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Ji X, Liu M, Zhang T, Zhang W, Xue F, Wan Q, Liu Y. KRAS/PI3K axis driven GTF3C6 expression and promotes LUAD via FAK pathway. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00171-1. [PMID: 38685529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.028] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective targeting drugs for KRAS mutation-mediated Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are currently are limited. OBJECTIVES Investigating and intervening in the downstream key target genes of KRAS is crucial for clinically managing KRAS mutant-driven LUAD. GTF3C6, a newly identified member of the general transcription factor III (GTF3) family, plays a role in the transcription of RNA polymerase III (pol III)-dependent genes. However, its involvement in cancer remains unexplored. METHODS This study examined the expression, roles, and potential molecular mechanisms of GTF3C6 in LUAD tissues, LSL-KrasG12D/+;LSL-p53-/- LUAD mouse models, and LUAD patients-derived organoid using Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and gene manipulation assays. RESULTS We present the first evidence that GTF3C6 is highly expressed in LUAD tissues, LSL-KrasG12D/+;LSL-p53-/- LUAD mouse models, and LUAD organoids, correlating with poor clinical prognosis. Furthermore, GTF3C6 was found to promote anchorage-independent proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells. Mechanistically, KRAS mutation drives GTF3C6 expression through the PI3K pathway, and GTF3C6 knockdown reverses the malignant phenotype of KRAS mutation-driven LUAD cells. Additionally, the FAK pathway emerged as a crucial downstream signaling pathway through which GTF3C6 mediates the malignant phenotype of LUAD. Finally, GTF3C6 knockdown suppresses LUAD organoid formation and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that GTF3C6, driven by KRAS mutation, promotes LUAD development by regulating FAK phosphorylation, suggesting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in KRAS mutant-driven LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhao Ji
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Infections Respiratory Disease, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingqiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism in Medical and Health of Shandong Provincial Health Commission, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Pharmacy, Pingdu People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266799, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism in Medical and Health of Shandong Provincial Health Commission, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Weiying Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Fuyuan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism in Medical and Health of Shandong Provincial Health Commission, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Qiang Wan
- Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism in Medical and Health of Shandong Provincial Health Commission, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Infections Respiratory Disease, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Luo H, Ge H. Application of Proteomics in the Discovery of Radiosensitive Cancer Biomarkers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:852791. [PMID: 35280744 PMCID: PMC8904368 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy remains an important component of cancer treatment. Gene-encoded proteins were the actual executors of cellular functions. Proteomic was a novel technology that can systematically analysis protein composition and measure their levels of change, this was a high throughput method, and were the import tools in the post genomic era. In recent years, rapid progress of proteomic have been made in the study of cancer mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment. This article elaborates current advances and future directions of proteomics in the discovery of radiosensitive cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Ge
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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El-Soussi S, Hanna R, Semaan H, Khater AR, Abdallah J, Abou-Kheir W, Abou-Antoun T. A Novel Therapeutic Mechanism of Imipridones ONC201/ONC206 in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma Cells via Differential Expression of Tumorigenic Proteins. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:693145. [PMID: 34422720 PMCID: PMC8373200 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.693145] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial nervous system tumor in children. It presents with a spectrum of clinical prognostic measures ranging from benign growths that regress spontaneously to highly malignant, treatment evasive tumors affiliated with increased mortality rates. MYCN amplification is commonly seen in high-risk neuroblastoma, rendering it highly malignant and recurrence prone. In our current study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of small molecule inducers of TRAIL, ONC201, and ONC206 in MYCN-amplified IMR-32 and non-MYCN-amplified SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cell lines. Our results exhibit potent antitumor activity of ONC201 and ONC206 via a novel inhibition of EGF-induced L1CAM and PDGFRβ phosphorylation in both cell lines. Drug treatment significantly reduced cellular proliferation, viability, migration, invasion, tumorsphere formation potential, and increased apoptosis in both cell lines. The protein expression of tumorigenic NMYC, Sox-2, Oct-4, FABP5, and HMGA1 significantly decreased 48 h post-drug treatment, whereas cleaved PARP1/caspase-3 and γH2AX increased 72 h post-drug treatment, compared with vehicle-treated cells in the MYCN-amplified IMR-32 cell line. We are the first to report this novel differential protein expression after ONC201 or ONC206 treatment in human neuroblastoma cells, demonstrating an important multitarget effect which may yield added therapeutic benefits in treating this devastating childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra El-Soussi
- Shool of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Reine Hanna
- Shool of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Hanna Semaan
- Shool of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | | | - Jad Abdallah
- Shool of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Khater AR, Abou-Antoun T. Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition Factor Signaling in Pediatric Nervous System Tumors: Implications for Malignancy and Cancer Stem Cell Enrichment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654103. [PMID: 34055785 PMCID: PMC8155369 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant nervous system cancers in children are the most devastating and worrisome diseases, specifically due to their aggressive nature and, in some cases, inoperable location in critical regions of the brain and spinal cord, and the impermeable blood-brain barrier that hinders delivery of pharmaco-therapeutic compounds into the tumor site. Moreover, the delicate developmental processes of the nervous system throughout the childhood years adds another limitation to the therapeutic modalities and doses used to treat these malignant cancers. Therefore, pediatric oncologists are charged with the daunting responsibility of attempting to deliver effective cures to these children, yet with limited doses of the currently available therapeutic options in order to mitigate the imminent neurotoxicity of radio- and chemotherapy on the developing nervous system. Various studies reported that c-Met/HGF signaling is affiliated with increased malignancy and stem cell enrichment in various cancers such as high-grade gliomas, high-risk medulloblastomas, and MYCN-amplified, high-risk neuroblastomas. Therapeutic interventions that are utilized to target c-Met signaling in these malignant nervous system cancers have shown benefits in basic translational studies and preclinical trials, but failed to yield significant clinical benefits in patients. While numerous pre-clinical data reported promising results with the use of combinatorial therapy that targets c-Met with other tumorigenic pathways, therapeutic resistance remains a problem, and long-term cures are rare. The possible mechanisms, including the overexpression and activation of compensatory tumorigenic mechanisms within the tumors or ineffective drug delivery methods that may contribute to therapeutic resistance observed in clinical trials are elaborated in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rose Khater
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Piletz JE, Mao Y, Roy D, Qizilbash B, Nkamssi E, Weir E, Graham J, Emmanuel M, Iqbal S, Brue K, Sengupta B. Transepithelial Anti-Neuroblastoma Response to Kale among Four Vegetable Juices Using In Vitro Model Co-Culture System. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020488. [PMID: 33540724 PMCID: PMC7913023 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Juicing vegetables is thought to be an anticancer treatment. Support exists for a rank order of anticancer greens (kale > dandelion > lettuce > spinach) based on degrees of bioavailability of different phytochemicals, also offset by some noxious molecules (i.e., calcium-oxalate). We developed a new in vitro transepithelial anti-neuroblastoma model system. The juices were diluted as predicted once in the small intestine. They were applied to apical Caco-2Bbe1 cells atop dividing SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell growth were considered with juice spectroscopies. Studied first in monoculture, kale and dandelion were the most cytostatic juices on SH-SY5Ys, lettuce showed no effect, and high (4.2%) spinach was cytotoxic. In co-culture, high (4.2%) kale was quickest (three days) to inhibit neuroblastoma growth. By five days, dandelion and kale were equally robust. Lettuce showed small anti-proliferative effects at five days and spinach remained cytotoxic. Spinach’s cytotoxicity corresponded with major infrared bands indicative of oxalate. Kale juice uniquely induced reactive oxygen species and S-phase cell cycle arrest in SH-SY5Y. The superiority of kale and dandelion was also apparent on the epithelium, because raising TEER levels is considered healthy. Kale’s unique features corresponded with a major fluorescent peak that co-eluted with kaempferol during high performance liquid chromatography. Because the anticancer rank order was upheld, the model appears validated for screening anticancer juices.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Piletz
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA; (Y.M.); (E.N.); (S.I.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence: (J.E.P.); (B.S.); Tel.: +1-(601)-925-7818 (J.E.P.); +1-(936)-468-2485 (B.S.)
| | - Yuhan Mao
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA; (Y.M.); (E.N.); (S.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Debarshi Roy
- Department of Biology, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS 39096, USA;
| | - Bilal Qizilbash
- Qizilbash Labs, 345 Woodstone Road, Suite K6, Clinton, MS 39056, USA;
| | - Eurielle Nkamssi
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA; (Y.M.); (E.N.); (S.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Enleyona Weir
- Department of Chemistry, Tougaloo College, 500 West County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS 39174, USA; (E.W.); (J.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Jessica Graham
- Department of Chemistry, Tougaloo College, 500 West County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS 39174, USA; (E.W.); (J.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Mary Emmanuel
- Department of Chemistry, Tougaloo College, 500 West County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS 39174, USA; (E.W.); (J.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Suwaira Iqbal
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA; (Y.M.); (E.N.); (S.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Kellie Brue
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA; (Y.M.); (E.N.); (S.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Bidisha Sengupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA
- Correspondence: (J.E.P.); (B.S.); Tel.: +1-(601)-925-7818 (J.E.P.); +1-(936)-468-2485 (B.S.)
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Moody TW, Lee L, Ramos-Alvarez I, Iordanskaia T, Mantey SA, Jensen RT. Bombesin Receptor Family Activation and CNS/Neural Tumors: Review of Evidence Supporting Possible Role for Novel Targeted Therapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:728088. [PMID: 34539578 PMCID: PMC8441013 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.728088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are increasingly being considered as possible therapeutic targets in cancers. Activation of GPCR on tumors can have prominent growth effects, and GPCRs are frequently over-/ectopically expressed on tumors and thus can be used for targeted therapy. CNS/neural tumors are receiving increasing attention using this approach. Gliomas are the most frequent primary malignant brain/CNS tumor with glioblastoma having a 10-year survival <1%; neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumor in children with long-term survival<40%, and medulloblastomas are less common, but one subgroup has a 5-year survival <60%. Thus, there is an increased need for more effective treatments of these tumors. The Bombesin-receptor family (BnRs) is one of the GPCRs that are most frequently over/ectopically expressed by common tumors and is receiving particular attention as a possible therapeutic target in several tumors, particularly in prostate, breast, and lung cancer. We review in this paper evidence suggesting why a similar approach in some CNS/neural tumors (gliomas, neuroblastomas, medulloblastomas) should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry W. Moody
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Training, Office of the Director, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lingaku Lee
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Irene Ramos-Alvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tatiana Iordanskaia
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Samuel A. Mantey
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Robert T. Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert T. Jensen,
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Bahmad HF, Elajami MK, El Zarif T, Bou-Gharios J, Abou-Antoun T, Abou-Kheir W. Drug repurposing towards targeting cancer stem cells in pediatric brain tumors. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:127-148. [PMID: 31919619 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the pediatric population, brain tumors represent the most commonly diagnosed solid neoplasms and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. They include low-grade gliomas (LGGs), medulloblastomas (MBs), and other embryonal, ependymal, and neuroectodermal tumors. The mainstay of treatment for most brain tumors includes surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, resistance to conventional therapy is widespread, which contributes to the high mortality rates reported and lack of improvement in patient survival despite advancement in therapeutic research. This has been attributed to the presence of a subpopulation of cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which reside within the tumor bulk and maintain self-renewal and recurrence potential of the tumor. An emerging promising approach that enables identifying novel therapeutic strategies to target CSCs and overcome therapy resistance is drug repurposing or repositioning. This is based on using previously approved drugs with known pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics for indications other than their traditional ones, like cancer. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the drug repurposing methodologies that have been used in pediatric brain tumors, and we argue how this selective compilation of approaches, with a focus on CSC targeting, could elevate drug repurposing to the next level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad K Elajami
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Talal El Zarif
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou-Gharios
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos Campus, CHSC 6101, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon.
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8
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Al-Koussa H, El Mais N, Maalouf H, Abi-Habib R, El-Sibai M. Arginine deprivation: a potential therapeutic for cancer cell metastasis? A review. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:150. [PMID: 32390765 PMCID: PMC7201942 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi essential amino acid that is used in protein biosynthesis. It can be obtained from daily food intake or synthesized in the body through the urea cycle using l-citrulline as a substrate. Arginine has a versatile role in the body because it helps in cell division, wound healing, ammonia disposal, immune system, and hormone biosynthesis. It is noteworthy that l-arginine is the precursor for the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and polyamines. In the case of cancer cells, arginine de novo synthesis is not enough to compensate for their high nutritional needs, forcing them to rely on extracellular supply of arginine. In this review, we will go through the importance of arginine deprivation as a novel targeting therapy by discussing the different arginine deprivation agents and their mechanism of action. We will also focus on the factors that affect cell migration and on the influence of arginine on metastases through polyamine and NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houssam Al-Koussa
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Mais
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hiba Maalouf
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
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The Role of Rho GTPases in VEGF Signaling in Cancer Cells. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2020; 2020:2097214. [PMID: 32377503 PMCID: PMC7182966 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2097214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) consist of five molecules (VEGFA through D as well as placental growth factor) which are crucial for regulating key cellular and tissue functions. The role of VEGF and its intracellular signaling and downstream molecular pathways have been thoroughly studied. Activation of VEGF signal transduction can be initiated by the molecules' binding to two classes of transmembrane receptors: (1) the VEGF tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGF receptors 1 through 3) and (2) the neuropilins (NRP1 and 2). The involvement of Rho GTPases in modulating VEGFA signaling in both cancer cells and endothelial cells has also been well established. Additionally, different isoforms of Rho GTPases, namely, RhoA, RhoC, and RhoG, have been shown to regulate VEGF expression as well as blood vessel formation. This review article will explore how Rho GTPases modulate VEGF signaling and the consequences of such interaction on cancer progression.
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10
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Rho A and Rac1: Antagonists moving forward. Tissue Cell 2020; 65:101364. [PMID: 32746999 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells detect external stimuli through cell-surface receptors. In cases where the stimulus is a cytokine or a growth factor, the cell responds by inducing modifications in the actin cytoskeleton. These changes are mediated through the Rho family of GTPases. Among these GTPases, RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 have been extensively studied. The activity of these proteins is closely monitored and tightly regulated through Guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that turn the "switch" on and off respectively. Crosstalk between Rho GTPases has been long studied; yet many questions are raised regarding the spatiotemporal regulation of these GTPases, particularly RhoA and Rac1. This review sheds a light on the antagonistic relationship between both GTPases and puts emphasis on the importance of cycling of RhoA activation at the focal adhesions for optimal cell migration.
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Jaafar L, Chamseddine Z, El-Sibai M. StarD13: a potential star target for tumor therapeutics. Hum Cell 2020; 33:437-443. [PMID: 32274657 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
StarD13 is a tumor suppressor and a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for Rho GTPases. Thus, StarD13 regulates cell survival pathways and induces apoptosis in a p53-dependent and independent manners. In tumors, StarD13 is either downregulated or completely inhibited, depending on the tumor type. As such, and through the dysregulation of Rho GTPases, this affects adhesion dynamics, actin dynamics, and leads to an increase or a decrease in tumor metastasis depending on the tumor grade and type. Being a key regulatory protein, StarD13 is a potential promising candidate for therapeutic approaches. This paper reviews the key characteristics of this protein and its role in tumor malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jaafar
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Chouran, P.O. Box 13-5053, 1102 2801, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zeinab Chamseddine
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Chouran, P.O. Box 13-5053, 1102 2801, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Chouran, P.O. Box 13-5053, 1102 2801, Beirut, Lebanon.
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12
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Proteomic Technology "Lens" for Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process Identification in Oncology. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2019; 2019:3565970. [PMID: 31781477 PMCID: PMC6855076 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3565970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex transformation process that induces local and distant progression of many malignant tumours. Due to its complex array of proteins that are dynamically over-/underexpressed during this process, proteomic technologies gained their place in the EMT research in the last years. Proteomics has identified new molecular pathways of this process and brought important insights to develop new therapy targets. Various proteomic tools and multiple combinations were developed in this area. Out of the proteomic technology armentarium, mass spectrometry and array technologies are the most used approaches. The main characteristics of the proteomic technology used in this domain are high throughput and detection of minute concentration in small samples. We present herein, using various proteomic technologies, the identification in cancer cell lines and in tumour tissue EMT-related proteins, proteins that are involved in the activation of different cellular pathways. Proteomics has brought besides standard EMT markers (e.g., cell-cell adhesion proteins and transcription factors) other future potential markers for improving diagnosis, monitoring evolution, and developing new therapy targets. Future will increase the proteomic role in clinical investigation and validation of EMT-related biomarkers.
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Pozzoli G, Petrucci G, Navarra P, Marei HE, Cenciarelli C. Aspirin inhibits proliferation and promotes differentiation of neuroblastoma cells via p21 Waf1 protein up-regulation and Rb1 pathway modulation. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:7078-7087. [PMID: 31429199 PMCID: PMC6787451 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that regular use of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) correlates with a reduced risk of cancer and that the drug exerts direct anti‐tumour effects. We have previously reported that ASA inhibits proliferation of human glioblastoma multiforme‐derived cancer stem cells. In the present study, we analysed the effects of ASA on nervous system‐derived cancer cells, using the SK‐N‐SH (N) human neuroblastoma cell line as an experimental model. ASA treatment of SK‐N‐SH (N) dramatically reduced cell proliferation and motility, and induced neuronal‐like differentiation, indicated by the appearance of the neuronal differentiation marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) after 5 days. ASA did not affect cell viability, but caused a time‐dependent accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, with a concomitant decrease in the percentage of cells in the G2 phase. These effects appear to be mediated by a COX‐independent mechanism involving an increase in p21Waf1 and underphosphorylated retinoblastoma (hypo‐pRb1) protein levels. These findings may support a potential role of ASA as adjunctive therapeutic agent in the clinical management of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pozzoli
- Institute of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Petrucci
- Institute of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Navarra
- Institute of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Hany E Marei
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Carlo Cenciarelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
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