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Philipp LM, Yesilyurt UU, Surrow A, Künstner A, Mehdorn AS, Hauser C, Gundlach JP, Will O, Hoffmann P, Stahmer L, Franzenburg S, Knaack H, Schumacher U, Busch H, Sebens S. Epithelial and Mesenchymal-like Pancreatic Cancer Cells Exhibit Different Stem Cell Phenotypes Associated with Different Metastatic Propensities. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:686. [PMID: 38398077 PMCID: PMC10886860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is mostly diagnosed at advanced or even metastasized stages, limiting the prognoses of patients. Metastasis requires high tumor cell plasticity, implying phenotypic switching in response to changing environments. Here, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), being associated with an increase in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, and its reversion are important. Since it is poorly understood whether different CSC phenotypes exist along the EMT axis and how these impact malignancy-associated properties, we aimed to characterize CSC populations of epithelial and mesenchymal-like PDAC cells. Single-cell cloning revealed CSC (Holoclone) and non-CSC (Paraclone) clones from the PDAC cell lines Panc1 and Panc89. The Panc1 Holoclone cells showed a mesenchymal-like phenotype, dominated by a high expression of the stemness marker Nestin, while the Panc89 Holoclone cells exhibited a SOX2-dominated epithelial phenotype. The Panc89 Holoclone cells showed enhanced cell growth and a self-renewal capacity but slow cluster-like invasion. Contrarily, the Panc1 Holoclone cells showed slower cell growth and self-renewal ability but were highly invasive. Moreover, cell variants differentially responded to chemotherapy. In vivo, the Panc1 and Panc89 cell variants significantly differed regarding the number and size of metastases, as well as organ manifestation, leading to different survival outcomes. Overall, these data support the existence of different CSC phenotypes along the EMT axis in PDAC, manifesting different metastatic propensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Philipp
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Umut-Ulas Yesilyurt
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Arne Surrow
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Axel Künstner
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anne-Sophie Mehdorn
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Gundlach
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Olga Will
- Molecular Imaging North Competence Center, Clinic of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Kiel University, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Patrick Hoffmann
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Stahmer
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sören Franzenburg
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Hendrike Knaack
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
- Academic Affairs Office, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Department of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
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Reisenauer KN, Aroujo J, Tao Y, Ranganathan S, Romo D, Taube JH. Therapeutic vulnerabilities of cancer stem cells and effects of natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1432-1456. [PMID: 37103550 PMCID: PMC10524555 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00002h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 1995 to 2022Tumors possess both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity leading to the survival of subpopulations post-treatment. The term cancer stem cells (CSCs) describes a subpopulation that is resistant to many types of chemotherapy and which also possess enhanced migratory and anchorage-independent growth capabilities. These cells are enriched in residual tumor material post-treatment and can serve as the seed for future tumor re-growth, at both primary and metastatic sites. Elimination of CSCs is a key goal in enhancing cancer treatment and may be aided by application of natural products in conjunction with conventional treatments. In this review, we highlight molecular features of CSCs and discuss synthesis, structure-activity relationships, derivatization, and effects of six natural products with anti-CSC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaquelin Aroujo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Yongfeng Tao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | | | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Joseph H Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Tripathi G, Tripathi A, Johnson J, Kashyap MK. Role of RNA Splicing in Regulation of Cancer Stem Cell. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 18:3-6. [PMID: 34875992 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666211207103628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Greesham Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
| | - Avantika Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
| | - Joel Johnson
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Kashyap
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon (Manesar), Haryana 122413, India
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India
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Tissue-Specific Human Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds Promote Pancreatic Tumour Progression and Chemotherapy Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223652. [PMID: 36429078 PMCID: PMC9688243 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 80% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are diagnosed at a late stage and are locally advanced or with concurrent metastases. The aggressive phenotype and relative chemo- and radiotherapeutic resistance of PDAC is thought to be mediated largely by its prominent stroma, which is supported by an extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, we investigated the impact of tissue-matched human ECM in driving PDAC and the role of the ECM in promoting chemotherapy resistance. Decellularized human pancreata and livers were recellularized with PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 (PDAC cell lines), as well as PK-1 cells (liver-derived metastatic PDAC cell line). PANC-1 cells migrated into the pancreatic scaffolds, MIA PaCa-2 cells were able to migrate into both scaffolds, whereas PK-1 cells were able to migrate into the liver scaffolds only. These differences were supported by significant deregulations in gene and protein expression between the pancreas scaffolds, liver scaffolds, and 2D culture. Moreover, these cell lines were significantly more resistant to gemcitabine and doxorubicin chemotherapy treatments in the 3D models compared to 2D cultures, even after confirmed uptake by confocal microscopy. These results suggest that tissue-specific ECM provides the preserved native cues for primary and metastatic PDAC cells necessary for a more reliable in vitro cell culture.
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Ye Z, Yang Y, Wei Y, Li L, Wang X, Zhang J. PCDH1 promotes progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via activation of NF-κB signalling by interacting with KPNB1. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:633. [PMID: 35864095 PMCID: PMC9304345 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled growth, distant metastasis and chemoresistance are critical characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and they result in high mortality; however, the mechanisms triggering these effects have not been fully investigated. In this study, we analysed a dataset in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified PCDH1, a rarely studied transmembrane protein, as a novel prognostic marker in PDAC patients. We demonstrated that PCDH1 expression was upregulated in PDAC tissues, and its expression levels were associated with the depth of tumour invasion and lymph node metastasis. Patients with high PCDH1 levels showed poor overall survival (OS). We also investigated the biological significance of PCDH1 in PDAC cell growth, metastasis, and side population (SP) phenotype acquisition and explored the internal molecular mechanisms of PCDH1 action. Our results demonstrated that PCDH1 enhanced p65 nuclear localization by interacting with KPNB1, a well-characterized nuclear transporter, thereby activating the NF-κB signalling pathway and increasing its functional effects during PDAC progression. Hence, our results indicate that PCDH1 can be used as a negative prognostic marker and may be a potential therapeutic target for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yingyu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Lamei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Junkai Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology Center, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China.
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Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
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Oncogenic Kras-Mediated Cytokine CCL15 Regulates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion through ROS. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092153. [PMID: 35565279 PMCID: PMC9104113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oncogenic KrasG12D and tumor inflammation are critical components of the development and dissemination of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study is to investigate a lesser-known cytokine, CCL15, that functions as a new downstream target of KrasG12D with the purpose of regulating PDAC cell migration and invasion. We showed increased levels of CCL15 as well as the presence of its receptors, including CCR1 and CCR3, in PDAC tissues and cell lines. The knockdown of CCL15 diminished metastatic Panc-1 cell migration, whereas the treatment of CCL15 in non-metastatic BxPC-3 cells promoted BxPC-3 cell motility. Similar results were verified using murine metastatic PDAC KP-2 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCL15-modulated PDAC cell migration through the upregulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the knockdown of KrasG12D resulted in a decrease in CCL15. Altogether, our data unveiled a new mechanism of oncogenic KrasG12D in modulating PDAC inflammation and spreading. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is well known for its high death rate due to prompt cancer metastasis caused by cancer cell migration and invasion within the early stages of its development. Here, we reveal a new function of cytokine CCL15, namely the upregulation of PDAC cell migration and invasion. We showed increased levels of CCL15 transcripts and protein expressions in human PDAC tissue samples, as well as in cultured cell lines. Furthermore, PDAC cells also expressed CCL15 receptors, including CCR1 and CCR3. Murine PDAC cell lines and tissues strengthened this finding. The manipulation of CCL15 in metastatic Panc-1 cells through CCL15 knockdown or CCL15 neutralization decreased Panc-1 cell motility and invasiveness. In addition, treating non-metastatic BxPC-3 cells with recombinant CCL15 accelerated the cell migration of BxPC-3. A reduction in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by either N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine treatment or p22phox knockdown led to a decrease in Panc-1 cell migration and a reversed effect on recombinant CCL15-promoted BxPC-3 cell movement. Importantly, the knockdown of oncogenic Kras in Panc-1 cells abolished CCL15 protein expression and impeded cell migration without affecting PDAC cell growth. Altogether, our work elucidates an additional molecular pathway of oncogenic Kras to promote PDAC metastasis through the upregulation of cell migration and invasion by the Kras downstream CCL15, a lesser-known cytokine within the cancer research field.
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Gulla A, Andriusaityte U, Zdanys GT, Babonaite E, Strupas K, Kelly H. The Impact of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metformin on Pancreatic Cancer Chemoresistance: A Pathway towards Individualized Therapy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:467. [PMID: 35454306 PMCID: PMC9032206 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Globally, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains among the most aggressive forms of neoplastic diseases, having a dismal prognostic outcome. Recent findings elucidated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can play an important role in pancreatic tumorigenic processes, as it contributes to the manifestation of malignant proliferative masses, which impede adequate drug delivery. An organized literature search with PubMed, Scopus, Microsoft Academic and the Cochrane library was performed for articles published in English from 2011 to 2021 to review and summarize the latest updates and knowledge on the current understanding of EMT and its implications for tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Furthermore, in the present paper, we investigate the recent findings on metformin as a possible neoadjuvant chemotherapy agent, which affects EMT progression and potentially provides superior oncological outcomes for PDAC patients. Our main conclusions indicate that selectively suppressing EMT in pancreatic cancer cells has a promising therapeutic utility by selectively targeting the chemotherapy-resistant sub-population of cancer stem cells, inhibiting tumor growth via EMT pathways and thereby improving remission in PDAC patients. Moreover, given that TGF-β1-driven EMT generates the migration of tumor-initiating cells by directly linking the acquisition of abnormal cellular motility with the maintenance of tumor initiating potency, the chemoprevention of TGF-β1-induced EMT may have promising clinical applications in the therapeutic management of PDAC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiste Gulla
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Surgery, Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Santariskiu Str. 2, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Center of Visceral Medicine and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road Northwest BLES Building 1st. Floor, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Urte Andriusaityte
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (U.A.); (G.T.Z.); (E.B.)
| | - Gabrielius Tomas Zdanys
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (U.A.); (G.T.Z.); (E.B.)
| | - Elena Babonaite
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio Str. 21, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (U.A.); (G.T.Z.); (E.B.)
| | - Kestutis Strupas
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Surgery, Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Santariskiu Str. 2, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Helena Kelly
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
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Schmidtlein PM, Volz C, Hackel A, Thürling I, Castven D, Braun R, Wellner UF, Konukiewitz B, Riemekasten G, Lehnert H, Marquardt JU, Ungefroren H. Activation of a Ductal-to-Endocrine Transdifferentiation Transcriptional Program in the Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line PANC-1 Is Controlled by RAC1 and RAC1b through Antagonistic Regulation of Stemness Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215541. [PMID: 34771704 PMCID: PMC8583136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) there is currently no cure; hence, novel effective therapies are desperately needed. Among PDAC patients, the tumor cell phenotypes are heterogeneous as a result of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, a process that endows them with the ability to metastasize, resist therapy, and generate cancer stem cells. The heightened plasticity of quasimesenchymal and potentially metastatic tumor cells may, however, also be exploited for their transdifferentiation into benign, highly differentiated or post-mitotic cells. Since PDAC patients often have a need for replacement of insulin-producing cells, conversion of tumor cells with a ductal/exocrine origin to endocrine β cell-like cells is an attractive therapeutic option. Successful transdifferentiation into insulin-producing cells has been reported for the quasimesenchymal cell line PANC-1; however, the mechanistic basis of this transformation process is unknown. Here, we show that the small GTPases, RAC1 and RAC1b control this process by antagonistic regulation of stemness genes. Abstract Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driving force for tumor growth, metastatic spread, therapy resistance, and the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the regained stem cell character may also be exploited for therapeutic conversion of aggressive tumor cells to benign, highly differentiated cells. The PDAC-derived quasimesenchymal-type cell lines PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 have been successfully transdifferentiated to endocrine precursors or insulin-producing cells; however, the underlying mechanism of this increased plasticity remains elusive. Given its crucial role in normal pancreatic endocrine development and tumor progression, both of which involve EMT, we analyzed here the role of the small GTPase RAC1. Ectopic expression in PANC-1 cells of dominant negative or constitutively active mutants of RAC1 activation blocked or enhanced, respectively, the cytokine-induced activation of a ductal-to-endocrine transdifferentiation transcriptional program (deTDtP) as revealed by induction of the NEUROG3, INS, SLC2A2, and MAFA genes. Conversely, ectopic expression of RAC1b, a RAC1 splice isoform and functional antagonist of RAC1-driven EMT, decreased the deTDtP, while genetic knockout of RAC1b dramatically increased it. We further show that inhibition of RAC1 activation attenuated pluripotency marker expression and self-renewal ability, while depletion of RAC1b dramatically enhanced stemness features and clonogenic potential. Finally, rescue experiments involving pharmacological or RNA interference-mediated inhibition of RAC1 or RAC1b, respectively, confirmed that both RAC1 isoforms control the deTDtP in an opposite manner. We conclude that RAC1 and RAC1b antagonistically control growth factor-induced activation of an endocrine transcriptional program and the generation of CSCs in quasimesenchymal PDAC cells. Our results have clinical implications for PDAC patients, who in addition to eradication of tumor cells have a need for replacement of insulin-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Marie Schmidtlein
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Clara Volz
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Alexander Hackel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (A.H.); (G.R.)
| | - Isabel Thürling
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Darko Castven
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Rüdiger Braun
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
| | - Ulrich Friedrich Wellner
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (R.B.); (U.F.W.)
| | - Björn Konukiewitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (A.H.); (G.R.)
| | | | - Jens-Uwe Marquardt
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
| | - Hendrik Ungefroren
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany; (P.M.S.); (C.V.); (I.T.); (D.C.); (J.-U.M.)
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany;
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence:
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A Comparative Endocrine Trans-Differentiation Approach to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells with Different EMT Phenotypes Identifies Quasi-Mesenchymal Tumor Cells as Those with Highest Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184663. [PMID: 34572891 PMCID: PMC8466512 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancer types with the quasi-mesenchymal (QM) subtype of PDAC having the worst prognosis. De-differentiation of the ductal tumor cells to a mesenchymal phenotype occurs as a result of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process associated with the acquisition of stem cell traits. While QM tumor cells are highly metastatic and drug-resistant, their increased plasticity opens a window of opportunity for trans-differentiation into non-malignant pancreatic cells. In this study we compared established PDAC-derived cell lines of either epithelial (E) or QM phenotype for their potential to be differentiated to pancreatic endocrine cells. We found that QM cells responded more strongly than E cells with transcriptional activation of a pancreatic progenitor or pancreatic β cell-specific program. Our results bear strong implications for a novel type of targeted therapy, namely EMT-based trans-differentiation of highly metastatic PDAC cells in vivo to non-malignant endocrine cells. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and therapy-resistant cancer types which is largely due to tumor heterogeneity, cancer cell de-differentiation, and early metastatic spread. The major molecular subtypes of PDAC are designated classical/epithelial (E) and quasi-mesenchymal (QM) subtypes, with the latter having the worst prognosis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), are involved in regulating invasion/metastasis and stem cell generation in cancer cells but also early pancreatic endocrine differentiation or de-differentiation of adult pancreatic islet cells in vitro, suggesting that pancreatic ductal exocrine and endocrine cells share common EMT programs. Using a panel of PDAC-derived cell lines classified by epithelial/mesenchymal expression as either E or QM, we compared their trans-differentiation (TD) potential to endocrine progenitor or β cell-like cells since studies with human pancreatic cancer cells for possible future TD therapy in PDAC patients are not available so far. We observed that QM cell lines responded strongly to TD culture using as inducers 5′-aza-2′-deoxycytidine or growth factors/cytokines, while their E counterparts were refractory or showed only a weak response. Moreover, the gain of plasticity was associated with a decrease in proliferative and migratory activities and was directly related to epigenetic changes acquired during selection of a metastatic phenotype as revealed by TD experiments using the paired isogenic COLO 357-L3.6pl model. Our data indicate that a QM phenotype in PDAC coincides with increased plasticity and heightened trans-differentiation potential to activate a pancreatic β cell-specific transcriptional program. We strongly assume that this specific biological feature has potential to be exploited clinically in TD-based therapy to convert metastatic PDAC cells into less malignant or even benign cells.
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11
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Patil K, Khan FB, Akhtar S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. The plasticity of pancreatic cancer stem cells: implications in therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:691-720. [PMID: 34453639 PMCID: PMC8556195 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing perception of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a plastic state rather than a hardwired defined entity has evolved our understanding of the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Pancreatic cancer (PC), based on its biological features and clinical evolution, is a prototypical example of a CSC-driven disease. Since the discovery of pancreatic CSCs (PCSCs) in 2007, evidence has unraveled their control over many facets of the natural history of PC, including primary tumor growth, metastatic progression, disease recurrence, and acquired drug resistance. Consequently, the current near-ubiquitous treatment regimens for PC using aggressive cytotoxic agents, aimed at ‘‘tumor debulking’’ rather than eradication of CSCs, have proven ineffective in providing clinically convincing improvements in patients with this dreadful disease. Herein, we review the key hallmarks as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms of CSCs that mediate treatment failure in PC and enlist the potential CSC-targeting ‘natural agents’ that are gaining popularity in recent years. A better understanding of the molecular and functional landscape of PCSC-intrinsic evasion of chemotherapeutic drugs offers a facile opportunity for treating PC, an intractable cancer with a grim prognosis and in dire need of effective therapeutic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farheen B Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, The United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. .,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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12
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Ramaker RC, Hardigan AA, Gordon ER, Wright CA, Myers RM, Cooper SJ. Pooled CRISPR screening in pancreatic cancer cells implicates co-repressor complexes as a cause of multiple drug resistance via regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:632. [PMID: 34049503 PMCID: PMC8164247 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients suffer poor outcomes, including a five-year survival of below 10%. Poor outcomes result in part from therapeutic resistance that limits the impact of cytotoxic first-line therapy. Novel therapeutic approaches are needed, but currently no targeted therapies exist to treat PDAC. Methods To assess cellular resistance mechanisms common to four cytotoxic chemotherapies (gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) used to treat PDAC patients, we performed four genome-wide CRISPR activation (CRISPRact) and CRISPR knock-out (CRISPRko) screens in two common PDAC cell lines (Panc-1 and BxPC3). We used pathway analysis to identify gene sets enriched among our hits and conducted RNA-sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) to characterize top hits from our screen. We used scratch assays to assess changes in cellular migration with HDAC1 overexpression. Results Our data revealed activation of ABCG2, a well-described efflux pump, as the most consistent mediator of resistance in each of our screens. CRISPR-mediated activation of genes involved in transcriptional co-repressor complexes also conferred resistance to multiple drugs. Expression of many of these genes, including HDAC1, is associated with reduced survival in PDAC patients. Up-regulation of HDAC1 in vitro increased promoter occupancy and expression of several genes involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These cells also displayed phenotypic changes in cellular migration consistent with activation of the EMT pathway. The expression changes resulting from HDAC1 activation were also observed with activation of several other co-repressor complex members. Finally, we developed a publicly available analysis tool, PancDS, which integrates gene expression profiles with our screen results to predict drug sensitivity in resected PDAC tumors and cell lines. Conclusion Our results provide a comprehensive resource for identifying cellular mechanisms of drug resistance in PDAC, mechanistically implicate HDAC1, and co-repressor complex members broadly, in multi-drug resistance, and provide an analytical tool for predicting treatment response in PDAC tumors and cell lines. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08388-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryne C Ramaker
- University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.,HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA
| | - Andrew A Hardigan
- University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.,HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA
| | - Emily R Gordon
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA
| | - Carter A Wright
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA.,University of Alabama - Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA
| | - Richard M Myers
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA
| | - Sara J Cooper
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA.
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13
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Pak PJ, Lee DG, Sung JH, Jung SH, Han TY, Park SH, Chung N. Synergistic effect of the herbal mixture C5E on gemcitabine treatment in PANC‑1 cells. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:315. [PMID: 33760105 PMCID: PMC7974510 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the anticancer effect of the herbal mixture extract C5E in the pancreatic cancer cell line, PANC-1, in the absence or presence of gemcitabine treatment, a chemotherapeutic drug used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The anticancer effects of C5E, gemcitabine and C5E plus gemcitabine in PANC-1 cells following 72 h of treatment were investigated. The effect of each treatment on cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and the proportion of side population (SP) cells was determined using flow cytometric analysis following propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and Hoechst 33342 staining, respectively. SP cells share similar characteristics to cancer stem-like cells, and a reduction in the SP is considered to be indicative of an anticancer effect. The percentage of SP cells and the cell viability of general PANC-1 cells were significantly decreased in response to all treatments. The percentage of SP cells was reduced from 8.2% (control) to 3.9, 7.2 and 5.1% following the treatment with C5E, gemcitabine and the co-treatment, respectively. All three treatments were discovered to inhibit cell viability by arresting the cell cycle at the S phase and promoted cell death by inducing early apoptosis, with the levels of apoptosis being increased from 1.9% (control) to 7.3, 2.5 and 12.0% following the treatment with C5E, gemcitabine and the co-treatment, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of sonic hedgehog, which is implicated in the development of certain types of cancer, were downregulated to a greater extent following the co-treatment with C5E and gemcitabine compared with the treatment with either C5E or gemcitabine alone. As the co-treatment with gemcitabine and C5E was more effective than each individual treatment, the present study suggested that the combined treatment may exhibit synergistic effects in PANC-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyo June Pak
- Department of Biosystems and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gun Lee
- Department of Biosystems and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Sung
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03082, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Jung
- School of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Ilsan 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Young Han
- BanryongInsu Herb Clinic, Seoul 06099, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hyo Park
- Department of Biosystems and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Namhyun Chung
- Department of Biosystems and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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14
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Gel-Free 3D Tumoroids with Stem Cell Properties Modeling Drug Resistance to Cisplatin and Imatinib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020344. [PMID: 33562088 PMCID: PMC7914642 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers have developed several three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, including spheroids, organoids, and tumoroids with increased properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), also called cancer-initiating cells (CICs). Drug resistance is a crucial issue involving recurrence in cancer patients. Many studies on anti-cancer drugs have been reported using 2D culture systems, whereas 3D cultured tumoroids have many advantages for assessing drug sensitivity and resistance. Here, we aimed to investigate whether Cisplatin (a DNA crosslinker), Imatinib (a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor), and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU: an antimetabolite) alter the tumoroid growth of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Gene expression signatures of highly metastatic aggregative CRC (LuM1 cells) vs. low-metastatic, non-aggregative CRC (Colon26 and NM11 cells) were analyzed using microarray. To establish a 3D culture-based multiplexing reporter assay system, LuM1 was stably transfected with the Mmp9 promoter-driven ZsGreen fluorescence reporter gene, which was designated as LuM1/m9 cells and cultured in NanoCulture Plate®, a gel-free 3D culture device. LuM1 cells highly expressed mRNA encoding ABCG2 (a drug resistance pump, i.e., CSC/CIC marker), other CSC/CIC markers (DLL1, EpCAM, podoplanin, STAT3/5), pluripotent stem cell markers (Sox4/7, N-myc, GATA3, Nanog), and metastatic markers (MMPs, Integrins, EGFR), compared to the other two cell types. Hoechst efflux stem cell-like side population was increased in LuM1 (7.8%) compared with Colon26 (2.9%), both of which were markedly reduced by verapamil treatment, an ABCG2 inhibitor. Smaller cell aggregates of LuM1 were more sensitive to Cisplatin (at 10 μM), whereas larger tumoroids with increased ABCG2 expression were insensitive. Notably, Cisplatin (2 μM) and Imatinib (10 μM) at low concentrations significantly promoted tumoroid formation (cell aggregation) and increased Mmp9 promoter activity in mCRC LuM1/m9, while not cytotoxic to them. On the other hand, 5-FU significantly inhibited tumoroid growth, although not completely. Thus, drug resistance in cancer with increased stem cell properties was modeled using the gel-free 3D cultured tumoroid system. The tumoroid culture is useful and easily accessible for the assessment of drug sensitivity and resistance.
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15
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Nimmakayala RK, Leon F, Rachagani S, Rauth S, Nallasamy P, Marimuthu S, Shailendra GK, Chhonker YS, Chugh S, Chirravuri R, Gupta R, Mallya K, Prajapati DR, Lele SM, C Caffrey T, L Grem J, Grandgenett PM, Hollingsworth MA, Murry DJ, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Metabolic programming of distinct cancer stem cells promotes metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:215-231. [PMID: 33110235 PMCID: PMC10041665 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) metastasizes to distant organs, which is the primary cause of mortality; however, specific features mediating organ-specific metastasis remain unexplored. Emerging evidence demonstrates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cellular metabolism play a pivotal role in metastasis. Here we investigated the role of distinct subtypes of pancreatic CSCs and their metabolomic signatures in organ-specific metastatic colonization. We found that PDAC consists of ALDH+/CD133+ and drug-resistant (MDR1+) subtypes of CSCs with specific metabolic and stemness signatures. Human PDAC tissues with gemcitabine treatment, autochthonous mouse tumors from KrasG12D; Pdx1-Cre (KC) and KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx-1 Cre (KPC) mice, and KPC- Liver/Lung metastatic cells were used to evaluate the CSC, EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition), and metabolic profiles. A strong association was observed between distinct CSC subtypes and organ-specific colonization. The liver metastasis showed drug-resistant CSC- and EMT-like phenotype with aerobic glycolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation-mediated oxidative (glyco-oxidative) metabolism. On the contrary, lung metastasis displayed ALDH+/CD133+ and MET-like phenotype with oxidative metabolism. These results were obtained by evaluating FACS-based side population (SP), autofluorescence (AF+) and Alde-red assays for CSCs, and Seahorse-based oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO)-mediated OCR assays for metabolic features along with specific gene signatures. Further, we developed in vitro human liver and lung PDAC metastasis models by using a combination of liver or lung decellularized scaffolds, a co-culture, and a sphere culture methods. PDAC cells grown in the liver-mimicking model showed the enrichment of MDR1+ and CPT1A+ populations, whereas the PDAC cells grown in the lung-mimicking environment showed the enrichment of ALDH+/CD133+ populations. In addition, we observed significantly elevated expression of ALDH1 in lung metastasis and MDR1/LDH-A expression in liver metastasis compared to human primary PDAC tumors. Our studies elucidate that distinct CSCs adapt unique metabolic signatures for organotropic metastasis, which will pave the way for the development of targeted therapy for PDAC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Frank Leon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Saravanakumar Marimuthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Gautam K Shailendra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Yashpal S Chhonker
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986145 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6145, USA
| | - Seema Chugh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Ramakanth Chirravuri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Rohitesh Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Kavita Mallya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Dipakkumar R Prajapati
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Subodh M Lele
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Thomas C Caffrey
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jean L Grem
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Paul M Grandgenett
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Daryl J Murry
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986145 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6145, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA. .,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA. .,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Carbone D, Parrino B, Cascioferro S, Pecoraro C, Giovannetti E, Di Sarno V, Musella S, Auriemma G, Cirrincione G, Diana P. 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Topsentin Analogs with Antiproliferative Activity against Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Targeting GSK3β Kinase. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:537-554. [PMID: 33141472 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A new series of topsentin analogs, in which the central imidazole ring of the natural lead was replaced by a 1,2,4-oxadiazole moiety, was efficiently synthesized. All derivatives were pre-screened for antiproliferative activity against the National Cancer Institute (NCI-60) cell lines panel. The five most potent compounds were further investigated in various pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, including SUIT-2, Capan-1, and Panc-1 cells, eliciting EC50 values in the micromolar and sub-micromolar range, associated with significant reduction of cell migration. These remarkable results might be explained by the effects of these new topsentin analogues on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, including SNAIL-1/2 and metalloproteinase-9. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis after Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining demonstrated that these derivatives enhanced apoptosis of PDAC cells. Keeping with these data, the PathScan intracellular signaling and ELISA array revealed cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP and a significant inhibition of GSK3β phosphorylation, suggesting this kinase as a potential downstream target of our novel compounds. This was further supported by a specific assay for the evaluation of GSK3β activity, showing IC50 values for the most active compounds against this enzyme in the micromolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Sarno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Giulia Auriemma
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
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Jentzsch V, Davis JAA, Djamgoz MBA. Pancreatic Cancer (PDAC): Introduction of Evidence-Based Complementary Measures into Integrative Clinical Management. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3096. [PMID: 33114159 PMCID: PMC7690843 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common form of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which comprises some 85% of all cases. Currently, this is the fourth highest cause of cancer mortality worldwide and its incidence is rising steeply. Commonly applied clinical therapies offer limited chance of a lasting cure and the five-year survival rate is one of the lowest of the commonly occurring cancers. This review cultivates the hypothesis that the best management of PDAC would be possible by integrating 'western' clinical medicine with evidence-based complementary measures. Protecting the liver, where PDAC frequently first spreads, is also given some consideration. Overall, the complementary measures are divided into three groups: dietary factors, nutraceutical agents and lifestyle. In turn, dietary factors are considered as general conditioners, multi-factorial foodstuffs and specific compounds. The general conditioners are alkalinity, low-glycemic index and low-cholesterol. The multi-factorial foodstuffs comprise red meat, fish, fruit/vegetables, dairy, honey and coffee. The available evidence for the beneficial effects of the specific dietary and nutraceutical agents was considered at four levels (in order of prominence): clinical trials, meta-analyses, in vivo tests and in vitro studies. Thus, 9 specific agents were identified (6 dietary and 3 nutraceutical) as acceptable for integration with gemcitabine chemotherapy, the first-line treatment for pancreatic cancer. The specific dietary agents were the following: Vitamins A, C, D and E, genistein and curcumin. As nutraceutical compounds, propolis, triptolide and cannabidiol were accepted. The 9 complementary agents were sub-grouped into two with reference to the main 'hallmarks of cancer'. Lifestyle factors covered obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol and exercise. An integrative treatment regimen was devised for the management of PDAC patients. This involved combining first-line gemcitabine chemotherapy with the two sub-groups of complementary agents alternately in weekly cycles. The review concludes that integrated management currently offers the best patient outcome. Opportunities to be investigated in the future include emerging modalities, precision medicine, the nerve input to tumors and, importantly, clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Jentzsch
- Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (V.J.); (J.A.A.D.)
- Business School, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - James A. A. Davis
- Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (V.J.); (J.A.A.D.)
| | - Mustafa B. A. Djamgoz
- Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (V.J.); (J.A.A.D.)
- Biotechnology Research Centre, Cyprus International University, Haspolat, Nicosia, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey
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Aier I, Semwal R, Dhara A, Sen N, Varadwaj PK. An integrated epigenome and transcriptome analysis identifies PAX2 as a master regulator of drug resistance in high grade pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223554. [PMID: 31622355 PMCID: PMC6797122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is notoriously difficult to treat due to its aggressive, ever resilient nature. A major drawback lies in its tumor grade; a phenomenon observed across various carcinomas, where highly differentiated and undifferentiated tumor grades, termed as low and high grade respectively, are found in the same tumor. One eminent problem due to such heterogeneity is drug resistance in PDAC. This has been implicated to ABC transporter family of proteins that are upregulated in PDAC patients. However, the regulation of these transporters with respect to tumor grade in PDAC is not well understood. To combat these issues, a study was designed to identify novel genes that might regulate drug resistance phenotype and be used as targets. By integrating epigenome with transcriptome data, several genes were identified based around high grade PDAC. Further analysis indicated oncogenic PAX2 transcription factor as a novel regulator of drug resistance in high grade PDAC cell lines. It was observed that silencing of PAX2 resulted in increased susceptibility of high grade PDAC cells to various chemotherapeutic drugs. Mechanistically, the study showed that PAX2 protein can bind and alter transcriptionally; expression of many ABC transporter genes in high grade PDAC cell lines. Overall, the study indicated that PAX2 significantly upregulated ABC family of genes resulting in drug resistance and poor survival in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imlimaong Aier
- Department of Bioinformatics & Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology—Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Semwal
- Department of Information Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology—Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aiindrila Dhara
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Nirmalya Sen
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
- S.N.Bose Innovation Centre, University Of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritish Kumar Varadwaj
- Department of Bioinformatics & Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology—Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
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19
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Fukuchi H, Hayashida Y, Inoue K, Sadamura Y. Forkhead box B2 inhibits the malignant characteristics of the pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 in vitro. Genes Cells 2019; 24:674-681. [PMID: 31433897 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins constitute a family of transcription factors that are evolutionarily conserved in various species ranging from yeast to humans. These proteins have functions during development as well as in adulthood. To date, many reports have described the functions of FOX family genes in cancer cells, but the role of FOXB2 is not well understood. In one of the pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines, Panc-1 cells, we showed here that FOXB2 expression is barely detectable and that CpG islands in the 5' regions of the FOXB2 are highly methylated. These findings led us to hypothesize that FOXB2 acts as a tumor suppressor. To clarify our hypotheses, we investigated the effects of FOXB2 over-expression in Panc-1 cells. We obtained FOXB2 stable transfectants, and these clones exhibited reduced spheroid formation ability. Expression of β-catenin, which is reported to be over-expressed in various cancer cells, was highly suppressed in FOXB2 stable transfectants. Moreover, side population (SP) cell fractions, which have a high tumorigenesis and metastatic potential, as well as anchorage-independent growth ability, were reduced. These results suggest that FOXB2 has the ability to inhibit the malignant characteristics of Panc-1 in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Fukuchi
- Life Science Research Laboratories, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Amagasaki, Japan
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yukinobu Hayashida
- Life Science Research Laboratories, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Amagasaki, Japan
| | - Kunio Inoue
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshifusa Sadamura
- Life Science Research Laboratories, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Amagasaki, Japan
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20
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Bassani-Sternberg M, Digklia A, Huber F, Wagner D, Sempoux C, Stevenson BJ, Thierry AC, Michaux J, Pak H, Racle J, Boudousquie C, Balint K, Coukos G, Gfeller D, Martin Lluesma S, Harari A, Demartines N, Kandalaft LE. A Phase Ib Study of the Combination of Personalized Autologous Dendritic Cell Vaccine, Aspirin, and Standard of Care Adjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Nivolumab for Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma-A Proof of Antigen Discovery Feasibility in Three Patients. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1832. [PMID: 31440238 PMCID: PMC6694698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), most patients with solid tumors treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy do not achieve objective responses, with most tumor regressions being partial rather than complete. It is hypothesized that the absence of pre-existing antitumor immunity and/or the presence of additional tumor immune suppressive factors at the tumor microenvironment are responsible for such therapeutic failures. It is therefore clear that in order to fully exploit the potential of PD-1 blockade therapy, antitumor immune response should be amplified, while tumor immune suppression should be further attenuated. Cancer vaccines may prime patients for treatments with ICB by inducing effective anti-tumor immunity, especially in patients lacking tumor-infiltrating T-cells. These "non-inflamed" non-permissive tumors that are resistant to ICB could be rendered sensitive and transformed into "inflamed" tumor by vaccination. In this article we describe a clinical study where we use pancreatic cancer as a model, and we hypothesize that effective vaccination in pancreatic cancer patients, along with interventions that can reprogram important immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment, can enhance tumor immune recognition, thus enhancing response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. We incorporate into the schedule of standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy adjuvant setting a vaccine platform comprised of autologous dendritic cells loaded with personalized neoantigen peptides (PEP-DC) identified through our own proteo-genomics antigen discovery pipeline. Furthermore, we add nivolumab, an antibody against PD-1, to boost and maintain the vaccine's effect. We also demonstrate the feasibility of identifying personalized neoantigens in three pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, and we describe their optimal incorporation into long peptides for manufacturing into vaccine products. We finally discuss the advantages as well as the scientific and logistic challenges of such an exploratory vaccine clinical trial, and we highlight its novelty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Bassani-Sternberg
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Digklia
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Huber
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dorothea Wagner
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Institute of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Anne-Christine Thierry
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Justine Michaux
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - HuiSong Pak
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Racle
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Boudousquie
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Klara Balint
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Gfeller
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Martin Lluesma
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Demartines
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lana E. Kandalaft
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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Controlling metastatic cancer: the role of phytochemicals in cell signaling. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:1087-1109. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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22
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Hsu MC, Pan MR, Chu PY, Tsai YL, Tsai CH, Shan YS, Chen LT, Hung WC. Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 3 Enhances Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Cancer by Methylating hnRNPA1 to Increase ABCG2 Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 11:cancers11010008. [PMID: 30577570 PMCID: PMC6356582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is poorly responsive to chemotherapy due to intrinsic or acquired resistance. Our previous study showed that epigenetic modifying enzymes including protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3) are dysregulated in gemcitabine (GEM)-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Here, we attempt to elucidate the role of PRMT3 in chemoresistance. Overexpression of PRMT3 led to increased resistance to GEM in pancreatic cancer cells, whereas reduction of PRMT3 restored GEM sensitivity in resistant cells. We identified a novel PRMT3 target, ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), which is known to play a critical role in drug resistance. PRMT3 overexpression upregulated ABCG2 expression by increasing its mRNA stability. Mass spectrometric analysis identified hnRNPA1 as a PRMT3 interacting protein, and methylation of hnRNPA1 at R31 by PRMT3 in vivo and in vitro. The expression of methylation-deficient hnRNPA1-R31K mutant reduced the RNA binding activity of hnRNPA1 and the expression of ABCG2 mRNA. Taken together, this provides the first evidence that PRMT3 methylates the RNA recognition motif (RRM) of hnRNPA1 and promotes the binding between hnRNPA1 and ABCG2 to enhance drug resistance. Inhibition of PRMT3 could be a novel strategy for the treatment of GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chuan Hsu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua City 500, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Li Tsai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Hua Tsai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Insitute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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23
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Dhar D, Deep G, Kumar S, Wempe MF, Raina K, Agarwal C, Agarwal R. Bitter melon juice exerts its efficacy against pancreatic cancer via targeting both bulk and cancer stem cells. Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1166-1180. [PMID: 29727019 PMCID: PMC6118209 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PanC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide and frontline treatment with gemcitabine becomes eventually ineffective due to increasing PanC resistance, suggesting additional approaches are needed to manage PanC. Recently, we have shown the efficacy of bitter melon juice (BMJ) against PanC cells, including those resistant to gemcitabine. As cancer stem cells (CSCs) are actively involved in PanC initiation, progression, relapse and drug-resistance, here we assessed BMJ ability in targeting pancreatic cancer-associated cancer stem cells (PanC-CSCs). We found BMJ efficacy against CD44+ /CD24+ /EpCAMhigh enriched PanC-CSCs in spheroid assays; BMJ also increased the sensitivity of gemcitabine-resistant PanC-CSCs. Exogenous addition of BMJ to PanC-CSC generated spheroids (not pre-exposed to BMJ) also significantly reduced spheroid number and size. Mechanistically, BMJ effects were associated with a decrease in the expression of genes and proteins involved in PanC-CSC renewal and proliferation. Specifically, immunofluorescence staining showed that BMJ decreases protein expression/nuclear localization of CSC-associated transcription factors SOX2, OCT4 and NANOG, and CSC marker CD44. Immunohistochemical analysis of MiaPaCa2 xenografts from BMJ treated animals also showed a significant decrease in the levels of CSC-associated transcription factors. Together, these results show BMJ potential in targeting PanC-CSC pool and associated regulatory pathways, suggesting the need for further investigation of its efficacy against PanC growth and progression including gemcitabine-resistant PanC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanshi Dhar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Gagan Deep
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Michael F. Wempe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Komal Raina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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24
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Knaack H, Lenk L, Philipp LM, Miarka L, Rahn S, Viol F, Hauser C, Egberts JH, Gundlach JP, Will O, Tiwari S, Mikulits W, Schumacher U, Hengstler JG, Sebens S. Liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer: the hepatic microenvironment impacts differentiation and self-renewal capacity of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:31771-31786. [PMID: 30167093 PMCID: PMC6114965 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often diagnosed at advanced stages with the liver as the main site of metastases. The hepatic microenvironment has been shown to determine outgrowth of liver metastases. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential for initiation and maintenance of tumors and acquisition of CSC-properties has been linked to Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition. Thus, this study aimed at elucidating whether and how the hepatic microenvironment impacts stemness and differentiation of disseminated pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs). Culture of premalignant H6c7-kras and malignant Panc1 PDECs together with hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) promoted self-renewal capacity of both PDEC lines. This was indicated by higher colony formation compared to cells cocultured with hepatocytes and hepatic myofibroblasts. Different Panc1 colony types derived from an HSC-enriched coculture were expanded and characterized revealing that holoclones exhibited an enhanced colony formation ability, elevated and exclusive expression of the CSC-marker Nestin and a more pronounced mesenchymal phenotype compared to paraclones. Moreover, Panc1 holoclone cells showed an increased tumorigenic potential in vivo leading to formation of undifferentiated tumors in 7/10 animals, while inoculation of paraclone cells only led to formation of tumors in 2/10 animals being smaller in number and size. Holoclone tumors were characterized by elevated expression of mesenchymal markers, complete loss of E-cadherin expression and high expression of Nestin. Finally, Etanercept-mediated TNF-α blocking partly reversed the mesenchymal CSC-phenotype of Panc1 holoclone cells. Overall, these data provide evidence that the hepatic microenvironment determines stemness and differentiation of PDECs, thereby substantially contributing to liver metastases of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrike Knaack
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lennart Lenk
- Department of Pediatrics, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Philipp
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lauritz Miarka
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sascha Rahn
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fabrice Viol
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Egberts
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Gundlach
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Olga Will
- Molecular Imaging North Competence Center, Clinic of Radiology and Neuroradiology, CAU and UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sanjay Tiwari
- Molecular Imaging North Competence Center, Clinic of Radiology and Neuroradiology, CAU and UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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25
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Xu Z, Jia Y, Huang X, Feng N, Li Y. Rapid induction of pancreatic cancer cells to cancer stem cells via heterochromatin modulation. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1487-1495. [PMID: 30045656 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1489180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports that CSCs (cancer stem cells) play a vital role in cancer recurrence. Therefore elimination of CSCs is currently considered to be an important therapeutic strategy for complete remission. A major obstacle in CSC research is the obtainment of sufficient numbers of functional CSC populations. Here, we established a method to induce bulk pancreatic cancer cells to CSCs via heterochromatin modulation. Two pancreatic cancer cell lines Panc1 and Bxpc3 were cultured for 4 days in inducing medium (mTeSR containing FBS, B27, MEK inhibitor, GSK3 inhibitor, and VPA), and another 2 days in sphere culture medium (mTeSR supplemented with B27). Then the induced cells were dissociated into single cells and cultured in suspension in sphere culture medium. It was found that the majority of induced cells formed spheres which could grow larger and be passaged serially. Characterization of Panc1 sphere cells demonstrated that the sphere cells expressed increased pancreatic cancer stem cell surface markers and stem cell genes, were more resistant to chemotherapy, and were more tumorigenic in vivo, indicating that the induced sphere cells acquired CSC properties. Thus, the inducing method we developed may be used to obtain a sufficient number of CSCs from cancer cells, and contribute to the research for CSC-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyan Xu
- a Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Yanjun Jia
- a Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaoxi Huang
- a Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Nianhua Feng
- a Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Ying Li
- a Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
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26
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Xiong Y, Wang Y, Wang L, Huang Y, Xu Y, Xu L, Guo Y, Lu J, Li X, Zhu M, Qian H. MicroRNA-30b targets Snail to impede epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer stem cells. J Cancer 2018; 9:2147-2159. [PMID: 29937934 PMCID: PMC6010678 DOI: 10.7150/jca.25006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Snail-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process plays a fundamental role in facilitating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stemness and metastasis. In the present study, we revealed that microRNA-30 (miR-30) members, especially miR-30b, were remarkably downregulated in triple-positive (CD24+, CD44+, EpCAM+) pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs). In addition, we revealed that miR-30b suppressed EMT process in PCSCs. Overexpression of miR-30b led to reduced expression of mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and the upregulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin. Moreover, both of TargetScan and PicTar algorithms predicted that miR-30b directly targeted Snail 3'UTR. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-30b could specifically reduce the translational activity of Snail wild-type 3'UTR, but not its mutant form. In line with these results, transwell assay demonstrated that overexpression of miR-30b mimic impaired migratory and invasive capacities of PCSCs. Furthermore, miR-30b overexpression suppresses in vivo tumorigenic potential of PDACs. Finally, a negative correlation between the expression of miR-30b and Snail was uncovered. Low level of miR-30b and high Snail expression both predict dismal prognosis in PDAC patients. Taken together, these findings implicate that miR-30b may suppress PCSC phenotype and PDAC metastasis through posttranscriptionally suppressing Snail expression, highlighting that miR-30b may serve as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Xiong
- General Surgery Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University,226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University,226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University,226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China.,Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yang Xu
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University,226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China.,Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Liancheng Xu
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University,226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China.,Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yibing Guo
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Lu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Mingyan Zhu
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University,226001, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Haixin Qian
- General Surgery Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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27
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Tamatani T, Takamaru N, Ohe G, Akita K, Nakagawa T, Miyamoto Y. Expression of CD44, CD44v9, ABCG2, CD24, Bmi-1 and ALDH1 in stage I and II oral squamous cell carcinoma and their association with clinicopathological factors. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:1133-1140. [PMID: 29963189 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit self-replication, self-differentiation, drug resistance and immune evasion activities. In recent years CSCs have become increasingly important for the treatment of malignant tumors. CSCs express specific markers, including cluster of differentiation (CD)44, CD44 variant 9 (CD44v9), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2), CD24, B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI-1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1). However, the prognostic value of their expression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are not well known. The present study evaluated these markers in stage I and II patients with OSCC and examined the association between T classification, histological differentiation, classification of invasion mode, lymph node metastasis and disease-free survival rate. Tissue specimens were obtained from 70 patients with stage I or II OSCC following either surgery or biopsy. Immunohistochemistry was performed and positive staining was defiend as 10% positive cells. CD44 and CD44v9 expressions were strongly detected in all OSCC tissues compared with normal epithelial cells. A total of 22 (31.4%) cases expressed ABCG2 and there was a significant association between ABCG2 expression and invasion. A total of 41 cases (59.0%) expressed CD24 and there was a significant association between CD24 expression and invasion. A total of 33 cases (47.1%) expressed BMI-1 and there was a significant association between BMI-1 expression and the disease-free survival rate. A total of 18 cases (25.7%) expressed ALDH1. Although there was no association between ALDH1 expression and T classification, there were significant associations between ALDH1 expression and histological differentiation, invasion mode, metastasis and the disease-free survival rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that ALDH1 expression was the only prognostic factor for disease-free survival rate. The results of the present study suggest that the positivity of ALDH1 detected in patients with OSCC correlates with the number of cells undergoing epithelial mesenchymal transition and metastasis. These findings indicated that the expression of ALDH1 may be an effective prognostic marker indicating the survival of patients with stage I and II OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Tamatani
- Department of Oral Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Natsumi Takamaru
- Department of Oral Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Go Ohe
- Department of Oral Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Kazuya Akita
- Department of Oral Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Department of Oral Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Youji Miyamoto
- Department of Oral Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
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Nishiyama M, Tsunedomi R, Yoshimura K, Hashimoto N, Matsukuma S, Ogihara H, Kanekiyo S, Iida M, Sakamoto K, Suzuki N, Takeda S, Yamamoto S, Yoshino S, Ueno T, Hamamoto Y, Hazama S, Nagano H. Metastatic ability and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in induced cancer stem-like hepatoma cells. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:1101-1109. [PMID: 29417690 PMCID: PMC5891178 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to play important roles in cancer malignancy. Previously, we successfully induced sphere cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) from several cell lines and observed the property of chemoresistance. In the present study, we examined the metastatic potential of these induced CSLCs. Sphere cancer stem-like cells were induced from a human hepatoma cell line (SK-HEP-1) in a unique medium containing neural survival factor-1. Splenic injection of cells into immune-deficient mice was used to assess hematogenous liver metastasis. Transcriptomic strand-specific RNA-sequencing analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, and flow cytometry were carried out to examine the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. Splenic injection of CSLCs resulted in a significantly increased frequency of liver metastasis compared to parental cancer cells (P < .05). In CSLCs, a mesenchymal marker, Vimentin, and EMT-promoting transcription factors, Snail and Twist1, were upregulated compared to parental cells. Correspondingly, significant enrichment of the molecular signature of the EMT in CSLCs relative to parental cancer cells was shown (q < 0.01) by RNA-sequencing analysis. This analysis also revealed differential expression of CD44 isoforms between CSLCs and parental cancer cells. Increasing CD44 isoforms containing an extra exon were observed, and the standard CD44 isoform decreased in CSLCs compared to parental cells. Interestingly, another CD44 variant isoform encoding a short cytoplasmic tail was also upregulated in CSLCs (11.7-fold). Our induced CSLCs possess an increased liver metastatic potential in which promotion of the EMT and upregulation of CD44 variant isoforms, especially short-tail, were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Nishiyama
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Ryouichi Tsunedomi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshimura
- Division of Cancer ImmunotherapyExploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterTokyoJapan
| | - Noriaki Hashimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Satoshi Matsukuma
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Ogihara
- Division of Electrical, Electronic and Information EngineeringYamaguchi University Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for InnovationUbeJapan
| | - Shinsuke Kanekiyo
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Michihisa Iida
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Kazuhiko Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Nobuaki Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Shigeru Takeda
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Shigeru Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
| | | | - Tomio Ueno
- Department of Digestive SurgerySchool of MedicineKawasaki Medical SchoolKurashikiJapan
| | - Yoshihiko Hamamoto
- Division of Electrical, Electronic and Information EngineeringYamaguchi University Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for InnovationUbeJapan
| | - Shoichi Hazama
- Department of Translational Research and Developmental Therapeutics against CancerYamaguchi University Faculty of MedicineUbeJapan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine SurgeryYamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineUbeJapan
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Sasaki N, Ishiwata T, Hasegawa F, Michishita M, Kawai H, Matsuda Y, Arai T, Ishikawa N, Aida J, Takubo K, Toyoda M. Stemness and anti-cancer drug resistance in ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 highly expressed pancreatic cancer is induced in 3D culture conditions. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:1135-1146. [PMID: 29444383 PMCID: PMC5891171 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) is related to tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSC) in several cancers. However, the effects of ABCG2 on CSC-related malignant characteristics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are not well elucidated. In this study, we compared the characteristics of low (ABCG2-) and high (ABCG2+)-ABCG2-expressing PDAC cells after cell sorting. In adherent culture condition, human PDAC cells, PANC-1, contained approximately 10% ABCG2+ cell populations, and ABCG2+ cells displayed more and longer microvilli compared with ABCG2- cells. Unexpectedly, ABCG2+ cells did not show significant drug resistance against fluorouracil, gemcitabine and vincristine, and ABCG2- cells exhibited higher sphere formation ability and stemness marker expression than those of ABCG2+ cells. Cell growth and motility was greater in ABCG2- cells compared with ABCG2+ cells. In contrast, epithelial-mesenchymal transition ability between ABCG2- and ABCG2+ cells was comparable. In 3D culture conditions, spheres derived from ABCG2- cells generated a large number of ABCG2+ cells, and the expression levels of stemness markers in these spheres were higher than spheres from ABCG2+ cells. Furthermore, spheres containing large populations of ABCG2+ cells exhibited high resistance against anti-cancer drugs presumably depending on ABCG2. ABCG2+ cells in PDAC in adherent culture are not correlated with stemness and malignant behaviors, but ABCG2+ cells derived from ABCG2- cells after sphere formation have stemness characteristics and anti-cancer drug resistance. These findings suggest that ABCG2- cells generate ABCG2+ cells and the malignant potential of ABCG2+ cells in PDAC varies depending on their environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihiko Sasaki
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine (Vascular Medicine)Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Ishiwata
- Division of Aging and CarcinogenesisResearch Team for Geriatric PathologyTokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Fumio Hasegawa
- Division of Aging and CarcinogenesisResearch Team for Geriatric PathologyTokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Masaki Michishita
- Department of Veterinary PathologySchool of Veterinary MedicineNippon Veterinary and Life Science UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroki Kawai
- Research and Development DepartmentLPixleTokyoJapan
| | - Yoko Matsuda
- Department of PathologyTokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Tomio Arai
- Department of PathologyTokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Naoshi Ishikawa
- Division of Aging and CarcinogenesisResearch Team for Geriatric PathologyTokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Junko Aida
- Division of Aging and CarcinogenesisResearch Team for Geriatric PathologyTokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Kaiyo Takubo
- Division of Aging and CarcinogenesisResearch Team for Geriatric PathologyTokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Masashi Toyoda
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine (Vascular Medicine)Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyTokyoJapan
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Drug-resistance in doxorubicin-resistant FL5.12 hematopoietic cells: elevated MDR1, drug efflux and side-population positive and decreased BCL2-family member expression. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113013-113033. [PMID: 29348885 PMCID: PMC5762570 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drug treatment can result in the emergence of drug-resistant cells. By culturing an interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent cell line, FL5.12 cells in the presence of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, we isolated FL/Doxo cells which are multi-drug resistant. Increased levels of drug efflux were detected in FL/Doxo cells which could be inhibited by the MDR1 inhibitor verapamil but not by the MRP1 inhibitor MK571. The effects of TP53 and MEK1 were examined by infection of FL/Doxo cells with retroviruses encoding either a dominant negative TP-53 gene (FL/Doxo+ TP53 (DN) or a constitutively-activated MEK-1 gene (FL/Doxo + MEK1 (CA). Elevated MDR1 but not MRP1 mRNA transcripts were detected by quantitative RT-PCR in the drug-resistant cells while transcripts encoding anti-apoptotic genes such as: BCL2, BCLXL and MCL1 were observed at higher levels in the drug-sensitive FL5.12 cells. The percentage of cells that were side-population positive was increased in the drug-resistant cells compared to the parental line. Drug-resistance and side-positive population cells have been associated with cancer stem cells (CSC). Our studies suggest mechanisms which could allow the targeting of these molecules to prevent drug-resistance.
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Duan Q, Zhao H, Zhang Z, Li H, Wu H, Shen Q, Wang C, Yin T. Mechanistic Evaluation and Translational Signature of Gemcitabine-induced Chemoresistance by Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Analysis with iTRAQ Labeling Mass Spectrometry. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12891. [PMID: 29018223 PMCID: PMC5634998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main causations of the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer is the lack of effective chemotherapies. Gemcitabine is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, but limited therapeutic efficacy is achieved due to chemoresistance. Recent studies demonstrated that the presence of cancer stem cells may lead to the failure of chemotherapy. Moreover, gemcitabine can promote the stemness of pancreatic cancer cells. We detected the alterations in protein phosphorylation and signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer cells after gemcitabine treatment using iTRAQ labeling LC-MS/MS, because it was featured with the advantages of strong separation ability and analysis range. A total of 232 differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins were identified in this study. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that nuclear lumen, nuclear part and organelle lumen were enriched for cell components and protein binding, poly (A) RNA binding and RNA binding were enriched for molecular function. A variety of signaling pathways were enriched based on KEGG analysis. AMPK, mTOR and PI3K/Akt pathways were verified after gemcitabine exposure. Moreover, we found there were complex interactions of phosphorylated proteins in modulating cancer stemness induced by gemcitabine exposure based on PPIs map. Our experiments may identify potential targets and strategies for sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingke Duan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hengqiang Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhengle Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hehe Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Heshui Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunyou Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Tao Yin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Targeting Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche: Current Therapeutic Implications and Challenges in Pancreatic Cancer. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:6012810. [PMID: 28845161 PMCID: PMC5563426 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6012810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as a subpopulation of stem-like cancer cells with the ability of self-renewal and differentiation in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. CSCs are thought to be responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, chemoresistance, and recurrence in pancreatic cancer. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of pancreatic CSCs and discuss the mechanisms involved in resistance to chemotherapy, the interactions with the niche, and the potential role in cancer immunoediting. We propose that immunotherapy targeting pancreatic CSCs, in combination with targeting the niche components, may provide a novel treatment strategy to eradicate pancreatic CSCs and hence improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
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Dauer P, Nomura A, Saluja A, Banerjee S. Microenvironment in determining chemo-resistance in pancreatic cancer: Neighborhood matters. Pancreatology 2017; 17:7-12. [PMID: 28034553 PMCID: PMC5291762 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Every year, nearly 300,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer worldwide, and an equivalent number succumb to this disease. One of the major challenges of pancreatic cancer that contributes to its poor survival rates is the development of resistance to the standard chemotherapy. Heterogeneity of the tumor, the dense fibroblastic stroma, and the aggressive biology of the tumor all contribute to the chemoresistant phenotype. In addition, the acellular components of the tumor microenvironment like hypoxia, stress pathways in the stromal cells, and the cytokines that are secreted by the immune cells, have a definitive role in orchestrating the chemoresistant property of the tumor. In this review, we systematically focus on the role played by the different microenvironmental components in determining chemoresistance of pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Dauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Alice Nomura
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ashok Saluja
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sulagna Banerjee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami, FL, USA,Address of Correspondence: PAP Research Building, Rm 109B, 1550 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136, USA, , Phone: 305-243-8242
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Knockdown of Cbp/P300-interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 2 inhibits cell division and increases apoptosis in gastric cancer. J Surg Res 2016; 211:1-7. [PMID: 28501104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2016.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cbp/P300-interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain 2 (CITED2) is a pleiotropic protein associated with numerous cell functions, including transcription and differentiation. The role of CITED2 has been investigated in a number of malignancies; however, the roles of this protein in gastric cancers remain unclear. Therefore, we determined the role of CITED2 in gastric cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Gastric cancer cell lines (MKN74, MKN28, 7901, and AGS) were used to assess CITED2 transcript levels. Messenger RNA levels were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Lentiviral vectors containing CITED2 small interfering RNA were used to knockdown CITED2 expression. Cell proliferation was assessed with fluorescent imaging and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle stages were assessed through flow cytometry, and formation of colonies was determined using a fluorescent microscope. RESULTS All cell lines tested in this study expressed CITED2. The cell line expressing the highest levels of CITED2 (MKN74) showed significant knockdown of endogenous CITED2 expression on lentiviral infection. Cell proliferation was shown to be lower in CITED2 knockdown MKN74 cells. G1/S-phase cell cycle arrest was observed on silencing of CITED2 in MKN74 cells. A significant increase in apoptosis was observed on CITED2 knock down in MKN74 cells, while colony forming ability was significantly inhibited after knock down of CITED2. CONCLUSIONS CITED2 supports gastric cancer cell colony formation and proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis making it a potential gene therapy target for gastric cancer.
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Song L, Chen X, Gao S, Zhang C, Qu C, Wang P, Liu L. Ski modulate the characteristics of pancreatic cancer stem cells via regulating sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10.1007/s13277-016-5461-8. [PMID: 27734340 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies shows that Ski may act as both a tumor proliferation-promoting factor and a metastatic suppressor in human pancreatic cancer and also may be a therapeutic target of integrative therapies. At present, pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor recurrence accompanied by resistance to conventional therapies. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is found to be aberrantly activated in CSCs. The objectives of this study were to investigate the role of Ski in modulating pancreatic CSCs and to examine the molecular mechanisms involved in pancreatic cancer treatment both in vivo and in vitro. In in vitro study, the results showed that enhanced Ski expression could increase the expression of pluripotency maintaining markers, such as CD24, CD44, Sox-2, and Oct-4, and also components of Shh signaling pathway, such as Shh, Ptch-1, Smo, Gli-1, and Gli-2, whereas depletion of Ski to the contrary. Then, we investigated the underlying mechanism and found that inhibiting Gli-2 expression by short interfering RNA (siRNA) can decrease the effects of Ski on the maintenance of pancreatic CSCs, indicating that Ski mediates the pluripotency of pancreatic CSCs mainly through Shh pathway. The conclusion is that Ski may be an important factor in maintaining the stemness of pancreatic CSCs through modulating Shh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Song
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyuan Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Qu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luming Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Mishra DK, Veena U, Kaliki S, Kethiri AR, Sangwan VS, Ali MH, Naik MN, Singh V. Differential Expression of Stem Cell Markers in Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161800. [PMID: 27584160 PMCID: PMC5008752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasm (OSSN) is the neoplasia arising from the conjunctiva, cornea and limbus. OSSN ranges from mild, moderate, severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent findings on cancer stem cells theory indicate that population of stem-like cell as in neoplasia determines its heterogeneity and complexity leading to varying tumor development of metastatic behavior and recurrence. Cancer stem cell markers are not much explored in the cases of OSSN. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the expression of stem cells using stem cell markers mainly p63, ABCG2, c-KIT (CD117) and CD44 in OSSN tissue, which could have prognostic significance. The present study tries for the first time to explore expression of these stem markers in the cases of OSSN. These cases are subdivided into two groups. One group comprises of carcinoma in situ (n = 6) and the second group comprises of invasive carcinoma (n = 6). The mean age at presentation was 52 years; with 53 years for CIS group and 52 years for SCC group. From each group section from the paraffin block were taken for the IHC staining of p63, c-Kit, ABCG2 and CD44. Our experiments show high expression of P63 and CD44 in the cases of CIN and SCC. Both CIS and SCC displayed positive staining with p63, with more than 80% cells staining positive. However minimal expression of c-kit in both CIN and SCC. But surprisingly we got high expression of ABCG2 in cases of carcinoma in situ as compared to that of invasive squamous cell carcinoma. More than 50% of cells showed CD44 positivity in both CIS and SCC groups. Our results show for the first time that these four stem cells especially the limbal epithelium stem cells play a vital role in the genesis of OSSN but we need to explore more cases before establishing its clinical and biological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Kumar Mishra
- Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Uppala Veena
- Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Swathi Kaliki
- The Operation Eyesight Universal Institute for Eye cancer, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Abhinav Reddy Kethiri
- Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research and Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, and Center for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Virender S. Sangwan
- Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research and Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, and Center for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mohammed Hasnat Ali
- Clinical Epidemiology and Bio-Statistics, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Milind N. Naik
- The Operation Eyesight Universal Institute for Eye cancer, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vivek Singh
- Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research and Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, and Center for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Cancer Stem Cell Quiescence and Plasticity as Major Challenges in Cancer Therapy. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:1740936. [PMID: 27418931 PMCID: PMC4932171 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1740936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells with stem-like properties, tumorigenic potential, and treatment-resistant phenotypes have been identified in many human malignancies. Based on the properties they share with nonneoplastic stem cells or their ability to initiate and propagate tumors in vivo, such cells were designated as cancer stem (stem-like) or tumor initiating/propagating cells. Owing to their implication in treatment resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been the subject of intense investigation in past years. Comprehension of CSCs' intrinsic properties and mechanisms they develop to survive and even enhance their aggressive phenotype within the hostile conditions of the tumor microenvironment has reoriented therapeutic strategies to fight cancer. This report provides selected examples of malignancies in which the presence of CSCs has been evidenced and briefly discusses methods to identify, isolate, and functionally characterize the CSC subpopulation of cancer cells. Relevant biological targets in CSCs, their link to treatment resistance, proposed targeting strategies, and limitations of these approaches are presented. Two major aspects of CSC physiopathology, namely, relative in vivo quiescence and plasticity in response to microenvironmental cues or treatment, are highlighted. Implications of these findings in the context of the development of new therapies are discussed.
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