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Saleh O, Shihadeh H, Yousef A, Erekat H, Abdallh F, Al-Leimon A, Elsalhy R, Altiti A, Dajani M, AlBarakat MM. The Effect of Intratumor Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression and Treatment. Pancreas 2024; 53:e450-e465. [PMID: 38728212 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Even though many substantial improvements in the survival rates for other major cancer forms were made, pancreatic cancer survival rates have remained relatively unchanged since the 1960s. Even more, no standard classification system for pancreatic cancer is based on cellular biomarkers. This review will discuss and provide updates about the role of stem cells in the progression of PC, the genetic changes associated with it, and the promising biomarkers for diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The search process used PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases to identify the relevant and related articles. Articles had to be published in English to be considered. RESULTS The increasing number of studies in recent years has revealed that the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts is far greater than previously acknowledged, which highlights the need for further research to better understand the various cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations. Despite the huge diversity in pancreatic cancer, some common features can be noted to be shared among patients. Mutations involving CDKN2, P53, and K-RAS can be seen in a big number of patients, for example. Similarly, some patterns of genes and biomarkers expression and the level of their expression can help in predicting cancer behavior such as metastasis and drug resistance. The current trend in cancer research, especially with the advancement in technology, is to sequence everything in hopes of finding disease-related mutations. CONCLUSION Optimizing pancreatic cancer treatment requires clear classification, understanding CAF roles, and exploring stroma reshaping approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Saleh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | - Hana Erekat
- School of medicine, University of Jordan, Amman
| | - Fatima Abdallh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | | | - Majd Dajani
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | - Majd M AlBarakat
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Jaime-Rodríguez M, Cadena-Hernández AL, Rosales-Valencia LD, Padilla-Sánchez JM, Chavez-Santoscoy RA. Are genetic drift and stem cell adherence in laboratory culture issues for cultivated meat production? Front Nutr 2023; 10:1189664. [PMID: 37701376 PMCID: PMC10493286 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1189664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell-based cultivated meat is a promising solution to the ecological and ethical problems posed by traditional meat production, since it exhibits a protein content and composition that is more comparable to original meat proteins than any other source of cultivated meat products, including plants, bacteria, and fungi. Nonetheless, the nature and laboratory behavior of mesenchymal stem cells pose two significant challenges for large-scale production: genetic drift and adherent growth in culture. Culture conditions used in the laboratory expose the cells to a selective pressure that causes genetic drift, which may give rise to oncogene activation and the loss of "stemness." This is why genetic and functional analysis of the cells during culture is required to determine the maximum number of passages within the laboratory where no significant mutations or loss of function are detected. Moreover, the adherent growth of mesenchymal stem cells can be an obstacle for their large-scale production since volume to surface ratio is limited for high volume containers. Multi-tray systems, roller bottles, and microcarriers have been proposed as potential solutions to scale-up the production of adherent cells required for cultivated meat. The most promising solutions for the safety problems and large-scale obstacles for cultivated meat production are the determination of a limit number of passages based on a genetic analysis and the use of microcarriers from edible materials to maximize the volume to surface proportion and decrease the downstream operations needed for cultivated meat production.
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Florio R, De Filippis B, Veschi S, di Giacomo V, Lanuti P, Catitti G, Brocco D, di Rienzo A, Cataldi A, Cacciatore I, Amoroso R, Cama A, De Lellis L. Resveratrol Derivative Exhibits Marked Antiproliferative Actions, Affecting Stemness in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031977. [PMID: 36768301 PMCID: PMC9916441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies, with an increasing incidence and limited response to current therapeutic options. Therefore, more effective and low-toxic agents are needed to improve PC patients' outcomes. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with multiple biological properties, including anticancer effects. In this study, we explored the antiproliferative activities of newly synthetized RSV analogues in a panel of PC cell lines and evaluated the physicochemical properties of the most active compound. This derivative exhibited marked antiproliferative effects in PC cells through mechanisms involving DNA damage, apoptosis induction, and interference in cell cycle progression, as assessed using flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis of cell cycle proteins, PARP cleavage, and H2AX phosphorylation. Notably, the compound induced a consistent reduction in the PC cell subpopulation with a CD133+EpCAM+ stem-like phenotype, paralleled by dramatic effects on cell clonogenicity. Moreover, the RSV derivative had negligible toxicity against normal HFF-1 cells and, thus, good selectivity index values toward PC cell lines. Remarkably, its higher lipophilicity and stability in human plasma, as compared to RSV, might ensure a better permeation along the gastrointestinal tract. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of action contributing to the antiproliferative activity of a synthetic RSV analogue, supporting its potential value in the search for effective and safe agents in PC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara De Filippis
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Viviana di Giacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Catitti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Davide Brocco
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa di Rienzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ivana Cacciatore
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Rosa Amoroso
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Laura De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
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4
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Shokati Eshkiki Z, Khayer N, Talebi A, Karbalaei R, Akbari A. Novel insight into pancreatic adenocarcinoma pathogenesis using liquid association analysis. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:30. [PMID: 35180880 PMCID: PMC8855560 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01174-3] [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: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy associated with a poor prognosis. High-throughput disease-related-gene expression data provide valuable information on gene interaction, which consequently lead to deeper insight about pathogenesis. The co-expression analysis is a common approach that is used to investigate gene interaction. However, such an approach solely is inadequate to reveal the complexity of the gene interaction. The three-way interaction model is known as a novel approach applied to decode the complex relationship between genes. METHODS In the current study, the liquid association method was used to capture the statistically significant triplets involved in the PDAC pathogenesis. Subsequently, gene set enrichment and gene regulatory network analyses were performed to trace the biological relevance of the statistically significant triplets. RESULTS The results of the current study suggest that "response to estradiol" and "Regulation of T-cell proliferation" are two critical biological processes that may be associated with the PDAC pathogenesis. Additionally, we introduced six switch genes, namely Lamc2, Klk1, Nqo1, Aox1, Tspan1, and Cxcl12, which might be involved in PDAC triggering. CONCLUSION In the current study, for the first time, the critical genes and pathways involved in the PDAC pathogenesis were investigated using the three-way interaction approach. As a result, two critical biological processes, as well as six potential biomarkers, were suggested that might be involved in the PDAC triggering. Surprisingly, strong evidence for the biological relevance of our results can be found in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shokati Eshkiki
- Alimentary Tract Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Nasibeh Khayer
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Atefeh Talebi
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abolfazl Akbari
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Hozhabri H, Ghasemi Dehkohneh RS, Razavi SM, Razavi SM, Salarian F, Rasouli A, Azami J, Ghasemi Shiran M, Kardan Z, Farrokhzad N, Mikaeili Namini A, Salari A. Comparative analysis of protein-protein interaction networks in metastatic breast cancer. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0260584. [PMID: 35045088 PMCID: PMC8769308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic lesions leading causes of the majority of deaths in patients with the breast cancer. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the brain (MDA-MB-231 BrM2) and lung (MDA-MB-231 LM2) metastatic cell lines obtained from breast cancer patients compared with those who have primary breast cancer. We identified 981 and 662 DEGs for brain and lung metastasis, respectively. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed seven shared (PLCB1, FPR1, FPR2, CX3CL1, GABBR2, GPR37, and CXCR4) hub genes between brain and lung metastasis in breast cancer. Moreover, GNG2 and CXCL8, C3, and PTPN6 in the brain and SAA1 and CCR5 in lung metastasis were found as unique hub genes. Besides, five co-regulation of clusters via seven important co-expression genes (COL1A2, LUM, SPARC, THBS2, IL1B, CXCL8, THY1) were identified in the brain PPI network. Clusters screening followed by biological process (BP) function and pathway enrichment analysis for both metastatic cell lines showed that complement receptor signalling, acetylcholine receptor signalling, and gastric acid secretion pathways were common between these metastases, whereas other pathways were site-specific. According to our findings, there are a set of genes and functional pathways that mark and mediate breast cancer metastasis to the brain and lungs, which may enable us understand the molecular basis of breast cancer development in a deeper levele to the brain and lungs, which may help us gain a more complete understanding of the molecular underpinnings of breast cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hozhabri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
| | - Roxana Sadat Ghasemi Dehkohneh
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Morteza Razavi
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (AS); (SMR)
| | - S. Mostafa Razavi
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Fatemeh Salarian
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azade Rasouli
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalil Azami
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Melika Ghasemi Shiran
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Kardan
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Cellular Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Farrokhzad
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Arsham Mikaeili Namini
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Salari
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
- Systems Biology Research Lab, Bioinformatics Group, Systems Biology of the Next Generation Company (SBNGC), Qom, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (AS); (SMR)
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6
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Macsek P, Skoda J, Krchniakova M, Neradil J, Veselska R. Iron-Chelation Treatment by Novel Thiosemicarbazone Targets Major Signaling Pathways in Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010376. [PMID: 35008802 PMCID: PMC8745636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite constant advances in the field of pediatric oncology, the survival rate of high-risk neuroblastoma patients remains poor. The molecular and genetic features of neuroblastoma, such as MYCN amplification and stemness status, have established themselves not only as potent prognostic and predictive factors but also as intriguing targets for personalized therapy. Novel thiosemicarbazones target both total level and activity of a number of proteins involved in some of the most important signaling pathways in neuroblastoma. In this study, we found that di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) potently decreases N-MYC in MYCN-amplified and c-MYC in MYCN-nonamplified neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, DpC succeeded in downregulating total EGFR and phosphorylation of its most prominent tyrosine residues through the involvement of NDRG1, a positive prognostic marker in neuroblastoma, which was markedly upregulated after thiosemicarbazone treatment. These findings could provide useful knowledge for the treatment of MYC-driven neuroblastomas that are unresponsive to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Macsek
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Skoda
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Krchniakova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
| | - Jakub Neradil
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 662 63 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-549-49-6003
| | - Renata Veselska
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 662 63 Brno, Czech Republic
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7
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Truong LH, Pauklin S. Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment and Cellular Composition: Current Understandings and Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5028. [PMID: 34638513 PMCID: PMC8507722 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal human solid tumors, despite great efforts in improving therapeutics over the past few decades. In PDAC, the distinct characteristic of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the main barrier for developing effective treatments. PDAC TME is characterized by a dense stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells populations that crosstalk to the subpopulations of neoplastic cells that include cancer stem cells (CSCs). The heterogeneity in TME is also exhibited in the diversity and dynamics of acellular components, including the Extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokines, growth factors, and secreted ligands to signaling pathways. These contribute to drug resistance, metastasis, and relapse in PDAC. However, clinical trials targeting TME components have often reported unexpected results and still have not benefited patients. The failures in those trials and various efforts to understand the PDAC biology demonstrate the highly heterogeneous and multi-faceted TME compositions and the complexity of their interplay within TME. Hence, further functional and mechanistic insight is needed. In this review, we will present a current understanding of PDAC biology with a focus on the heterogeneity in TME and crosstalk among its components. We also discuss clinical challenges and the arising therapeutic opportunities in PDAC research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK;
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8
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Barman S, Fatima I, Singh AB, Dhawan P. Pancreatic Cancer and Therapy: Role and Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094765. [PMID: 33946266 PMCID: PMC8124621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant improvements in clinical management, pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the deadliest cancer types, as it is prone to late detection with extreme metastatic properties. The recent findings that pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs) contribute to the tumorigenesis, progression, and chemoresistance have offered significant insight into the cancer malignancy and development of precise therapies. However, the heterogeneity of cancer and signaling pathways that regulate PC have posed limitations in the effective targeting of the PaCSCs. In this regard, the role for K-RAS, TP53, Transforming Growth Factor-β, hedgehog, Wnt and Notch and other signaling pathways in PC progression is well documented. In this review, we discuss the role of PaCSCs, the underlying molecular and signaling pathways that help promote pancreatic cancer development and metastasis with a specific focus on the regulation of PaCSCs. We also discuss the therapeutic approaches that target different PaCSCs, intricate mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities to eliminate heterogeneous PaCSCs populations in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Barman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.B.); (I.F.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Iram Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.B.); (I.F.); (A.B.S.)
| | - Amar B. Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.B.); (I.F.); (A.B.S.)
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.B.); (I.F.); (A.B.S.)
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Correspondence:
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9
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Singh N, Miner A, Hennis L, Mittal S. Mechanisms of temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma - a comprehensive review. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:17-43. [PMID: 34337348 PMCID: PMC8319838 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults and has an exceedingly low median overall survival of only 15 months. Current standard-of-care for GBM consists of gross total surgical resection followed by radiation with concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first-choice chemotherapeutic agent in GBM; however, the development of resistance to TMZ often becomes the limiting factor in effective treatment. While O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase repair activity and uniquely resistant populations of glioma stem cells are the most well-known contributors to TMZ resistance, many other molecular mechanisms have come to light in recent years. Key emerging mechanisms include the involvement of other DNA repair systems, aberrant signaling pathways, autophagy, epigenetic modifications, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicle production. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinically relevant molecular mechanisms and their extensive interconnections to better inform efforts to combat TMZ resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Singh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.,Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
| | - Alexandra Miner
- Division of Neurosurgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.,Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
| | - Lauren Hennis
- Division of Neurosurgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.,Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
| | - Sandeep Mittal
- Division of Neurosurgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.,Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.,Carilion Clinic - Neurosurgery, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
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10
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Abstract
Defined by its potential for self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenicity, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered responsible for drug resistance and relapse. To understand the behavior of CSC, the effects of the microenvironment in each tissue are a matter of great concerns for scientists in cancer biology. However, there are many complicated obstacles in the mimicking the microenvironment of CSCs even with current advanced technology. In this context, novel biomaterials have widely been assessed as in vitro platforms for their ability to mimic cancer microenvironment. These efforts should be successful to identify and characterize various CSCs specific in each type of cancer. Therefore, extracellular matrix scaffolds made of biomaterial will modulate the interactions and facilitate the investigation of CSC associated with biological phenomena simplifying the complexity of the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize latest advances in biomaterial scaffolds, which are exploited to mimic CSC microenvironment, and their chemical and biological requirements with discussion. The discussion includes the possible effects on both cells in tumors and microenvironment to propose what the critical factors are in controlling the CSC microenvironment focusing the future investigation. Our insights on their availability in drug screening will also follow the discussion.
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11
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Nelson SR, Zhang C, Roche S, O'Neill F, Swan N, Luo Y, Larkin A, Crown J, Walsh N. Modelling of pancreatic cancer biology: transcriptomic signature for 3D PDX-derived organoids and primary cell line organoid development. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2778. [PMID: 32066753 PMCID: PMC7026166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With a five-year survival rate of 9%, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the deadliest of all cancers. The rapid mortality makes PDAC difficult to research, and inspires a resolve to create reliable, tractable cellular models for preclinical cancer research. Organoids are increasingly used to model PDAC as they maintain the differentiation status, molecular and genomic signatures of the original tumour. In this paper, we present novel methodologies and experimental approaches to develop PDAC organoids from PDX tumours, and the simultaneous development of matched primary cell lines. Moreover, we also present a method of recapitulating primary cell line cultures to organoids (CLOs). We highlight the usefulness of CLOs as PDAC organoid models, as they maintain similar transcriptomic signatures as their matched patient-derived organoids and patient derived xenografts (PDX)s. These models provide a manageable, expandable in vitro resource for downstream applications such as high throughput screening, functional genomics, and tumour microenvironment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R Nelson
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- BGI Education Centre, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518083, China.,Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Sandra Roche
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Fiona O'Neill
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Niall Swan
- St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, 266000, China.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - AnneMarie Larkin
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Institute of Technology, Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Naomi Walsh
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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12
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Serial Xenotransplantation in NSG Mice Promotes a Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Gene Expression Signature and Stemness in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010196. [PMID: 31941033 PMCID: PMC7016569 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Serial xenotransplantation of sorted cancer cells in immunodeficient mice remains the most complex test of cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. However, we have demonstrated in various sarcomas that putative CSC surface markers fail to identify CSCs, thereby impeding the isolation of CSCs for subsequent analyses. Here, we utilized serial xenotransplantation of unsorted rhabdomyosarcoma cells in NOD/SCID gamma (NSG) mice as a proof-of-principle platform to investigate the molecular signature of CSCs. Indeed, serial xenotransplantation steadily enriched for rhabdomyosarcoma stem-like cells characterized by enhanced aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and increased colony and sphere formation capacity in vitro. Although the expression of core pluripotency factors (SOX2, OCT4, NANOG) and common CSC markers (CD133, ABCG2, nestin) was maintained over the passages in mice, gene expression profiling revealed gradual changes in several stemness regulators and genes linked with undifferentiated myogenic precursors, e.g., SOX4, PAX3, MIR145, and CDH15. Moreover, we identified the induction of a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal gene expression signature that was associated with the increase in CSC number. In total, 60 genes related to epithelial or mesenchymal traits were significantly altered upon serial xenotransplantation. In silico survival analysis based on the identified potential stemness-associated genes demonstrated that serial xenotransplantation of unsorted rhabdomyosarcoma cells in NSG mice might be a useful tool for the unbiased enrichment of CSCs and the identification of novel CSC-specific targets. Using this approach, we provide evidence for a recently proposed link between the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype and cancer stemness.
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13
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Gzil A, Zarębska I, Bursiewicz W, Antosik P, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. Markers of pancreatic cancer stem cells and their clinical and therapeutic implications. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:6629-6645. [PMID: 31486978 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05058-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cause of death among all cancers. Poor prognosis of PC may be caused by a prevalence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a population of cancer cells showing stem cell-like characteristics. CSCs have the ability to self-renew and may initiate tumorigenesis. PC CSCs express markers such as CD133, CD24, CD44, DCLK1, CXCR4, ESA, Oct4 and ABCB1. There is a wide complexity of interaction and relationships between CSC markers in PC. These markers are negative prognostic factors and are connected with tumor recurrence and clinical progression. Additionally, PC CSCs are resistant to treatment with gemcitabine. Thus, most current therapies for PC are ineffective. Numerous studies have shown, that targeting of these proteins may increase both disease-free and overall survival in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Wiktor Bursiewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Paulina Antosik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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14
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Chi J, Zhang H, Hu J, Song Y, Li J, Wang L, Wang Z. AGR3 promotes the stemness of colorectal cancer via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Cell Signal 2019; 65:109419. [PMID: 31526829 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells with stem cell properties have been acknowledged to be responsible for cancer initiation and progression. Wnt/β-catenin signalling is a major signal pathway promoting the stemness of cancer cells. Anterior gradient 3 (AGR3), a member of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family, was found to be overexpressed in several cancers. However, the roles and mechanisms of AGR3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been previously described. In our study, we find that AGR3 is highly expressed in CRC and associated with poor prognosis. Functional studies show that AGR3 promotes the stemness of CRC cells. Mechanically, AGR3 activates Wnt/β-catenin signalling and promotes the nuclear translocation of β-catenin to upregulate stemness related genes. Wnt/β-catenin signalling inhibition counteracts the promoting effect of AGR3 on cancer stemness. Moreover, the effect of AGR3 on Wnt/β-catenin signalling and cancer stemness depends on the presence of frizzled 4 (FZD4). Thus, our study first uncovers the stemness-promoting role and the oncogenic mechanism of AGR3 in CRC, which might provide a novel target for designing anti-CRC strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyang Chi
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Song
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China.
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15
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Butturini E, Carcereri de Prati A, Boriero D, Mariotto S. Tumor Dormancy and Interplay with Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174305. [PMID: 31484342 PMCID: PMC6747268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a key factor in disease progression, local resistance, immune-escaping, and metastasis. The rapid proliferation of tumor cells and the aberrant structure of the blood vessels within tumors result in a marked heterogeneity in the perfusion of the tumor tissue with regions of hypoxia. Although most of the tumor cells die in these hypoxic conditions, a part of them can adapt and survive for many days or months in a dormant state. Dormant tumor cells are characterized by cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase as well as a low metabolism, and are refractive to common chemotherapy, giving rise to metastasis. Despite these features, the cells retain their ability to proliferate when conditions improve. An understanding of the regulatory machinery of tumor dormancy is essential for identifying early cancer biomarkers and could provide a rationale for the development of novel agents to target dormant tumor cell populations. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of the mechanisms allowing tumor dormancy and discuss the crucial role of the hypoxic microenvironment in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Butturini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Carcereri de Prati
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Diana Boriero
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Sofia Mariotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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16
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Tompa M, Nagy A, Komoly S, Kalman B. Wnt pathway markers in molecular subgroups of glioblastoma. Brain Res 2019; 1718:114-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Chandana S, Babiker HM, Mahadevan D. Therapeutic trends in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 28:161-177. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1557145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sreenivasa Chandana
- Phase I program, START Midwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hani M. Babiker
- Early Phase Therapeutics Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Early Phase Therapeutics Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
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18
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Contribution of the Wnt Pathway to Defining Biology of Glioblastoma. Neuromolecular Med 2018; 20:437-451. [PMID: 30259273 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-018-8514-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly lethal brain tumor, has been comprehensively characterized at the molecular level with the identification of several potential treatment targets. Data concerning the Wnt pathway are relatively sparse, but apparently very important in defining several aspects of tumor biology. The Wnt ligands are involved in numerous basic biological processes including regulation of embryogenic development, cell fate determination, and organogenesis, but growing amount of data also support the roles of Wnt pathways in the formation of many tumors, including gliomas. Two main Wnt pathways are distinguished: the canonical (β-catenin) and non-canonical (planar cell polarity, Wnt/Ca2+) routes. Wnt signaling regulates glioma stem cells (GSCs), thereby defining invasive potential, recurrence, and treatment resistance of GBM. Some observations suggest that the Wnt pathways are differentially active in molecular subtypes of this tumor, thereby may also guide prognostication and novel therapeutic decisions. In this review, we highlight main elements and biological relevance of the Wnt pathways, primarily focusing on the pathogenesis and subtypes of GBM. Finally, we briefly summarize newer therapeutic strategies targeting networks of the Wnt signaling cascades and their molecular associates that appear to be marked contributors to GBM aggressiveness.
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19
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Parte SC, Batra SK, Kakar SS. Characterization of stem cell and cancer stem cell populations in ovary and ovarian tumors. J Ovarian Res 2018; 11:69. [PMID: 30121075 PMCID: PMC6098829 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-018-0439-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is a complicated malady associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributing to 238,700 estimated new cases and 151,900 deaths per year, worldwide. CSCs comprise a tiny fraction of tumor-bulk responsible for cancer recurrence and eventual mortality. CSCs or tumor initiating cells are responsible for self-renewal, differentiation and proliferative potential, tumor initiation capability, its progression, drug resistance and metastatic spread. Although several biomarkers are implicated in these processes, their distribution within the ovary and association with single cell type has neither been established nor demonstrated across ovarian tumor developmental stages. Therefore, precise identification, thorough characterization and effective targeted destruction of dormant and highly proliferating potent CSC populations is an immediate need. Results In view of this, distribution of various CSC (ALDH1/2, C-KIT, CD133, CD24 and CD44) and cell proliferation (KI67) specific markers in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and cortex regions in normal ovary, and benign, borderline and high grade metastatic ovarian tumors by immuno-histochemistry and confocal microscopy was studied. We further confirmed their expression by RT-PCR analysis. Co-expression analysis of stem cell (OCT4, SSEA4) and CSC (ALDH1/2, CD44 and LGR5) markers with proliferation marker (KI67) in HG tumors revealed dual positive proliferating stem and CSCs, few non-proliferating stem/CSC (SSEA4+/KI67− and ALDH1/2+/KI67−) and only KI67+ cells in cortex, signifying dynamic populations and interesting cellular hierarchy in cortex region. Smaller spherical (≤ 5 μm) and larger spindle/elliptical shaped (~ 10 μm) cell populations with high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio were detected across all samples (including normal ovaries) but with variable distribution and characteristic stage-wise marker expression across different tumor stages. Conclusions Diverse stem and CSC populations expressing characteristic markers revealing distinct phenotypes (spherical ≤5 μm and spindle/elliptical ~ 10 μm) were distributed within different tumor stages studied signifying dynamic and probable functional hierarchy within these cell types. Involvement of extra-ovarian sites of origin of stem and CSCs requires rigorous evaluation. Quantitative analysis of potent CSC populations, their mechanisms and pathways for self-renewal, chemo-resistance, metastatic spread etc. with respect to various markers studied, will provide better insights and targets for developing effective therapeutics to prevent metastasis and eventually help improve patient mortality. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13048-018-0439-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema C Parte
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, CTRB, Room 322, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA.,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, 68198, NE, USA
| | - Sham S Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, CTRB, Room 322, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA. .,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, 40202, KY, USA.
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20
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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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21
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Molins EAG, Jusko WJ. Assessment of Three-Drug Combination Pharmacodynamic Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. AAPS JOURNAL 2018; 20:80. [PMID: 29951754 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-018-0235-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacodynamic interactions among trifluoperazine (TFP), gemcitabine (GEM), and paclitaxel (PTX) were assessed in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1). The phenothiazine TFP was chosen for its potential activity on cancer stem cells, while GEM and PTX cause apoptosis. Effects of each drug alone and in various combinations on cell growth inhibition of PANC-1 cells were studied in vitro to determine the drug-specific parameters and assess the nature of drug interactions. Joint inhibition (JI) and competitive inhibition (CI) equations were applied with a ψ interaction term. TFP fully inhibited growth of cells (Imax = 1) with an IC50 = 9887 nM. Near-maximum inhibition was achieved for GEM (Imax = 0.825) and PTX (Imax= 0.844) with an IC50 = 17.4 nM for GEM and IC50 = 7.08 nM for PTX. Estimates of an interaction term ψ revealed that the combination of TFP-GEM was apparently synergistic; close to additivity, the combination TFP-PTX was antagonistic. The interaction of GEM-PTX was additive, and TFP-GEM-PTX was synergistic but close to additive. The combination of TFP IC60-GEM IC60-PTX IC60 seemed optimal in producing inhibition of PANC-1 cells with an inhibitory effect of 82.1-90.2%. The addition of ψ terms to traditional interaction equations allows assessment of the degree of perturbation of assumed mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie A G Molins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA.,Ciblage Thérapeutique en Oncologie, Faculté de médecine Lyon-sud, Université Lyon 1, 69921, Oullins, France
| | - William J Jusko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA.
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22
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Longevity-Related Gene Transcriptomic Signature in Glioblastoma Multiforme. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:8753063. [PMID: 29849920 PMCID: PMC5914091 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8753063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (grade IV astrocytoma) has been assumed to be the most fatal type of glioma with low survival and high recurrence rates, even after prompt surgical removal and aggressive courses of treatment. Transcriptional reprogramming to stem cell-like state could explain some of the deregulated molecular signatures in GBM disease. The present study aimed to quantify the expression profiling of longevity-related transcriptional factors SOX2, OCT3/4, and NANOG to evaluate their diagnostic and performance values in high-grade gliomas. Forty-four specimens were obtained from glioblastoma patients (10 females and 34 males). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for relative gene expression quantification. In silico network analysis was executed. NANOG and OCT3/4 mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated while that of SOX2 was upregulated in cancer compared to noncancer tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high diagnostic performance of NANOG and OCT3/4 than SOX2. However, the aberrant expressions of the genes studied were not associated with the prognostic variables in the current population. In conclusion, the current study highlighted the aberrant expression of certain longevity-associated transcription factors in glioblastoma multiforme which may direct the attention towards new strategies in the treatment of such lethal disease.
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23
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Mokhtarzadeh A, Hassanpour S, Vahid ZF, Hejazi M, Hashemi M, Ranjbari J, Tabarzad M, Noorolyai S, de la Guardia M. Nano-delivery system targeting to cancer stem cell cluster of differentiation biomarkers. J Control Release 2017; 266:166-186. [PMID: 28941992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are one of the most important origins of cancer progression and metastasis. CSCs have unique self-renewal properties and diverse cell membrane receptors that induced the resistance to the conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, the therapeutic removal of CSCs could result in the cancer cure with lack of recurrence and metastasis. In this regard, targeting CSCs in accordance to their specific biomarkers is a talented attitude in cancer therapy. Various CSCs surface biomarkers have been described, which some of them exhibited similarities on different cancer cell types, while the others are cancer specific and have just been reported on one or a few types of cancers. In this review, the importance of CSCs in cancer development and therapeutic response has been stated. Different CSCs cluster of differentiation (CD) biomarkers and their specific function and applications in the treatment of cancers have been discussed, Special attention has been made on targeted nano-delivery systems. In this regard, several examples have been illustrated concerning specific natural and artificial ligands against CSCs CD biomarkers that could be decorated on various nanoparticulated drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents or anticancer gene therapy. The outlook of CSCs biomarkers discovery and therapeutic/diagnostic applications was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soodabeh Hassanpour
- Department of Biochemistry, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Maryam Hashemi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Javad Ranjbari
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Tabarzad
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Noorolyai
- Department of Biochemistry, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Miguel de la Guardia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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24
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Expression differences of genes in the PI3K/AKT, WNT/b-catenin, SHH, NOTCH and MAPK signaling pathways in CD34+ hematopoietic cells obtained from chronic phase patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and from healthy controls. Clin Transl Oncol 2017; 20:542-549. [DOI: 10.1007/s12094-017-1751-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ware MJ, Nguyen LP, Law JJ, Krzykawska-Serda M, Taylor KM, Cao HST, Anderson AO, Pulikkathara M, Newton JM, Ho JC, Hwang R, Rajapakshe K, Coarfa C, Huang S, Edwards D, Curley SA, Corr SJ. A new mild hyperthermia device to treat vascular involvement in cancer surgery. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11299. [PMID: 28900126 PMCID: PMC5595878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10508-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical margin status in cancer surgery represents an important oncologic parameter affecting overall prognosis. The risk of disease recurrence is minimized and survival often prolonged if margin-negative resection can be accomplished during cancer surgery. Unfortunately, negative margins are not always surgically achievable due to tumor invasion into adjacent tissues or involvement of critical vasculature. Herein, we present a novel intra-operative device created to facilitate a uniform and mild heating profile to cause hyperthermic destruction of vessel-encasing tumors while safeguarding the encased vessel. We use pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as an in vitro and an in vivo cancer model for these studies as it is a representative model of a tumor that commonly involves major mesenteric vessels. In vitro data suggests that mild hyperthermia (41-46 °C for ten minutes) is an optimal thermal dose to induce high levels of cancer cell death, alter cancer cell's proteomic profiles and eliminate cancer stem cells while preserving non-malignant cells. In vivo and in silico data supports the well-known phenomena of a vascular heat sink effect that causes high temperature differentials through tissues undergoing hyperthermia, however temperatures can be predicted and used as a tool for the surgeon to adjust thermal doses delivered for various tumor margins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Ware
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lam P Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Justin J Law
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Martyna Krzykawska-Serda
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Kimberly M Taylor
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hop S Tran Cao
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew O Anderson
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Jared M Newton
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Interdepartmental program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jason C Ho
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rosa Hwang
- Department of Surgical oncology, MD Anderson, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Kimal Rajapakshe
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Shixia Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Dean Edwards
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Steven A Curley
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
| | - Stuart J Corr
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, 77204, TX, USA.
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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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Roles of Wnt Target Genes in the Journey of Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081604. [PMID: 28757546 PMCID: PMC5577996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been acknowledged; however, the mechanism through which it regulates the biological function of CSCs and promotes cancer progression remains elusive. Hence, to understand the intricate mechanism by which Wnt controls stemness, the specific downstream target genes of Wnt were established by analyzing the genetic signatures of multiple types of metastatic cancers based on gene set enrichment. By focusing on the molecular function of Wnt target genes, the biological roles of Wnt were interpreted in terms of CSC dynamics from initiation to metastasis. Wnt signaling participates in cancer initiation by generating CSCs from normal stem cells or non-CSCs and augmenting persistent growth at the primary region, which is resistant to anti-cancer therapy. Moreover, it assists CSCs in invading nearby tissues and in entering the blood stream, during which the negative feedback of the Wnt signaling pathway maintains CSCs in a dormant state that is suitable for survival. When CSCs arrive at distant organs, another burst of Wnt signaling induces CSCs to succeed in re-initiation and colonization. This comprehensive understanding of Wnt target genes provides a plausible explanation for how Wnt allows CSCs variation during cancer progression.
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Expression and Clinical Significance of Cancer Stem Cell Markers CD24, CD44, and CD133 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Chronic Pancreatitis. DISEASE MARKERS 2017; 2017:3276806. [PMID: 28659655 PMCID: PMC5474271 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3276806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) play an important role in pancreatic carcinogenesis and prognosis. The study aimed at examining the expression of CD24, CD44, and CD133 in human PDAC and CP in order to evaluate its clinicopathological correlations and the clinical significance. Surgical specimens from 23 patients with PDAC and 15 patients with chronic pancreatitis after pancreatic resection were stained with CD24, CD44, and CD133 antibodies. The intensity of staining was scored from 0 (negative) to 3 (strongly positive). Results. Mean CD24 staining score in PDAC was 1.38 ± 0.76 and was significantly higher than that in CP: 0.70 ± 0.53 (p < 0.01); CD44 score in PDAC was 2.23 ± 0.42 and was significantly higher than that in CP: 1.87 ± 0.55 (p < 0.05); CD133 score 0.93 ± 0.58 was not different from CP: 0.71 ± 0.43 (p > 0.05). CD44 immunoreactivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in pT1 and pT2 patients together as regards pT3: 2.45 ± 0.37 versus 2.06 ± 0.38 as well as in N0 patients compared to N1 patients: 2.5 ± 0.38 versus 2.04 ± 0.34. Conclusions. CD24 and CD44 are upregulated in human pancreatic cancer compared to chronic pancreatitis. CD44 immunoreactivity decreases with the tumor advancement and may represent the negative PDAC prognostic factor. Each CSC marker was differently related to PDAC advancement. CD133 may lack clinical significance in PDAC.
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Giovannetti E, van der Borden CL, Frampton AE, Ali A, Firuzi O, Peters GJ. Never let it go: Stopping key mechanisms underlying metastasis to fight pancreatic cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 44:43-59. [PMID: 28438662 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive neoplasm, predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths before 2030. This dismal trend is mainly due to lack of effective treatments against its metastatic behavior. Therefore, a better understanding of the key mechanisms underlying metastasis should provide new opportunities for therapeutic purposes. Genomic analyses revealed that aberrations that fuel PDAC tumorigenesis and progression, such as SMAD4 loss, are also implicated in metastasis. Recently, microRNAs have been shown to play a regulatory role in the metastatic behavior of many tumors, including PDAC. In particular, miR-10 and miR-21 have appeared as master regulators of the metastatic program, while members of the miR-200 family are involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal switch, favoring cell migration and invasiveness. Several studies have also found a close relationship between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and biological features of metastasis, and the CSC markers ALDH1, ABCG2 and c-Met are expressed at high levels in metastatic PDAC cells. Emerging evidence reveals that exosomes are involved in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and can initiate PDAC pre-metastatic niche formation in the liver and lungs. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of all these pivotal factors in the metastatic behavior of PDAC, and discuss their potential exploitation in the clinic to improve current therapeutics and identify new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Giovannetti
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C L van der Borden
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A E Frampton
- HPB Surgical Unit, Dept. of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - A Ali
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - O Firuzi
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - G J Peters
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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