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Wang J, Qu J, Hou Q, Huo X, Zhao X, Chang L, Xu C. Strategies for the Isolation and Identification of Gastric Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2024; 2024:5553852. [PMID: 38882596 PMCID: PMC11178399 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5553852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) originate from both gastric adult stem cells and bone marrow cells and are conspicuously present within the histological milieu of gastric cancer tissue. GCSCs play pivotal and multifaceted roles in the initiation, progression, and recurrence of gastric cancer. Hence, the characterization of GCSCs not only facilitates precise target identification for prospective therapeutic interventions in gastric cancer but also has significant implications for targeted therapy and the prognosis of gastric cancer. The prevailing techniques for GCSC purification involve their isolation using surface-specific cell markers, such as those identified by flow cytometry and immunomagnetic bead sorting techniques. In addition, in vitro culture and side-population cell sorting are integral methods in this context. This review discusses the surface biomarkers, isolation techniques, and identification methods of GCSCs, as well as their role in the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Wang
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
- Second Department of General Surgery Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068 710068, China
- Department of Graduate School Yan'an University, Yan'an 716009, China
| | - Jie Qu
- Second Department of General Surgery Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068 710068, China
- Department of Graduate School Yan'an University, Yan'an 716009, China
| | - Qiang Hou
- Second Department of General Surgery Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068 710068, China
- Department of Graduate School Yan'an University, Yan'an 716009, China
| | - Xueping Huo
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Cell Immunology Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhao
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Cell Immunology Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Le Chang
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Cell Immunology Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Cuixiang Xu
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Diseases Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Cell Immunology Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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3
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Zheng L, Chen J, Ye W, Fan Q, Chen H, Yan H. An individualized stemness-related signature to predict prognosis and immunotherapy responses for gastric cancer using single-cell and bulk tissue transcriptomes. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6908. [PMID: 38168907 PMCID: PMC10807574 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6908] [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] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, many stemness-related signatures have been developed for gastric cancer (GC) to predict prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes. However, due to batch effects, these signatures cannot accurately analyze patients one by one, rendering them impractical in real clinical scenarios. Therefore, we aimed to develop an individualized and clinically applicable signature based on GC stemness. METHODS Malignant epithelial cells from single-cell RNA-Seq data of GC were used to identify stemness-related signature genes based on the CytoTRACE score. Using two bulk tissue datasets as training data, the enrichment scores of the signature genes were applied to classify samples into two subtypes. Then, using the identified subtypes as criteria, we developed an individualized stemness-related signature based on the within-sample relative expression orderings of genes. RESULTS We identified 175 stemness-related signature genes, which exhibited significantly higher AUCell scores in poorly differentiated GCs compared to differentiated GCs. In training datasets, GC samples were classified into two subtypes with significantly different survival times and genomic characteristics. Utilizing the two subtypes, an individualized signature was constructed containing 47 gene pairs. In four independent testing datasets, GC samples classified as high risk exhibited significantly shorter survival times, higher infiltration of M2 macrophages, and lower immune responses compared to low-risk samples. Moreover, the potential therapeutic targets and corresponding drugs were identified for the high-risk group, such as CD248 targeted by ontuxizumab. CONCLUSIONS We developed an individualized stemness-related signature, which can accurately predict the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy for each GC sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyong Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and EngineeringFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Jingyan Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and EngineeringFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Wenhai Ye
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and EngineeringFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Qi Fan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and EngineeringFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Haifeng Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFuzhou Second HospitalFuzhouChina
| | - Haidan Yan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and EngineeringFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, The School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
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Zhao H, Jiang R, Zhang C, Feng Z, Wang X. The regulatory role of cancer stem cell marker gene CXCR4 in the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:86. [PMID: 37679408 PMCID: PMC10484911 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00436-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) are increasingly used for screening genes involved in carcinogenesis due to their capacity for dissecting cellular heterogeneity. This study aims to reveal the molecular mechanism of the cancer stem cells (CSCs) marker gene CXCR4 in gastric cancer (GC) growth and metastasis through scRNA-seq combined with bulk RNA-seq. GC-related scRNA-seq data were downloaded from the GEO database, followed by UMAP cluster analysis. Non-malignant cells were excluded by the K-means algorithm. Bulk RNA-seq data and clinical sample information were downloaded from the UCSC Xena database. GO and KEGG pathway analyses validated the correlation between genes and pathways. In vitro and in vivo functional assays were used to examine the effect of perturbed CXCR4 on malignant phenotypes, tumorigenesis, and liver metastasis. A large number of highly variable genes were identified in GC tissue samples. The top 20 principal components were selected, and the cells were clustered into 6 cell types. The C4 cell cluster from malignant epithelial cells might be CSCs. CXCR4 was singled out as a marker gene of CSCs. GC patients with high CXCR4 expression had poor survival. Knockdown of CXCR4 inhibited the malignant phenotypes of CSCs in vitro and curtailed tumorigenesis and liver metastasis in nude mice. CSC marker gene CXCR4 may be a key gene facilitating malignant phenotypes of CSCs, which thus promotes tumor growth and liver metastasis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou Third People's Hospital, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Xuzhou, 221000, PR China.
| | - Rongke Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou Third People's Hospital, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Xuzhou, 221000, PR China
| | | | | | - Xue Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou Third People's Hospital, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Xuzhou, 221000, PR China
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Seeneevassen L, Dubus P, Gronnier C, Varon C. Hippo in Gastric Cancer: From Signalling to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092282. [PMID: 35565411 PMCID: PMC9105983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is one of the most important ones in mammals. Its key functions in cell proliferation, tissue growth, repair, and homeostasis make it the most crucial one to be controlled. Many means have been deployed for its regulation, since this pathway is not only composed of core regulatory components, but it also communicates with and regulates various other pathways, making this signalisation even more complex. Its role in cancer has been studied more and more over the past few years, and it presents YAP/TAZ as the major oncogenic actors. In this review, we relate how vital this pathway is for different organs, and how regulatory mechanisms have been bypassed to lead to cancerous states. Most studies present an upregulation status of YAP/TAZ, and urge the need to target them. A focus is made here on gastric carcinogenesis, its main dysregulations, and the major strategies adopted and tested to counteract Hippo pathway disbalance in this disease. Hippo pathway targeting can be achieved by various means, which are described in this review. Many studies have tested different potential molecules, which are detailed hereby. Though not all tested in gastric cancer, they could represent a real interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lornella Seeneevassen
- BRIC (BoRdeaux Institute of onCology), UMR1312, INSERM, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (L.S.); (P.D.); (C.G.)
| | - Pierre Dubus
- BRIC (BoRdeaux Institute of onCology), UMR1312, INSERM, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (L.S.); (P.D.); (C.G.)
- Department of Histology and Pathology, CHU Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Caroline Gronnier
- BRIC (BoRdeaux Institute of onCology), UMR1312, INSERM, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (L.S.); (P.D.); (C.G.)
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, CHU Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Varon
- BRIC (BoRdeaux Institute of onCology), UMR1312, INSERM, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (L.S.); (P.D.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Hsieh HL, Yu MC, Cheng LC, Yeh TS, Tsai MM. Molecular mechanism of therapeutic approaches for human gastric cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:76-91. [PMID: 35126829 PMCID: PMC8788185 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i1.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and even after therapeutic gastrectomy, survival rates remain poor. The presence of gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) is thought to be the major reason for resistance to anticancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy), and for the development of tumor recurrence, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and metastases. Additionally, GCSCs have the capacity for self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor initiation. They also synthesize antiapoptotic factors, demonstrate higher performance of drug efflux pumps, and display cell plasticity abilities. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment (TME; tumor niche) that surrounds GCSCs contains secreted growth factors and supports angiogenesis and is thus responsible for the maintenance of the growing tumor. However, the genesis of GCSCs is unclear and exploration of the source of GCSCs is essential. In this review, we provide up-to-date information about GCSC-surface/intracellular markers and GCSC-mediated pathways and their role in tumor development. This information will support improved diagnosis, novel therapeutic approaches, and better prognosis using GCSC-targeting agents as a potentially effective treatment choice following surgical resection or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To date, most anti-GCSC blockers when used alone have been reported as unsatisfactory anticancer agents. However, when used in combination with adjuvant therapy, treatment can improve. By providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of GCSCs associated with tumors in GC, the aim is to optimize anti-GCSCs molecular approaches for GC therapy in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other adjuvant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsi-Lung Hsieh
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang-Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei 236, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Cheng
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang-Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Sen Yeh
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ming Tsai
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang-Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613, Taiwan
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Lv X, Xu G. Regulatory role of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway in the drug resistance of gastrointestinal cancers. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1648-1667. [PMID: 34853641 PMCID: PMC8603464 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, is one of the most prevalent types of malignant carcinoma and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies for GI cancers in recent decades, drug resistance with various mechanisms remains the prevailing cause of therapy failure in GI cancers. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway has crucial, complex roles in many cellular functions related to drug resistance. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in the resistance of GI cancers to conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and traditional medicine. Various processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell development, tumor microenvironment alteration, and microRNA biogenesis, are proposed as the main mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated drug resistance in GI cancers. Several studies have already indicated the benefit of combining antitumor drugs with agents that suppress the TGF-β signaling pathway, but this approach needs to be verified in additional clinical studies. Moreover, the identification of potential biological markers that can be used to predict the response to TGF-β signaling pathway inhibitors during anticancer treatments will have important clinical implications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqun Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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8
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Jiang X, Liang L, Chen G, Liu C. Modulation of Immune Components on Stem Cell and Dormancy in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:2826. [PMID: 34831048 PMCID: PMC8616319 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) refer to a certain subpopulation within the tumor entity that is characterized by restricted cellular proliferation and multipotent differentiation potency. The existence of CSCs has been proven to contribute to the heterogeneity of malignancies, accounting for intensified tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and metastatic spread. Dormancy was proposed as a reversible state of cancer cells that are temporarily arrested in the cell cycle, possessing several hallmarks that facilitate their survival within a devastating niche. This transient period is evoked to enter an actively proliferating state by multiple regulatory alterations, and one of the most significant and complex factors comes from local and systemic inflammatory reactions and immune components. Although CSCs and dormant cancer cells share several similarities, the clear relationship between these two concepts remains unclear. Thus, the detailed mechanism of immune cells interacting with CSCs and dormant cancer cells also warrants elucidation for prevention of cancer relapse and metastasis. In this review, we summarize recent findings and prospective studies on CSCs and cancer dormancy to conclude the relationship between these two concepts. Furthermore, we aim to outline the mechanism of immune components in interfering with CSCs and dormant cancer cells to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of relapse and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Caigang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China; (X.J.); (L.L.); (G.C.)
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Luker GD, Yang J, Richmond A, Scala S, Festuccia C, Schottelius M, Wester HJ, Zimmermann J. At the Bench: Pre-clinical evidence for multiple functions of CXCR4 in cancer. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 109:969-989. [PMID: 33104270 PMCID: PMC8254203 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2bt1018-715rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling through chemokine receptor, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) regulates essential processes in normal physiology, including embryogenesis, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and trafficking of immune cells. Tumors co-opt many of these fundamental processes to directly stimulate proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. CXCR4 signaling contributes to critical functions of stromal cells in cancer, including angiogenesis and multiple cell types in the tumor immune environment. Studies in animal models of several different types of cancers consistently demonstrate essential functions of CXCR4 in tumor initiation, local invasion, and metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs. Data from animal models support clinical observations showing that integrated effects of CXCR4 on cancer and stromal cells correlate with metastasis and overall poor prognosis in >20 different human malignancies. Small molecules, Abs, and peptidic agents have shown anticancer efficacy in animal models, sparking ongoing efforts at clinical translation for cancer therapy. Investigators also are developing companion CXCR4-targeted imaging agents with potential to stratify patients for CXCR4-targeted therapy and monitor treatment efficacy. Here, pre-clinical studies demonstrating functions of CXCR4 in cancer are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary D Luker
- Departments of Radiology, Biomedical Engineering, and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jinming Yang
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ann Richmond
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stefania Scala
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudio Festuccia
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnologies, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Margret Schottelius
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, and Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wester
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
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10
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Santagata S, Ieranò C, Trotta AM, Capiluongo A, Auletta F, Guardascione G, Scala S. CXCR4 and CXCR7 Signaling Pathways: A Focus on the Cross-Talk Between Cancer Cells and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:591386. [PMID: 33937018 PMCID: PMC8082172 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.591386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and 7 (CXCR7) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activated through their shared ligand CXCL12 in multiple human cancers. They play a key role in the tumor/tumor microenvironment (TME) promoting tumor progression, targeting cell proliferation and migration, while orchestrating the recruitment of immune and stromal cells within the TME. CXCL12 excludes T cells from TME through a concentration gradient that inhibits immunoactive cells access and promotes tumor vascularization. Thus, dual CXCR4/CXCR7 inhibition will target different cancer components. CXCR4/CXCR7 antagonism should prevent the development of metastases by interfering with tumor cell growth, migration and chemotaxis and favoring the frequency of T cells in TME. Herein, we discuss the current understanding on the role of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 cross-talk in tumor progression and immune cells recruitment providing support for a combined CXCR4/CXCR7 targeting therapy. In addition, we consider emerging approaches that coordinately target both immune checkpoints and CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Auletta
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guardascione
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Research Department, Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Napoli, Italy
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11
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Akabane S, Oue N, Sekino Y, Asai R, Thang PQ, Taniyama D, Sentani K, Yukawa M, Toda T, Kimura KI, Egi H, Shimizu W, Ohdan H, Yasui W. KIFC1 regulates ZWINT to promote tumor progression and spheroid formation in colorectal cancer. Pathol Int 2021; 71:441-452. [PMID: 33819373 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Kinesin Family Member C1 (KIFC1) has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target due to its pivotal role in centrosome clustering to mediate cancer cell progression. This study aimed to analyze the expression and biological function of KIFC1 in CRC. Immunohistochemically, 67 (52%) of 129 CRC cases were positive for KIFC1 and statistically associated with poorer overall survival. KIFC1 small interfering RNA (siRNA)-transfected cells demonstrated lower cell proliferation as compared to the negative control cells. A specific KIFC1 inhibitor, kolavenic acid analog (KAA) drastically inhibited CRC cell proliferation. Microarray analysis revealed that KAA-treated CRC cells presented reduced ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein (ZWINT) expression as compared to control cells. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that 61 (47%) of 129 CRC cases were positive for ZWINT and ZWINT expression was significantly correlated with KIFC1 expression. ZWINT-positive cases exhibited significantly worse overall survival. KIFC1 siRNA-transfected cells showed reduced ZWINT expression while ZWINT siRNA-transfected cells decreased cell proliferation. Both KIFC1 and ZWINT knockdown cells attenuated spheroid formation ability. This study provides new insights into KIFC1 regulating ZWINT in CRC progression and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Akabane
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naohide Oue
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yohei Sekino
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Asai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Pham Quoc Thang
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiki Taniyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masashi Yukawa
- Hiroshima Research Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Toda
- Hiroshima Research Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Kimura
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Iwate University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Egi
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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12
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Zhou Y, Cheng JT, Feng ZX, Wang YY, Zhang Y, Cai WQ, Han ZW, Wang XW, Xiang Y, Yang HY, Liu BR, Peng XC, Cui SZ, Xin HW. Could gastrointestinal tumor-initiating cells originate from cell-cell fusion in vivo? World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:92-108. [PMID: 33643526 PMCID: PMC7896421 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i2.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) or cancer stem cells are believed to be responsible for gastrointestinal tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. It is hypothesized that gastrointestinal TICs (giTICs) might originate from cell-cell fusion. Here, we systemically evaluate the evidence that supports or opposes the hypothesis of giTIC generation from cell-cell fusion both in vitro and in vivo. We review giTICs that are capable of initiating tumors in vivo with 5000 or fewer in vivo fused cells. Under this restriction, there is currently little evidence demonstrating that giTICs originate from cell-cell fusion in vivo. However, there are many reports showing that tumor generation in vitro occurs with more than 5000 fused cells. In addition, the mechanisms of giTIC generation via cell-cell fusion are poorly understood, and thus, we propose its potential mechanisms of action. We suggest that future research should focus on giTIC origination from cell-cell fusion in vivo, isolation or enrichment of giTICs that have tumor-initiating capabilities with 5000 or less in vivo fused cells, and further clarification of the underlying mechanisms. Our review of the current advances in our understanding of giTIC origination from cell-cell fusion may have significant implications for the understanding of carcinogenesis and future cancer therapeutic strategies targeting giTICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zi-Xian Feng
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, Lianjiang People's Hospital, Guangzhou 524400, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wen-Qi Cai
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zi-Wen Han
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xian-Wang Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying Xiang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hui-Yu Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Bing-Rong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shu-Zhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Cancer Hospital Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, Hubei Province, China
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Duz MB, Karatas OF. Differential expression of ABCB1, ABCG2, and KLF4 as putative indicators for paclitaxel resistance in human epithelial type 2 cells. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1393-1400. [PMID: 33506275 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most common malignancy of the head and neck region in the USA with a declining 5-year survival rate. Paclitaxel resistance of tumors including LSCC still stands as a vital cause for poor clinical outcome in patients. In the current study, our aim was to explore the expressions of ATP-binding cassette transporters and stemness associated genes in human epithelial type 2 (Hep-2) cells with paclitaxel resistance. Resistant cells were developed via treatment with increasing doses of paclitaxel to acquire four sub-lines resistant to one-, two-, four-, and eightfold concentrations of paclitaxel (1×, 2×, 4×, 8×). Then, we profiled the expressions of ten selected ABC transporters (ABCA5, ABCB1, ABCB6, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCC5, ABCC10, ABCF2, and ABCG2) and four stem cell markers (SOX2, OCT4, KLF, and CXCR4) using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction in paclitaxel resistant cells to look for a link between these markers and chemoresistance. We demonstrated that ABCB1 and ABCG2 expressions gradually elevated and reached a maximum level in Taxol 8× cells. Considering stem cell markers, KLF4 expression elevated significantly, as soon as parental cells acquired resistance to the lowest dose of paclitaxel and its expression elevated stepwise. Expression levels of other tested ATP-binding cassette transporters and stem cell markers also elevated, although at different steps of paclitaxel resistance acquisition. Our findings suggest that higher expressions of ABCB1, ABCG2, and KLF4 might be considered as putative indicators for paclitaxel resistance in LSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bugrahan Duz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Omer Faruk Karatas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Erzurum Technical University, Omer Nasuhi Bilmen Mah. Havaalani Yolu Cad. No: 53 Yakutiye, Erzurum, Turkey. .,High Technology Application and Research Center, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey.
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López-Gil JC, Martin-Hijano L, Hermann PC, Sainz B. The CXCL12 Crossroads in Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030469. [PMID: 33530455 PMCID: PMC7866198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CXCL12 and its receptors have been extensively studied in cancer, including their influence on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche. This intensive research has led to a better understanding of the crosstalk between CXCL12 and CSCs, which has aided in designing several drugs that are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, a comprehensive review has not been published to date. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on how CXCL12 axes are involved in the regulation and maintenance of CSCs, their presence and influence at different cellular levels within the CSC niche, and the current state-of-the-art of therapeutic approaches aimed to target the CXCL12 crossroads. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of “stem”-like cells within the tumor with unique characteristics that allow them to maintain tumor growth, escape standard anti-tumor therapies and drive subsequent repopulation of the tumor. This is the result of their intrinsic “stem”-like features and the strong driving influence of the CSC niche, a subcompartment within the tumor microenvironment that includes a diverse group of cells focused on maintaining and supporting the CSC. CXCL12 is a chemokine that plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell support and has been extensively reported to be involved in several cancer-related processes. In this review, we will provide the latest evidence about the interactions between CSC niche-derived CXCL12 and its receptors—CXCR4 and CXCR7—present on CSC populations across different tumor entities. The interactions facilitated by CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axes seem to be strongly linked to CSC “stem”-like features, tumor progression, and metastasis promotion. Altogether, this suggests a role for CXCL12 and its receptors in the maintenance of CSCs and the components of their niche. Moreover, we will also provide an update of the therapeutic options being currently tested to disrupt the CXCL12 axes in order to target, directly or indirectly, the CSC subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos López-Gil
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martin-Hijano
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick C. Hermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
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15
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Wu P, Wang J, Mao X, Xu H, Zhu Z. PDCD4 regulates apoptosis in human peritoneal mesothelial cells and promotes gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. Histol Histopathol 2021; 36:447-457. [PMID: 33442866 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a tumor suppressor gene, however, the function and regulatory mechanism remain to be discovered. The connection between tumorigenesis and apoptosis is one of the most important foci of cancer research. Our study aimed to explore the connections between PDCD4-mediated apoptosis of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) and peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer. METHODS The PDCD4 expression in 31 pairs of HPMC and tumor tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. In cell experiments, we monitored gastric cancer cell migration with a Transwell chamber assay when PDCD4 was silenced in HPMC. Subsequently, apoptosis of HPMC was detected by a flow cytometric assay and western blotting. After analyzing cytokines in culture supernatants from gastric cancer with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) was abundant in the culture supernatants of gastric cancer. Then, PDCD4 expression in HMrSV5 cells was analyzed by western blotting after retreatment with different concentrations of TGF-β1. Moreover, apoptosis of peritoneal mesothelial cells treated with TGF-β1 was detected according to the above methods. RESULTS In human metastatic peritoneal tissues, the expression of PDCD4 was significantly lower than that in normal tissues. At the same time, decreased expression of PDCD4 in HPMC was associated with increased migration capacity of gastric cancer cells. Moreover, suppressing the expression of PDCD4 promoted apoptosis in mesothelial cells which may be regulated by TGF-β secreted from gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggested that decreased expression of PDCD4 significantly promoted apoptosis in human peritoneal mesothelial cells, thus inducing peritoneal metastasis, and that TGF-β1 secreted from gastric cancer cells may have played a crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinou Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Senyang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Mao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Research Unit of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huimian Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhi Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Sad LAE, Mohamed D, Elanwar N, Elkady A. CXCR4 and RIF1 overexpression induces resistance of epithelial ovarian cancer to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. J Cancer Res Ther 2021; 17:1454-1461. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_480_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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17
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Walcher L, Kistenmacher AK, Suo H, Kitte R, Dluczek S, Strauß A, Blaudszun AR, Yevsa T, Fricke S, Kossatz-Boehlert U. Cancer Stem Cells-Origins and Biomarkers: Perspectives for Targeted Personalized Therapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1280. [PMID: 32849491 PMCID: PMC7426526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis has gained increasing interest over the last decades. In particular, the analysis of biomarkers in cancer patients within the pre- and post-therapeutic period is required to identify several types of cells, which carry a risk for a disease progression and subsequent post-therapeutic relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive tumor initiation and can cause relapses. At the time point of tumor initiation, CSCs originate from either differentiated cells or adult tissue resident stem cells. Due to their importance, several biomarkers that characterize CSCs have been identified and correlated to diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. However, CSCs have been shown to display a high plasticity, which changes their phenotypic and functional appearance. Such changes are induced by chemo- and radiotherapeutics as well as senescent tumor cells, which cause alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Induction of senescence causes tumor shrinkage by modulating an anti-tumorigenic environment in which tumor cells undergo growth arrest and immune cells are attracted. Besides these positive effects after therapy, senescence can also have negative effects displayed post-therapeutically. These unfavorable effects can directly promote cancer stemness by increasing CSC plasticity phenotypes, by activating stemness pathways in non-CSCs, as well as by promoting senescence escape and subsequent activation of stemness pathways. At the end, all these effects can lead to tumor relapse and metastasis. This review provides an overview of the most frequently used CSC markers and their implementation as biomarkers by focussing on deadliest solid (lung, stomach, liver, breast and colorectal cancers) and hematological (acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia) cancers. Furthermore, it gives examples on how the CSC markers might be influenced by therapeutics, such as chemo- and radiotherapy, and the tumor microenvironment. It points out, that it is crucial to identify and monitor residual CSCs, senescent tumor cells, and the pro-tumorigenic senescence-associated secretory phenotype in a therapy follow-up using specific biomarkers. As a future perspective, a targeted immune-mediated strategy using chimeric antigen receptor based approaches for the removal of remaining chemotherapy-resistant cells as well as CSCs in a personalized therapeutic approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Walcher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kistenmacher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Huizhen Suo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reni Kitte
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Dluczek
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Strauß
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - André-René Blaudszun
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tetyana Yevsa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Kossatz-Boehlert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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18
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Molecular Bases of Mechanisms Accounting for Drug Resistance in Gastric Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082116. [PMID: 32751679 PMCID: PMC7463778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is the most common histological type of gastric cancer, the fifth according to the frequency and the third among the deadliest cancers. GAC high mortality is due to a combination of factors, such as silent evolution, late clinical presentation, underlying genetic heterogeneity, and effective mechanisms of chemoresistance (MOCs) that make the available antitumor drugs scarcely useful. MOCs include reduced drug uptake (MOC-1a), enhanced drug efflux (MOC-1b), low proportion of active agents in tumor cells due to impaired pro-drug activation or active drug inactivation (MOC-2), changes in molecular targets sensitive to anticancer drugs (MOC-3), enhanced ability of cancer cells to repair drug-induced DNA damage (MOC-4), decreased function of pro-apoptotic factors versus up-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes (MOC-5), changes in tumor cell microenvironment altering the response to anticancer agents (MOC-6), and phenotypic transformations, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the appearance of stemness characteristics (MOC-7). This review summarizes updated information regarding the molecular bases accounting for these mechanisms and their impact on the lack of clinical response to the pharmacological treatment currently used in GAC. This knowledge is required to identify novel biomarkers to predict treatment failure and druggable targets, and to develop sensitizing strategies to overcome drug refractoriness in GAC.
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19
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Pádua D, Figueira P, Ribeiro I, Almeida R, Mesquita P. The Relevance of Transcription Factors in Gastric and Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells Identification and Eradication. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:442. [PMID: 32626705 PMCID: PMC7314965 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric and colorectal cancers have a high incidence and mortality worldwide. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor mass has been indicated as the main reason for tumor relapse, metastasis and therapy resistance, leading to poor overall survival. Thus, the elimination of CSCs became a crucial goal for cancer treatment. The identification of these cells has been performed by using cell-surface markers, a reliable approach, however it lacks specificity and usually differs among tumor type and in some cases even within the same type. In theory, the ideal CSC markers are those that are required to maintain their stemness features. The knowledge that CSCs exhibit characteristics comparable to normal stem cells that could be associated with the expression of similar transcription factors (TFs) including SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and c-Myc, and signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog (Hh), Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR directed the attention to the use of these similarities to identify and target CSCs in different tumor types. Several studies have demonstrated that the abnormal expression of some TFs and the dysregulation of signaling pathways are associated with tumorigenesis and CSC phenotype. The disclosure of common and appropriate biomarkers for CSCs will provide an incredible tool for cancer prognosis and treatment. Therefore, this review aims to gather the new insights in gastric and colorectal CSC identification specially by using TFs as biomarkers and divulge promising drugs that have been found and tested for targeting these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pádua
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Figueira
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Ribeiro
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Almeida
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Gastric Cancer Stem Cells: Current Insights into the Immune Microenvironment and Therapeutic Targets. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8010007. [PMID: 31935894 PMCID: PMC7168269 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to be involved in chemotherapy resistance and the development of metastases. Although CSCs harbor self-renewal and tumorigenic abilities, the immune microenvironment surrounding CSCs provides various factors and supports the maintenance of CSC properties. The current review summarizes the accumulating findings regarding the relationship between the immune microenvironment and gastric CSCs (GCSCs), which will support the possibility of developing novel therapeutic strategies for targeting GCSCs.
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21
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Nunes T, Hamdan D, Leboeuf C, El Bouchtaoui M, Gapihan G, Nguyen TT, Meles S, Angeli E, Ratajczak P, Lu H, Di Benedetto M, Bousquet G, Janin A. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells to Overcome Chemoresistance. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E4036. [PMID: 30551640 PMCID: PMC6321478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are heterogeneous at the cell level, and the mechanisms leading to cancer heterogeneity could be clonal evolution or cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are resistant to most anti-cancer treatments and could be preferential targets to reverse this resistance, either targeting stemness pathways or cancer stem cell surface markers. Gold nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools, particularly for photo-thermal therapy since they can be excited by laser to induce hyperthermia. Gold nanoparticles can be functionalized with antibodies to specifically target cancer stem cells. Preclinical studies using photo-thermal therapy have demonstrated the feasibility of targeting chemo-resistant cancer cells to reverse clinical chemoresistance. Here, we review the data linking cancer stem cells and chemoresistance and discuss the way to target them to reverse resistance. We particularly focus on the use of functionalized gold nanoparticles in the treatment of chemo-resistant metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Nunes
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Diaddin Hamdan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Hôpital de La Porte Verte, F-78004 Versailles, France.
| | - Christophe Leboeuf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Morad El Bouchtaoui
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Guillaume Gapihan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Thi Thuy Nguyen
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Solveig Meles
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Eurydice Angeli
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Philippe Ratajczak
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - He Lu
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
| | - Mélanie Di Benedetto
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Université Paris 13, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Guilhem Bousquet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Université Paris 13, F-93430 Villetaneuse, France.
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale, AP-HP-Hôpital Avicenne, F-93008 Bobigny, France.
| | - Anne Janin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S1165, F-75010 Paris, France.
- Service de Pathologie, AP-HP-Hôpital Saint-Louis, F-75010 Paris, France.
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22
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Lee NH, Nikfarjam M, He H. Functions of the CXC ligand family in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Pancreatology 2018; 18:705-716. [PMID: 30078614 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is the major contributor to the poor prognosis of and low survival from pancreatic cancer (PC). Cancer progression is a complex process reliant on interactions between the tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Members of the CXCL family of chemokines are present in the pancreatic TME and seem to play a vital role in regulating PC progression. As pancreatic tumors interact with the TME and with PC stem cells (CSCs), determining the roles of specific members of the CXCL family is vital to the development of improved therapies. This review highlights the roles of selected CXCLs in the interactions between pancreatic tumor and its stroma, and in CSC phenotypes, which can be used to identify potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nien-Hung Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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23
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Dosch J, Hadley E, Wiese C, Soderberg M, Houwman T, Ding K, Kharazova A, Collins JL, van Knippenberg B, Gregory C, Kofman A. Time-lapse microscopic observation of non-dividing cells in cultured human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line. Cell Cycle 2017; 17:174-181. [PMID: 29169283 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1395535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells resemble normal tissue-specific stem cells in many aspects, such as self-renewal and plasticity. Like their non-malignant counterparts, cancer stem cells are suggested to exhibit a relative quiescence. The established cancer cell lines reportedly harbor slow-proliferating cells that are positive for some cancer stem cells markers. However, the fate of these cells and their progeny remains unknown. We used time-lapse microscopy and the contrast-based segmentation algorithm to identify and monitor actively dividing and non-dividing cells in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line. Within the monitored field of view the non-dividing cells were represented by three cells that never divided, and one cell that attempted to divide, but failed cytokinesis, and later, after significantly prolonged division, produced the progeny with enlarged segmented nuclei, thus pointing to a possible mitotic catastrophe. Together, these cells initially constituted about 6.2% of the total number of seeded cells, yet only 0.02% of all cells at the end of the observation period when cells became confluent. Non-dividing cells were characterized by rounded shape, dark nuclei, random cytoplasmic streaming and subtle oscillatory movement, however, they did not migrate and rarely formed cell-cell contacts as compared to actively dividing cells. Our data indicate that the observed non-dividing MG-63 cells do not have a growth advantage over other cells and, therefore, they do not contribute to the cancer stem cells pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Dosch
- a Department of Biology , Dakota Wesleyan University , 219 Corrigan Science Center, 1200 W. University Ave, Mitchell , SD , U.S.A
| | - Elise Hadley
- a Department of Biology , Dakota Wesleyan University , 219 Corrigan Science Center, 1200 W. University Ave, Mitchell , SD , U.S.A
| | - Cal Wiese
- a Department of Biology , Dakota Wesleyan University , 219 Corrigan Science Center, 1200 W. University Ave, Mitchell , SD , U.S.A
| | - Marissa Soderberg
- a Department of Biology , Dakota Wesleyan University , 219 Corrigan Science Center, 1200 W. University Ave, Mitchell , SD , U.S.A
| | - Tori Houwman
- a Department of Biology , Dakota Wesleyan University , 219 Corrigan Science Center, 1200 W. University Ave, Mitchell , SD , U.S.A
| | - Kai Ding
- b Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , 401 N. Broadway / Suite 1471, Baltimore MD , U.S.A
| | | | - John L Collins
- d Department of Biology , University of Tennessee at Martin , 574 University Street, U.S.A
| | - Bart van Knippenberg
- e CytoSMART Technologies BV , De Lismortel 31 5612AR Eindhoven , The Netherlands
| | - Carl Gregory
- f Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Texas A&M Health Science Center 208B , Reynolds Medical Building, College Station , TX , U.S.A
| | - Alexander Kofman
- a Department of Biology , Dakota Wesleyan University , 219 Corrigan Science Center, 1200 W. University Ave, Mitchell , SD , U.S.A .,g Aging-Cancer Interface Group , LDS Medical Center , St. Petersburg , Russian Federation
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24
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Santamaria S, Delgado M, Kremer L, Garcia-Sanz JA. Will a mAb-Based Immunotherapy Directed against Cancer Stem Cells Be Feasible? Front Immunol 2017; 8:1509. [PMID: 29170667 PMCID: PMC5684111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis suggests that within a tumor, there is a small subpopulation of cells with stem cell properties responsible for tumor maintenance and metastasis generation. This hypothesis also implies that new antitumor drugs, rather than targeting the bulk of the tumor mass, would be more effective if they directly targeted the CSC subpopulation. The CSCs from several types of tumors have been identified with mAbs recognizing surface antigens in these cells; however, antigens specifically or exclusively expressed in the CSC population have not yet been identified. Thus, questioning the possibility of using therapeutic antibodies directed against the CSCs. Here, we review the possibilities of using antibodies directly targeting the CSCs as therapeutic agents in the form of naked antibodies, antibodies conjugated to nanoparticles, or antibody cocktails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Santamaria
- Cancer Genetics and Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Delgado
- Cancer Genetics and Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Kremer
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia, Department of Immunology and Oncology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A Garcia-Sanz
- Cancer Genetics and Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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25
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Xue L, Mao X, Ren L, Chu X. Inhibition of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis as a potential targeted therapy of advanced gastric carcinoma. Cancer Med 2017; 6:1424-1436. [PMID: 28544785 PMCID: PMC5463074 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The whole outcome for patients with gastric carcinoma (GC) is very poor because most of them remain metastatic disease during survival even at diagnosis or after surgery. Despite many improvements in multiple strategies of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, exploration of novel alternative therapeutic targets is still warranted. Chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) have been identified with significantly elevated levels in various malignancies including GC, which correlates with the survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of tumor cells. Increasing experimental evidence suggests an implication of inhibition of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis as a promising targeted therapy, although there are rare trials focused on the therapeutic efficacy of CXCR4 inhibitors in GC until recently. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that specific antagonists or antibodies targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 axis alone or combined with chemotherapy will be effective and worthy of further translational studies as a potential treatment strategy in advanced GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li‐Jun Xue
- Department of Medical OncologyJinling HospitalNanjing University Clinical School of MedicineNanjing210002China
| | - Xiao‐Bei Mao
- Department of Medical OncologyJinling HospitalNanjing University Clinical School of MedicineNanjing210002China
| | - Li‐Li Ren
- Department of Medical OncologyJinling HospitalNanjing University Clinical School of MedicineNanjing210002China
| | - Xiao‐Yuan Chu
- Department of Medical OncologyJinling HospitalNanjing University Clinical School of MedicineNanjing210002China
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26
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Xiang Z, Zhou ZJ, Xia GK, Zhang XH, Wei ZW, Zhu JT, Yu J, Chen W, He Y, Schwarz RE, Brekken RA, Awasthi N, Zhang CH. A positive crosstalk between CXCR4 and CXCR2 promotes gastric cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2017; 36:5122-5133. [PMID: 28481874 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism underlying gastric cancer (GC) invasion and metastasis is still poorly understood. In this study, we tried to investigate the roles of CXCR4 and CXCR2 signalings in gastric cancer metastasis. A highly invasive gastric cancer cell model was established. Chemokines receptors were profiled to search for the accountable ones. Then the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated using both in vitro and in vivo techniques, and the clinical relevance of CXCR4 and CXCR2 expression was studied in gastric cancer samples. CXCR4 and CXCR2 were highly expressed in a high invasive gastric cancer cell model and in gastric cancer tissues. Overexpression of CXCR4 and CXCR2 was associated with more advanced tumor stage and poorer survival for GC patients. CXCR4 and CXCR2 expression strongly correlated with each other in the way that CXCR2 expression changed accordingly with the activity of CXCR4 signaling and CXCR4 expression also changed in agreement with CXCR2 activity. Further studies demonstrated CXCR4 and CXCR2 can both activated NF-κB and STAT3 signaling, while NF-κBp65 can then transcriptionally activate CXCR4 and STAT3 can activate CXCR2 expression. This crosstalk between CXCR4 and CXCR2 contributed to EMT, migration and invasion of gastric cancer. Finally, Co-inhibition of CXCR4 and CXCR2 is more effective in reducing gastric cancer metastasis. Our results demonstrated that CXCR4 and CXCR2 cross-activate each other to promote the metastasis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Xiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Z-J Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - G-K Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - X-H Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Z-W Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - J-T Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - J Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - W Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Y He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastrointestinal Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - R E Schwarz
- Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, and IU Health Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Goshen, IN, USA
| | - R A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - N Awasthi
- Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, and IU Health Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Goshen, IN, USA
| | - C-H Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Gastric Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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27
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Carreno G, Gonzalez-Meljem JM, Haston S, Martinez-Barbera JP. Stem cells and their role in pituitary tumorigenesis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 445:27-34. [PMID: 27720895 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The presence of adult pituitary stem cells (PSCs) has been described in murine systems by comprehensive cellular profiling and genetic lineage tracing experiments. PSCs are thought to maintain multipotent capacity throughout life and give rise to all hormone-producing cell lineages, playing a role in pituitary gland homeostasis. Additionally, PSCs have been proposed to play a role in pituitary tumorigenesis, in both adenomas and adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas. In this manuscript, we discuss the different approaches used to demonstrate the presence of PSCs in the murine adult pituitary, from marker analyses to genetic tracing. In addition, we review the published literature suggesting the existence of tumor stem cells in mouse and human pituitary tumors. Finally, we discuss the potential role of PSCs in pituitary tumorigenesis in the context of current models of carcinogenesis and present evidence showing that in contrast to pituitary adenoma, which follows a classical cancer stem cell paradigm, a novel mechanism has been revealed for paracrine, non-cell autonomous tumor initiation in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma, a benign but clinically aggressive pediatric tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Carreno
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Program, Birth Defects Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Mario Gonzalez-Meljem
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Program, Birth Defects Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Haston
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Program, Birth Defects Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Program, Birth Defects Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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28
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Song Y, Wang Y, Tong C, Xi H, Zhao X, Wang Y, Chen L. A unified model of the hierarchical and stochastic theories of gastric cancer. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:973-989. [PMID: 28301871 PMCID: PMC5396111 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a life-threatening disease worldwide. Despite remarkable advances in treatments for GC, it is still fatal to many patients due to cancer progression, recurrence and metastasis. Regarding the development of novel therapeutic techniques, many studies have focused on the biological mechanisms that initiate tumours and cause treatment resistance. Tumours have traditionally been considered to result from somatic mutations, either via clonal evolution or through a stochastic model. However, emerging evidence has characterised tumours using a hierarchical organisational structure, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) at the apex. Both stochastic and hierarchical models are reasonable systems that have been hypothesised to describe tumour heterogeneity. Although each model alone inadequately explains tumour diversity, the two models can be integrated to provide a more comprehensive explanation. In this review, we discuss existing evidence supporting a unified model of gastric CSCs, including the regulatory mechanisms of this unified model in addition to the current status of stemness-related targeted therapy in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjing Song
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Chuan Tong
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Hongqing Xi
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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29
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Fu Y, Li H, Hao X. The self-renewal signaling pathways utilized by gastric cancer stem cells. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317697577. [DOI: 10.1177/1010428317697577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Cancer stem cells are the source of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Self-renewal is a marker of cancer stem cells and also the basis of long-lasting survival and tumor progression. Although the mechanism of gastric cancer stem cell self-renewal is not clear, there are several signaling pathways and environmental factors known to be involved. This mini review describes recent developments in the self-renewal signaling pathway of gastric cancer stem cell research. Advancements made in this field of research will likely support the development of novel therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Xishan Hao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
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30
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Demitrack ES, Samuelson LC. Notch as a Driver of Gastric Epithelial Cell Proliferation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 3:323-330. [PMID: 28462374 PMCID: PMC5404025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The gastric epithelium is sustained by a population of stem cells that replenish the various mature epithelial lineages throughout adulthood. Regulation of stem and progenitor cell proliferation occurs via basic developmental signaling pathways, including the Notch pathway, which recently was described to promote gastric stem cell proliferation in both mice and human beings. Current cancer theory proposes that adult stem cells that maintain gastrointestinal tissues accumulate mutations that promote cancerous growth, and that basic signaling pathways, such as Notch, which stimulate stem cell proliferation, can promote tumorigenesis. Accordingly, constitutive Notch activation leads to unchecked cellular proliferation and gastric tumors in genetic mouse models. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence suggesting that the Notch pathway may be activated in some human gastric cancers, supporting a potential role for Notch in gastric tumorigenesis. In this review, we first summarize the current understanding of gastric stem cells defined by genetic mouse studies, followed by discussion of the literature regarding Notch pathway regulation of gastric stem cell function in the mouse and human beings. Notch action to maintain gastric epithelial cell homeostasis and the cellular consequences of dysregulated signaling to promote tumorigenesis are discussed, including studies associating Notch activation with human gastric cancer. Finally, we compare and contrast Notch function in the stomach with other gastrointestinal tissues, including the intestine, to highlight the sensitivity of the stomach to Notch-induced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise S. Demitrack
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Linda C. Samuelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Linda C. Samuelson, PhD, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, 2041 BSRB, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.Department of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan109 Zina Pitcher Place2041 BSRBAnn ArborMichigan 48109
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31
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Bekaii-Saab T, El-Rayes B. Identifying and targeting cancer stem cells in the treatment of gastric cancer. Cancer 2017; 123:1303-1312. [PMID: 28117883 PMCID: PMC5412889 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Current treatment regimens for gastric cancer are not adequate. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) may be a key driving factor for growth and metastasis of this tumor type. In contrast to the conventional clonal evolution hypothesis, CSCs can initiate tumor formation, self‐renew, and differentiate into tumor‐propagating cells. Because gastric cancer can originate from CSCs, it is necessary to review current targets of signaling pathways for CSCs in gastric cancer that are being studied in clinical trials. These pathways are known to regulate the self‐renewal and differentiation process in gastric CSCs. A better understanding of the clinical results of trials that target gastric CSCs will lead to better outcomes for patients with gastric cancer. Cancer 2017;123:1303–1312. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes. Cancer stem cells may be a key driving factor in the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer. Because gastric cancer can originate from cancer stem cells, it is necessary to review current targets of signaling pathways for cancer stem cells in gastric cancer that are being studied in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanios Bekaii-Saab
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix, Arizona.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Bassel El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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32
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Park JW, Park JM, Park DM, Kim DY, Kim HK. Stem Cells Antigen-1 Enriches for a Cancer Stem Cell-Like Subpopulation in Mouse Gastric Cancer. Stem Cells 2016; 34:1177-87. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Won Park
- Biomolecular Function Research Branch Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics, Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics; National Cancer Center; Goyang Gyeonggi Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Park
- Biomolecular Function Research Branch Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics, Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics; National Cancer Center; Goyang Gyeonggi Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Min Park
- Biomolecular Function Research Branch Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics, Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics; National Cancer Center; Goyang Gyeonggi Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Yong Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Hark Kyun Kim
- Biomolecular Function Research Branch Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics, Division of Precision Medicine and Cancer Informatics; National Cancer Center; Goyang Gyeonggi Republic of Korea
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33
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Oue N, Mukai S, Imai T, Pham TTB, Oshima T, Sentani K, Sakamoto N, Yoshida K, Yasui W. Induction of KIFC1 expression in gastric cancer spheroids. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:349-55. [PMID: 27176706 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common human cancers. Spheroid colony formation is an effective model for characterization of cancer stem cells. However, gene expression profiles of spheroid colonies obtained from GC cells have not been examined. We performed microarray analyses by Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array in spheroid body-forming and parental cells from MKN-45 and MKN-74 GC cell lines. Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) was expressed >2-fold higher in spheroid body-forming cells than in parental cells in both GC lines. Both the number and size of spheres from MKN-45 cells were significantly reduced upon KIFC1 siRNA-transfection compared with negative control siRNA-transfection. Immunohistochemical analysis of 114 GC tissue samples revealed that 42 (37%) of GC cases were positive for KIFC1 expression. GC cases positive for KIFC1 were found more frequently in stage III/IV cases than in stage I/II cases. GC cases positive for KIFC1 were found more frequently in intestinal type GC cases than in diffuse type GC cases. Furthermore, KIFC1-positive GC cases showed high Ki-67 labeling index. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that KIFC1 expression was not associated with survival. We found positive expression of KIFC1 in CD44‑positive GC and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1)-positive GC cells. Our results showed that KIFC1 is overexpressed in GC. Since knockdown of KIFC1 inhibited sphere formation, KIFC1 likely plays an important role in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohide Oue
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Mukai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takeharu Imai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Trang T B Pham
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takashi Oshima
- Department of Surgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yoshida
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501‑1194, Japan
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
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Guo ZJ, Yang L, Qian F, Wang YX, Yu X, Ji CD, Cui W, Xiang DF, Zhang X, Zhang P, Wang JM, Cui YH, Bian XW. Transcription factor RUNX2 up-regulates chemokine receptor CXCR4 to promote invasive and metastatic potentials of human gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:20999-1012. [PMID: 27007162 PMCID: PMC4991507 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) is a regulator of embryogenesis and development, but has also been implicated in the progression of certain human cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the role of RUNX2 in the invasive and metastatic potentials of human gastric cancer (GC) and the underlying mechanisms. We found that the levels of RUNX2 expression in gastric cancer tissues were correlated with the differentiation degrees, invasion depth and lymph node metastasis. COX regression analysis indicated that RUNX2 was an independent prognostic indicator for GC patients. RUNX2 significantly increased the migration and invasion ability of GC cells in vitro and enhanced the invasion and metastatic potential of GC cells in an orthotopic GC model of nude mice. Mechanistically, RUNX2 directly bound to the promoter region of the gene coding for the chemokine receptor CXCR4 to enhance its transcription. CXCR4 knockdown or treatment with AMD3100, a CXCR4 inhibitor, attenuated RUNX2-promoted invasion and metastasis. These results demonstrate that RUNX2 promotes the invasion and metastasis of human GC by transcriptionally up-regulating the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Therefore, the RUNX2-CXCR4 axis is a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jun Guo
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lang Yang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Xia Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng-Dong Ji
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong-Fang Xiang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji Ming Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunoregulation, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - You-Hong Cui
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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