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133562. [PMID: 26247463 PMCID: PMC4527782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of patients treated with surgery for early stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are variable with median survival ranging from 6 months to more than 5 years. This challenge underscores an unmet need for developing personalized medicine strategies to refine the current treatment decision-making process. To derive a prognostic gene signature for patients with early stage PDAC, a PDAC cohort from Moffitt Cancer Center (n = 63) was used with overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoint. This was further evaluated using an independent microarray cohort dataset (Stratford et al: n = 102). Technical validation was performed by NanoString platform. A prognostic 15-gene signature was developed and showed a statistically significant association with OS in the Moffitt cohort (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.26; p<0.001) and Stratford et al cohort (HR = 2.07; p = 0.02), and was independent of other prognostic variables. Moreover, integration of the signature with the TNM staging system improved risk prediction (p<0.01 in both cohorts). In addition, NanoString validation showed that the signature was robust with a high degree of reproducibility and the association with OS remained significant in the two cohorts. The gene signature could be a potential prognostic tool to allow risk-adapted stratification of PDAC patients into personalized treatment protocols; possibly improving the currently poor clinical outcomes of these patients.
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Krieg A, Riemer JC, Telan LA, Gabbert HE, Knoefel WT. CXCR4--A Prognostic and Clinicopathological Biomarker for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130192. [PMID: 26091099 PMCID: PMC4474597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenocarcinomas of the pancreatic duct (PDAC) are characteristically aggressive tumors that are extremely challenging to treat as curative surgical resection, the definitive treatment, is seldom possible. Regretably, most patients are diagnosed with metastatic disease at the time of initial presentation. In addition, current chemotherapeutic concepts that are used for advanced disease stages show frustrating results. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic molecular targets that are associated with PDAC disease. Recently, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been demonstrated to be highly expressed in metastatic PDAC. However, the results of the published data on CXCR4 and its association with clinicopathological variables and prognosis in PDAC seem to be heterogeneous. Consequently, to clarify the relevance of CXCR4 as a biomarker in PDAC we performed a comprehensive literature search by using PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify articles that focused on the expression of CXCR4 in PDAC by using immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, data from nine relevant studies, encompassing 1183 patients were extracted, qualitatively assessed, and entered into a meta-analysis. By using a random effects model, the pooled hazard ratio of the seven studies that reported on patients overall survival revealed a correlation between expression of CXCR4 and poor prognosis (HR 1.49; 95% CI: 1.04-2.14; P = 0.03; I2 = 74%). Although heterogeneity became evident, subgroup analyses confirmed the prognostic value of CXCR4 in PDAC, especially in high-quality studies that performed multivariate analysis. In addition, meta-analysis revealed a strong association of CXCR4 expression with the UICC stage (OR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.67-6.92; P = 0.0007; I2 = 0%) and metastatic disease (N-status: OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.56-4.15; P = 0.0002; I2 = 26%; recurrence to the liver: OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.48-5.29; P = 0.001; I2 = 0%). Taken together, our meta-analysis suggests that CXCR4 represents a useful prognostic biomarker in PDAC and might therefore be evaluated as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of metastatic cancer disease of the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Krieg
- Department of Surgery (A), Heinrich-Heine-University and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Jasmin C. Riemer
- Institute of Pathology, Heinrich-Heine-University and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Leila A. Telan
- Department of Surgery (A), Heinrich-Heine-University and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut E. Gabbert
- Institute of Pathology, Heinrich-Heine-University and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfram T. Knoefel
- Department of Surgery (A), Heinrich-Heine-University and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Yang Y, Fan Y, Qi Y, Liu D, Wu K, Wen F, Zhao S. Side population cells separated from A549 lung cancer cell line possess cancer stem cell-like properties and inhibition of autophagy potentiates the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:929-35. [PMID: 26081992 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) may be responsible for tumorigenesis and contribute to resistance to chemotherapy. Side population (SP) cells are thought to be enriched for CSCs in most types of human tumors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to sort SP cells using an A549 lung cancer cell line, identify the cancer stem cell-like properties of SP and determine the role of autophagy in the survival of SP cells of lung cancer. SP cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) from A549 lung cancer cells, and the CSC-like properties were verified through confocal fluorescence imaging, sphere formation assays, cell proliferation and colony formation assay, gene expression in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. The role of autophagy in the survival of SP cells was assessed by western blotting and flow cytometric analysis. A549 lung cancer cells contained 1.10% SP cells. SP cells showed higher abilities of sphere and colony formation, cell proliferation and self-renewal. Moreover, compared to non-SP, SP cells demonstrated a higher mRNA expression of stem cell markers (MDR1, ABCG2 and OCT-4). The clone formation efficiency of SP cells was significantly higher than that non-SP cells under the same conditions. Expression of autophagosomes in SP cells was markedly lower than that in non-SP cells. However, the level of autophagy in SP cells was found to be markedly increased in the presence of cisplatin. In addition, inhibition of autophagy enhanced the effects of apoptosis induced by cisplatin. SP cells from the A549 lung cancer cell line possessed the properties of CSCs and were used to investigate the further characteristics of lung CSCs. SP cells were more resistant to chemotherapy and inhibition of autophagy enhanced the effects of apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin. These results may provide insight into novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yuxia Fan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yu Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Donglei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Fengbiao Wen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
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Singh D, Upadhyay G, Srivastava RK, Shankar S. Recent advances in pancreatic cancer: biology, treatment, and prevention. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1856:13-27. [PMID: 25977074 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in United States. Efforts have been made towards the development of the viable solution for its treatment with constrained accomplishment because of its complex biology. It is well established that pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs), albeit present in a little count, contribute incredibly to PC initiation, progression, and metastasis. Customary chemo and radiotherapeutic alternatives, however, expands general survival, the related side effects are the significant concern. Amid the most recent decade, our insight about molecular and cellular pathways involved in PC and role of CSCs in its progression has increased enormously. Presently the focus is to target CSCs. The herbal products have gained much consideration recently as they, usually, sensitize CSCs to chemotherapy and target molecular signaling involved in various tumors including PC. Some planned studies have indicated promising results proposing that examinations in this course have a lot to offer for the treatment of PC. Although preclinical studies uncovered the importance of herbal products in attenuating pancreatic carcinoma, limited studies have been conducted to evaluate their role in clinics. The present review provides a new insight to recent advances in pancreatic cancer biology, treatment and current status of herbal products in its anticipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Singh
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Ghanshyam Upadhyay
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Rakesh K Srivastava
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA.
| | - Sharmila Shankar
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
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Thymoquinone Pretreatment Overcomes the Insensitivity and Potentiates the Antitumor Effect of Gemcitabine Through Abrogation of Notch1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR Regulated Signaling Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:1067-80. [PMID: 25344906 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-014-3394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gemcitabine-insensitivity remains the main challenge for pancreatic cancer treatment. Thymoquinone, the predominant bioactive ingredient of Nigella sativa, has been shown to possess promising anti-cancer and chemo-sensitizing effects on pancreatic cancer, however, its meticulous mechanism is still indistinct. AIM The objective of the present study was to investigate the potency of thymoquinone in combination with gemcitabine in inducing apoptosis and preventing the development of gemcitabine-insensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS The anti-tumor effects of thymoquinone and gemcitabine were analyzed via evaluation of alterations of cell viability, tumor weight, apoptosis-related proteins, caspase-3, -9 activities and NF-κB DNA binding activity in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and PANC-1 cells orthotopic xenograft in vivo. RESULTS Thymoquinone pretreatment following gemcitabine treatment synergistically caused an increase in pancreatic cancer cells apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. The novel combinational regimen also contributes to alterations of multiple molecular signaling targets, such as the suppression of Notch1, NICD accompanying with up-regulation of PTEN, the inactivation of Akt/mTOR/S6 signaling pathways, and the suppression of phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 induced by TNF-α. Thymoquinone pretreatment and gemcitabine also induced down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, XIAP and up-regulation and activation of pro-apoptotic molecules including Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and increased release of cytochrome c. CONCLUSIONS This novel modality of thymoquinone pretreatment can enhance the anti-cancer activity of gemcitabine and may be a promising option in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Zhan HX, Xu JW, Wu D, Zhang TP, Hu SY. Pancreatic cancer stem cells: new insight into a stubborn disease. Cancer Lett 2015; 357:429-37. [PMID: 25499079 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to conventional therapy and early distant metastasis contribute to the unsatisfactory prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) brings new insights into cancer biology and therapy. Many studies have confirmed the important role of these stem cells in carcinogenesis and the development of hematopoietic and solid cancers. Recent studies have shown that CSCs regulate aggressive behavior, recurrence, and drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Here, we review recent advances in pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) research. Particular attention is paid to the regulation mechanisms of pancreatic cancer stem cell functions, such as stemness-related signaling pathways, microRNAs, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment, and the development of novel PCSCs targeted therapy. We seek to further understand PCSCs and explore potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-xiang Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Jian-wei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Tai-ping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - San-yuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China.
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Zhu YY, Yuan Z. Pancreatic cancer stem cells. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:894-906. [PMID: 26045976 PMCID: PMC4449425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies are emerging in support of the cancer stem cells (CSCs) theory which considers that a tiny subset of cancer cells is exclusively responsible for the initiation and malignant behavior of a cancer. This cell population, also termed CSCs, possesses the capacity both to self-renew, producing progeny that have the identical tumorigenic potential, and to differentiate into the bulk of cancer cells, helping serve the formation of the tumor entities, which, altogether, build the hierarchically organized structure of a cancer. In this review, we try to articulate the complicated signaling pathways regulating the retention of the characteristics of pancreatic CSCs, and in the wake of which, we seek to offer insights into the CSCs-relevant targeted therapeutics which are, in the meantime, confronted with bigger challenges than ever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yun Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zhou Yuan
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital Shanghai, 200233, China
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Wu H, Zhu L, Zhang H, Shi X, Zhang L, Wang W, Xue H, Liang Z. Coexpression of EGFR and CXCR4 predicts poor prognosis in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116803. [PMID: 25679210 PMCID: PMC4332630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is involved in tumorigenesis and development. However, EGFR expression alone has limited clinical and prognostic significance. Recently, the cross-talk between EGFR and G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4 has become increasingly recognized. METHODS In the present study, immunohistochemical staining of EGFR and CXCR4 was performed on paraffin-embedded specimens from 131 patients with surgically resected PDAC. Subsequently, the associations between EGFR expression, CXCR4 expression, EGFR/CXCR4 coexpression and clinicopathologic factors were assessed, and survival analyses were performed. RESULTS In total, 64 (48.9%) patients expressed EGFR, 68 (51.9%) expressed CXCR4, and 33 (25.2%) coexpressed EGFR and CXCR4. No significant association between EGFR and CXCR4 expression was observed (P = 0.938). EGFR expression significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.031), whereas CXCR4 expression significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001). EGFR/CXCR4 coexpression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.026), TNM stage (P = 0.048), and poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.004). By univariate survival analysis, both CXCR4 expression and EGFR/CXCR4 coexpression were significant prognostic factors for poor disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Moreover, EGFR/CXCR4 coexpression significantly increased the hazard ratio for both recurrence and death compared with EGFR or CXCR4 protein expression alone. Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that EGFR/CXCR4 coexpression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR = 2.33, P<0.001) and OS (HR = 2.48, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data indicate that although EGFR expression alone has limited clinical and prognostic significance, EGFR/CXCR4 coexpression identified a subset of PDAC patients with more aggressive tumor characteristics and a significantly worse prognosis. Our results suggest a potentially important "cross-talk" between CXCR4 and EGFR intracellular pathways and indicate that the simultaneous inhibition of these pathways might be an attractive therapeutic strategy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanwen Wu
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Shi
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Wenze Wang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Huadan Xue
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (ZL); (HX)
| | - Zhiyong Liang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (ZL); (HX)
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