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Menche C, Schuhwerk H, Armstark I, Gupta P, Fuchs K, van Roey R, Mosa MH, Hartebrodt A, Hajjaj Y, Clavel Ezquerra A, Selvaraju MK, Geppert CI, Bärthel S, Saur D, Greten FR, Brabletz S, Blumenthal DB, Weigert A, Brabletz T, Farin HF, Stemmler MP. ZEB1-mediated fibroblast polarization controls inflammation and sensitivity to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:3406-3431. [PMID: 38937629 PMCID: PMC11315988 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The EMT-transcription factor ZEB1 is heterogeneously expressed in tumor cells and in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). While ZEB1 in tumor cells regulates metastasis and therapy resistance, its role in CAFs is largely unknown. Combining fibroblast-specific Zeb1 deletion with immunocompetent mouse models of CRC, we observe that inflammation-driven tumorigenesis is accelerated, whereas invasion and metastasis in sporadic cancers are reduced. Single-cell transcriptomics, histological characterization, and in vitro modeling reveal a crucial role of ZEB1 in CAF polarization, promoting myofibroblastic features by restricting inflammatory activation. Zeb1 deficiency impairs collagen deposition and CAF barrier function but increases NFκB-mediated cytokine production, jointly promoting lymphocyte recruitment and immune checkpoint activation. Strikingly, the Zeb1-deficient CAF repertoire sensitizes to immune checkpoint inhibition, offering a therapeutic opportunity of targeting ZEB1 in CAFs and its usage as a prognostic biomarker. Collectively, we demonstrate that ZEB1-dependent plasticity of CAFs suppresses anti-tumor immunity and promotes metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Menche
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fuchs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mohammed H Mosa
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Anne Hartebrodt
- Biomedical Network Science Lab, Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yussuf Hajjaj
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ana Clavel Ezquerra
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manoj K Selvaraju
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carol I Geppert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bärthel
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian R Greten
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- German Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David B Blumenthal
- Biomedical Network Science Lab, Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Henner F Farin
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
- German Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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García-Hernández AP, Sánchez-Sánchez G, Carlos-Reyes A, López-Camarillo C. Functional roles of microRNAs in vasculogenic mimicry and resistance to therapy in human cancers: an update. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:913-926. [PMID: 38712535 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2352484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) alludes to the ability of cancer cells to organize on three-dimensional channel-like structures to obtain nutrients and oxygen. This mechanism confers an aggressive phenotype, metastatic potential, and resistance to chemotherapy resulting in a poor prognosis. Recent studies have been focused on the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate the VM representing potential therapeutic targets in cancer. AREAS COVERED An overview of the roles of miRNAs on VM development and their functional relationships with tumor microenvironment. The functions of cancer stem-like cells in VM, and resistance to therapy are also discussed. Moreover, the modulation of VM by natural compounds is explored. The clinical significance of deregulated miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets in tumors showing VM is further highlighted. EXPERT OPINION The miRNAs are regulators of protein-encoding genes involved in VM; however, their specific expression signatures with clinical value in large cohorts of patients have not been established yet. We considered that genomic profiling of miRNAs could be useful to define some hallmarks of tumors such as stemness, drug resistance, and VM in cancer patients. However, additional studies are needed to establish the relevant role of miRNAs as effective therapeutic targets in tumors that have developed VM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angeles Carlos-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Onco-Inmunobiología, Departamento de Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosio Villegas", Ciudad de México
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México
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3
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Schwab A, Rao Z, Zhang J, Gollowitzer A, Siebenkäs K, Bindel N, D'Avanzo E, van Roey R, Hajjaj Y, Özel E, Armstark I, Bereuter L, Su F, Grander J, Bonyadi Rad E, Groenewoud A, Engel FB, Bell GW, Henry WS, Angeli JPF, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Koeberle A, Brabletz T. Zeb1 mediates EMT/plasticity-associated ferroptosis sensitivity in cancer cells by regulating lipogenic enzyme expression and phospholipid composition. Nat Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41556-024-01464-1. [PMID: 39009641 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01464-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance and metastasis, the most fatal steps in cancer, are often triggered by a (partial) activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programme. A mesenchymal phenotype predisposes to ferroptosis, a cell death pathway exerted by an iron and oxygen-radical-mediated peroxidation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. We here show that various forms of EMT activation, including TGFβ stimulation and acquired therapy resistance, increase ferroptosis susceptibility in cancer cells, which depends on the EMT transcription factor Zeb1. We demonstrate that Zeb1 increases the ratio of phospholipids containing pro-ferroptotic polyunsaturated fatty acids over cyto-protective monounsaturated fatty acids by modulating the differential expression of the underlying crucial enzymes stearoyl-Co-A desaturase 1 (SCD), fatty acid synthase (FASN), fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), elongation of very long-chain fatty acid 5 (ELOVL5) and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4). Pharmacological inhibition of selected lipogenic enzymes (SCD and FADS2) allows the manipulation of ferroptosis sensitivity preferentially in high-Zeb1-expressing cancer cells. Our data are of potential translational relevance and suggest a combination of ferroptosis activators and SCD inhibitors for the treatment of aggressive cancers expressing high Zeb1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Schwab
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zhigang Rao
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jie Zhang
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - André Gollowitzer
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Siebenkäs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nino Bindel
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elisabetta D'Avanzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yussuf Hajjaj
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ece Özel
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leonhard Bereuter
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Fengting Su
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Grander
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ehsan Bonyadi Rad
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Arwin Groenewoud
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
| | - George W Bell
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Whitney S Henry
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Dept. of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - José Pedro Friedmann Angeli
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
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Cao Y, Lu C, Beeraka NM, Efetov S, Enikeev M, Fu Y, Yang X, Basappa B, He M, Li Z. Exploring the relationship between anastasis and mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis in metastatic chemoresistant cancers: a call for investigation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1428920. [PMID: 39015566 PMCID: PMC11249567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1428920] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis induces significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, including membrane condensation, volume reduction, cristae alteration, and outer membrane rupture, affecting mitochondrial function and cellular fate. Recent reports have described the intrinsic cellular iron metabolism and its intricate connection to ferroptosis, a significant kind of cell death characterized by iron dependence and oxidative stress regulation. Furthermore, updated molecular insights have elucidated the significance of mitochondria in ferroptosis and its implications in various cancers. In the context of cancer therapy, understanding the dual role of anastasis and ferroptosis in chemoresistance is crucial. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in anastasis may enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis inducers, providing a synergistic approach to overcome chemoresistance. Research into how DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, metabolic changes, and redox states interact during anastasis and ferroptosis can offer new insights into designing combinatorial therapeutic regimens against several cancers associated with stemness. These treatments could potentially inhibit anastasis while simultaneously inducing ferroptosis, thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer cells evading death and developing resistance to chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, EMT and chemoresistance, and immunotherapeutics to better understand their collective impact on cancer therapy outcomes. We searched public research databases including google scholar, PubMed, relemed, and the national library of medicine related to this topic. In this review, we discussed the interplay between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis implicated in modulating ferroptosis, adding complexity to its regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, the regulatory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the electron transport chain (ETC) in ferroptosis has garnered significant attention. Lipid metabolism, particularly involving GPX4 and System Xc- plays a significant role in both the progression of ferroptosis and cancer. There is a need to investigate the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, and chemoresistance to better understand cancer therapy clinical outcomes. Integrating anastasis, and ferroptosis into strategies targeting chemoresistance and exploring its potential synergy with immunotherapy represent promising avenues for advancing chemoresistant cancer treatment. Understanding the intricate interplay among mitochondria, anastasis, ROS, and ferroptosis is vital in oncology, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Chang Lu
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Narasimha M. Beeraka
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Anantapuramu, Chiyyedu, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sergey Efetov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Enikeev
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu Fu
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Xinyi Yang
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Basappa Basappa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Studies in Organic Chemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mingze He
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Zhi Li
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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5
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Liu W, Zhang X, Sunakawa H, Perera LMB, Martha L, Mizoi K, Ogihara T. Mechanism of Induction of P-gp Activity During MET Induced by DEX in Lung Cancer Cell Line. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1674-1681. [PMID: 38432625 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer metastasis often leads to a poor prognosis for patients. Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is one key process associated with metastasis. MET has also been linked to multidrug drug resistance (MDR). MDR arises from the overactivity of drug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which operate at the cell plasma membrane, under the regulatory control of the scaffold proteins ezrin (Ezr), radixin (Rdx), and moesin (Msn), collectively known as ERM proteins. The current study was intended to clarify the functional changing of P-gp and the underlying mechanisms in the context of dexamethasone (DEX)-induced MET in lung cancer cells. We found that the mRNA and membrane protein expression of Ezr and P-gp was increased in response to DEX treatment. Moreover, the DEX-treated group exhibited an increase in Rho123 efflux, and it was reversed by treatment with the P-gp inhibitor verapamil or Ezr siRNA. The decrease in cell viability with paclitaxel (PTX) treatment was mitigated by pretreatment with DEX. The increased expression and activation of P-gp during the progression of lung cancer MET was regulated by Ezr. The regulatory mechanism of P-gp expression and activity may differ depending on the cell status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyang Liu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Japan.
| | - Xieyi Zhang
- Research Institute for Science & Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sunakawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Japan
| | | | - Larasati Martha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Japan
| | - Kenta Mizoi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan
| | - Takuo Ogihara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Japan
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6
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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7
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Huang Y, Zhang R, Lyu H, Xiao S, Guo D, Chen XZ, Zhou C, Tang J. LncRNAs as nodes for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt signaling in pancreatic cancer drug resistance. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2698-2726. [PMID: 38725864 PMCID: PMC11077374 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.91832] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy with high mortality. In addition to the few symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage, the high fatality rate is attributed to its rapid development, drug resistance and lack of appropriate treatment. In the selection and research of therapeutic drugs, gemcitabine is the first-line drug for pancreatic cancer. Solving the problem of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer will contribute to the progress of pancreatic cancer treatment. Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, play vital roles in cellular physiological metabolic activities. Currently, our group and others have found that some lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells, which can regulate the process of cancer through autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin pathways simultaneously and affect the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapeutic drugs. This review presents an overview of the recent evidence concerning the node of lncRNA for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in pancreatic cancer, together with the practicability of lncRNAs and the core regulatory factors as targets in therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Huang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Rui Zhang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Hao Lyu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Shuai Xiao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Dong Guo
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Xing-Zhen Chen
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G2R3
| | - Cefan Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
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8
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Bagheri M, Mohamed GA, Mohamed Saleem MA, Ognjenovic NB, Lu H, Kolling FW, Wilkins OM, Das S, LaCroix IS, Nagaraj SH, Muller KE, Gerber SA, Miller TW, Pattabiraman DR. Pharmacological induction of chromatin remodeling drives chemosensitization in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101504. [PMID: 38593809 PMCID: PMC11031425 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted therapies have improved outcomes for certain cancer subtypes, but cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a mainstay for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program co-opted by cancer cells that promotes metastasis and chemoresistance. There are no therapeutic strategies specifically targeting mesenchymal-like cancer cells. We report that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved chemotherapeutic eribulin induces ZEB1-SWI/SNF-directed chromatin remodeling to reverse EMT that curtails the metastatic propensity of TNBC preclinical models. Eribulin induces mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in primary TNBC in patients, but conventional chemotherapy does not. In the treatment-naive setting, but not after acquired resistance to other agents, eribulin sensitizes TNBC cells to subsequent treatment with other chemotherapeutics. These findings provide an epigenetic mechanism of action of eribulin, supporting its use early in the disease process for MET induction to prevent metastatic progression and chemoresistance. These findings warrant prospective clinical evaluation of the chemosensitizing effects of eribulin in the treatment-naive setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Bagheri
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Gadisti Aisha Mohamed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Nevena B Ognjenovic
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Hanxu Lu
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Fred W Kolling
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Owen M Wilkins
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Ian S LaCroix
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Shivashankar H Nagaraj
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kristen E Muller
- Department of Pathology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Todd W Miller
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Diwakar R Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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9
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Din ZU, Cui B, Wang C, Zhang X, Mehmood A, Peng F, Liu Q. Crosstalk between lipid metabolism and EMT: emerging mechanisms and cancer therapy. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04995-1. [PMID: 38622439 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04995-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Lipids are the key component of all membranes composed of a variety of molecules that transduce intracellular signaling and provide energy to the cells in the absence of nutrients. Alteration in lipid metabolism is a major factor for cancer heterogeneity and a newly identified cancer hallmark. Reprogramming of lipid metabolism affects the diverse cancer phenotypes, especially epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT activation is considered to be an essential step for tumor metastasis, which exhibits a crucial role in the biological processes including development, wound healing, and stem cell maintenance, and has been widely reported to contribute pathologically to cancer progression. Altered lipid metabolism triggers EMT and activates multiple EMT-associated oncogenic pathways. Although the role of lipid metabolism-induced EMT in tumorigenesis is an attractive field of research, there are still significant gaps in understanding the underlying mechanisms and the precise contributions of this interplay. Further study is needed to clarify the specific molecular mechanisms driving the crosstalk between lipid metabolism and EMT, as well as to determine the potential therapeutic implications. The increased dependency of tumor cells on lipid metabolism represents a novel therapeutic target, and targeting altered lipid metabolism holds promise as a strategy to suppress EMT and ultimately inhibit metastasis.
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Grants
- 2022YFA1104002 National Key R&D Program of China
- 2022YFA1104002 National Key R&D Program of China
- 2022YFA1104002 National Key R&D Program of China
- 2022YFA1104002 National Key R&D Program of China
- No. 82373096, No. 82273480, No. 82002960, No. 82003141 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- No. 82373096, No. 82273480, No. 82002960, No. 82003141 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- No. 82373096, No. 82273480, No. 82002960, No. 82003141 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- No. 82373096, No. 82273480, No. 82002960, No. 82003141 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 2023JH2/101600019 to FP Applied Basic Research Planning Project of Liaoning
- 2023JH2/101600019 to FP Applied Basic Research Planning Project of Liaoning
- 2023JH2/101600019 to FP Applied Basic Research Planning Project of Liaoning
- 2023JH2/101600019 to FP Applied Basic Research Planning Project of Liaoning
- 2023RY013 Science and Technology Talent Innovation Support Policy Implementation Program of Dalian-Outstanding young scientific and technological talents
- 2023RY013 Science and Technology Talent Innovation Support Policy Implementation Program of Dalian-Outstanding young scientific and technological talents
- 2023RY013 Science and Technology Talent Innovation Support Policy Implementation Program of Dalian-Outstanding young scientific and technological talents
- 2023RY013 Science and Technology Talent Innovation Support Policy Implementation Program of Dalian-Outstanding young scientific and technological talents
- 2021RQ004 Dalian High-level Talents Innovation Support Program-Young Science and Technology Star
- 2021RQ004 Dalian High-level Talents Innovation Support Program-Young Science and Technology Star
- 2021RQ004 Dalian High-level Talents Innovation Support Program-Young Science and Technology Star
- 2021RQ004 Dalian High-level Talents Innovation Support Program-Young Science and Technology Star
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaheer Ud Din
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Institute of Aging Research, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Bai Cui
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Cenxin Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Arshad Mehmood
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Fei Peng
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, 9 Western Section, Lvshun South Street, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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10
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Uslu C, Kapan E, Lyakhovich A. Cancer resistance and metastasis are maintained through oxidative phosphorylation. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216705. [PMID: 38373691 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Malignant tumors have increased energy requirements due to growth, differentiation or response to stress. A significant number of studies in recent years have described upregulation of mitochondrial genes responsible for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in some tumors. Although OXPHOS is replaced by glycolysis in some tumors (Warburg effect), both processes can occur simultaneously during the evolution of the same malignancies. In particular, chemoresistant and/or cancer stem cells appear to find a way to activate OXPHOS and metastasize. In this paper, we discuss recent work showing upregulation of OXPHOS in chemoresistant tumors and cell models. In addition, we show an inverse correlation of OXPHOS gene expression with the survival time of cancer patients after chemotherapy and discuss combination therapies for resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemile Uslu
- Sabanci University, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Turkey
| | - Eda Kapan
- Sabanci University, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Turkey
| | - Alex Lyakhovich
- Sabanci University, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Turkey.
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11
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Chen T, Jia W, Zhang B, Xie H, Wu Q. EMT transcription factors activated circuits: A novel tool to study EMT dynamics and its therapeutic implications. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:1-10. [PMID: 38173810 PMCID: PMC10758624 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.11.010] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays significant roles in the progression of cancer and fibrotic disease. Moreover, this process is reversible, resulting in mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET), which plays an important role in cancer metastasis. There is a lack of methods to trace and target EMT cells using synthetic biology circuits, which makes it difficult to study the cell fate or develop targeted treatments. In this study, we introduced responsive EMT sensing circuits, which sense the EMT using specific promoters that respond to transcription factors typical of EMT activation (EMT-TFs). The transcriptional strength of EMT-sensing promoters decreased more than 13-fold in response to the overexpression of the EMT-TF. Then, the NOT gate circuits were built by placing the tetR transcription repressor under the control of EMT sensing promoters and expressed an output signal using the constitutive CMV promoter modified with tetO sites This circuit is named EMT sensing and responding circuits .When the EMT transcription factors was present, we observed a 5.8-fold signal increase in the system. Then, we successfully distinguished mesenchymal breast cancer cells from epithelial cancer cells and repressed the proliferation of EMT tumor cells using our circuits. The EMT sensing and responding circuits are promising tools for the identification of EMT cells, which is crucial for EMT-related disease therapy and investigating the mechanisms underlying the reversible EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianying Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wangyue Jia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hanqi Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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12
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Bassani B, Simonetti G, Cancila V, Fiorino A, Ciciarello M, Piva A, Khorasani AM, Chiodoni C, Lecis D, Gulino A, Fonzi E, Botti L, Portararo P, Costanza M, Brambilla M, Colombo G, Schwaller J, Tzankov A, Ponzoni M, Ciceri F, Bolli N, Curti A, Tripodo C, Colombo MP, Sangaletti S. ZEB1 shapes AML immunological niches, suppressing CD8 T cell activity while fostering Th17 cell expansion. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113794. [PMID: 38363677 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression is influenced by immune suppression induced by leukemia cells. ZEB1, a critical transcription factor in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, demonstrates immune regulatory functions in AML. Silencing ZEB1 in leukemic cells reduces engraftment and extramedullary disease in immune-competent mice, activating CD8 T lymphocytes and limiting Th17 cell expansion. ZEB1 in AML cells directly promotes Th17 cell development that, in turn, creates a self-sustaining loop and a pro-invasive phenotype, favoring transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and SOCS2 gene transcription. In bone marrow biopsies from AML patients, immunohistochemistry shows a direct correlation between ZEB1 and Th17. Also, the analysis of ZEB1 expression in larger datasets identifies two distinct AML groups, ZEB1high and ZEB1low, each with specific immunological and molecular traits. ZEB1high patients exhibit increased IL-17, SOCS2, and TGF-β pathways and a negative association with overall survival. This unveils ZEB1's dual role in AML, entwining pro-tumoral and immune regulatory capacities in AML blasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bassani
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Human Pathology Section, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Fiorino
- Predictive Medicine: Molecular Bases of Genetic Risk Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marilena Ciciarello
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza," Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annamaria Piva
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Arman Mandegar Khorasani
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Chiodoni
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Lecis
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eugenio Fonzi
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori," Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Laura Botti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Portararo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Costanza
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Brambilla
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Colombo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- University Children's Hospital Basel & Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- IRCCS Ospedale S. Raffaele, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- IRCCS Ospedale S. Raffaele, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Niccolò Bolli
- Hematology Division, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Curti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, Institute of Hematology "Seràgnoli," Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Human Pathology Section, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; IFOM-ETS-The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario P Colombo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sabina Sangaletti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Maurya SK, Rehman AU, Zaidi MAA, Khan P, Gautam SK, Santamaria-Barria JA, Siddiqui JA, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic alterations fuel brain metastasis via regulating inflammatory cascade. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:261-274. [PMID: 36379848 PMCID: PMC10198579 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is a major threat to the survival of melanoma, breast, and lung cancer patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and sustain in the brain microenvironment. Genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications have been found to be critical in controlling key aspects of cancer metastasis. Metastasizing cells confront inflammation and gradually adapt in the unique brain microenvironment. Currently, it is one of the major areas that has gained momentum. Researchers are interested in the factors that modulate neuroinflammation during BrM. We review here various epigenetic factors and mechanisms modulating neuroinflammation and how this helps CTCs to adapt and survive in the brain microenvironment. Since epigenetic changes could be modulated by targeting enzymes such as histone/DNA methyltransferase, deacetylases, acetyltransferases, and demethylases, we also summarize our current understanding of potential drugs targeting various aspects of epigenetic regulation in BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Asad Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Mohd Ali Abbas Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | | | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA.
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14
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Khan SU, Fatima K, Aisha S, Malik F. Unveiling the mechanisms and challenges of cancer drug resistance. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:109. [PMID: 38347575 PMCID: PMC10860306 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment faces many hurdles and resistance is one among them. Anti-cancer treatment strategies are evolving due to innate and acquired resistance capacity, governed by genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, metabolic, or microenvironmental cues that ultimately enable selected cancer cells to survive and progress under unfavorable conditions. Although the mechanism of drug resistance is being widely studied to generate new target-based drugs with better potency than existing ones. However, due to the broader flexibility in acquired drug resistance, advanced therapeutic options with better efficacy need to be explored. Combination therapy is an alternative with a better success rate though the risk of amplified side effects is commonplace. Moreover, recent groundbreaking precision immune therapy is one of the ways to overcome drug resistance and has revolutionized anticancer therapy to a greater extent with the only limitation of being individual-specific and needs further attention. This review will focus on the challenges and strategies opted by cancer cells to withstand the current therapies at the molecular level and also highlights the emerging therapeutic options -like immunological, and stem cell-based options that may prove to have better potential to challenge the existing problem of therapy resistance. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Shariqa Aisha
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
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15
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Li M, Wang X, Chen X, Hong J, Du Y, Song D. GK921, a transglutaminase inhibitor, strengthens the antitumor effect of cisplatin on pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166925. [PMID: 38084873 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), a common digestive malignant tumor, presents high mortality rates and limited treatment methods. Currently, chemotherapy remains the main therapy method for patients with PAAD. As a classical chemotherapy drug, cisplatin (DDP) is limited by dose-related toxicity in patients with PAAD. In this study, we demonstrated that TGM2 may be a treatment and prognosis marker in pancreatic cancer patients. Co-treatment of low dose of DDP and GK921, a transglutaminase (TGM2) inhibitor, is capable of synergistically inhibiting the PAAD cell viability and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Based on in vitro study, GK921 inhibited the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGM2 as well as aggravated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis resulted from DDP, making pancreatic cancer cells more sensible to DDP. Our results showed that GK921 increased the protein levels regarding E-cadherin as well as decreased the protein level regarding Snail2, N-cadherin, which indicated that GK921 inhibited EMT in pancreatic cancer cells. Snail2 overexpression inhibited GK921/DDP-induced cell apoptosis, as well as mitigated the GK921/DDP-caused cell death and the EMT inhibition. In vivo studies also found GK921/DDP combination can further inhibit the growth of PAAD without significantly side effects. To sum up, we showed that GK921 increased PAAD cells sensitivity to DDP via inhibiting EMT. As revealed, DDP/GK921 co-treatment could promisingly serve for treating PAAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuanzhong Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jinghui Hong
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Du
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dong Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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16
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Barzegar S, Pirouzpanah S. Zinc finger proteins and ATP-binding cassette transporter-dependent multidrug resistance. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14120. [PMID: 37930002 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a significant challenge in cancer treatment, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Dysregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters has been identified as a key contributor to MDR. Zinc finger proteins (ZNPs) are key regulators of transcription and have emerged as potential contributors to cancer drug resistance. Bridging the knowledge gap between ZNPs and MDR is essential to understand a source of heterogeneity in cancer treatment. This review sought to elucidate how different ZNPs modulate the transcriptional regulation of ABC genes, contributing to resistance to cancer therapies. METHODS The search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Web of Science. RESULTS In addition to ABC-blockers, the transcriptional features regulated by ZNP are expected to play a role in reversing ABC-mediated MDR and predicting the efficacy of anticancer treatments. Among the ZNP-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition, SNAIL, SLUG and Zebs have been identified as important factors in promoting MDR through activation of ATM, NFκB and PI3K/Akt pathways, exposing the metabolism to potential ZNP-MDR interactions. Additionally, nuclear receptors, such as VDR, ER and PXR have been found to modulate certain ABC regulations. Other C2H2-type zinc fingers, including Kruppel-like factors, Gli and Sp also have the potential to contribute to MDR. CONCLUSION Besides reviewing evidence on the effects of ZNP dysregulation on ABC-related chemoresistance in malignancies, significant markers of ZNP functions are discussed to highlight the clinical implications of gene-to-gene and microenvironment-to-gene interactions on MDR prospects. Future research on ZNP-derived biomarkers is crucial for addressing heterogeneity in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Barzegar
- Shahid Madani Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Pirouzpanah
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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17
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Uehara M, Domoto T, Takenaka S, Takeuchi O, Shimasaki T, Miyashita T, Minamoto T. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β: the nexus of chemoresistance, invasive capacity, and cancer stemness in pancreatic cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:4. [PMID: 38318525 PMCID: PMC10838383 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a significant clinical challenge due to the limited number of patients eligible for curative (R0) surgery, failures in the clinical development of targeted and immune therapies, and the pervasive acquisition of chemotherapeutic resistance. Refractory pancreatic cancer is typified by high invasiveness and resistance to therapy, with both attributes related to tumor cell stemness. These malignant characteristics mutually enhance each other, leading to rapid cancer progression. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have produced evidence of the pivotal role of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β in the progression of over 25 different cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the pathological roles of aberrant GSK3β in supporting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, as well as its contribution to gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Importantly, we discuss the central role of GSK3β as a molecular hub that mechanistically connects chemoresistance, tumor cell invasion, and stemness in pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the involvement of GSK3β in the formation of desmoplastic tumor stroma and in promoting anti-cancer immune evasion, both of which constitute major obstacles to successful cancer treatment. Overall, GSK3β has characteristics of a promising therapeutic target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Uehara
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Takahiro Domoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Satoshi Takenaka
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Osamu Takeuchi
- Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Research, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Takeo Shimasaki
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Miyashita
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Toshinari Minamoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
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18
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Carrera-Aguado I, Marcos-Zazo L, Carrancio-Salán P, Guerra-Paes E, Sánchez-Juanes F, Muñoz-Félix JM. The Inhibition of Vessel Co-Option as an Emerging Strategy for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:921. [PMID: 38255995 PMCID: PMC10815934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic mechanism of vascularization that has been associated to anti-angiogenic therapy. In VCO, cancer cells hijack the pre-existing blood vessels and use them to obtain oxygen and nutrients and invade adjacent tissue. Multiple primary tumors and metastases undergo VCO in highly vascularized tissues such as the lungs, liver or brain. VCO has been associated with a worse prognosis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that undergo VCO are poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that co-opted vessels show a quiescent phenotype in contrast to angiogenic tumor blood vessels. On the other hand, it is believed that during VCO, cancer cells are adhered to basement membrane from pre-existing blood vessels by using integrins, show enhanced motility and a mesenchymal phenotype. Other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as extracellular matrix, immune cells or extracellular vesicles play important roles in vessel co-option maintenance. There are no strategies to inhibit VCO, and thus, to eliminate resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes all the molecular mechanisms involved in vessel co-option analyzing the possible therapeutic strategies to inhibit this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Carrera-Aguado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Marcos-Zazo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Carrancio-Salán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Guerra-Paes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Juanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M. Muñoz-Félix
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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19
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Neo SY, Oliveira MMS, Tong L, Chen Y, Chen Z, Cismas S, Burduli N, Malmerfelt A, Teo JKH, Lam KP, Alici E, Girnita L, Wagner AK, Westerberg LS, Lundqvist A. Natural killer cells drive 4-1BBL positive uveal melanoma towards EMT and metastatic disease. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:13. [PMID: 38191418 PMCID: PMC10775428 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02917-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation in the eye is often associated with aggravated ocular diseases such as uveal melanoma (UM). Poor prognosis of UM is generally associated with high potential of metastatic liver dissemination. A strong driver of metastatic dissemination is the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulating transcription factor ZEB1, and high expression of ZEB1 is associated with aggressiveness of UM. While ZEB1 expression can be also associated with immune tolerance, the underlying drivers of ZEB1 activation remain unclear. METHODS Transcriptomic, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses were used to investigate the impact on clinical prognosis of immune infiltration in the ocular tumor microenvironment. A metastatic liver dissemination model of was developed to address the role of natural killer (NK) cells in driving the migration of UM. RESULTS In a pan-cancer TCGA analysis, natural killer (NK) cells were associated with worse overall survival in uveal melanoma and more abundant in high-risk monosomy 3 tumors. Furthermore, uveal melanoma expressed high levels of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 4-1BB ligand, particularly in tumors with monosomy 3 and BAP1 mutations. Tumors expressing 4-1BB ligand induced CD73 expression on NK cells accompanied with the ability to promote tumor dissemination. Through ligation of 4-1BB, NK cells induced the expression of the ZEB1 transcription factor, leading to the formation of liver metastasis of uveal melanoma. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the present study demonstrates a role of NK cells in the aggravation of uveal melanoma towards metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yong Neo
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariana M S Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Le Tong
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Ziqing Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Sonia Cismas
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nutsa Burduli
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Malmerfelt
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joey Kay Hui Teo
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kong-Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Evren Alici
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leonard Girnita
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arnika K Wagner
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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20
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Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T. Mutual regulation of TGFβ-induced oncogenic EMT, cell cycle progression and the DDR. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:86-103. [PMID: 38029866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR) are two cellular toolboxes with a strong impact on cancer biology. While TGFβ as a pleiotropic cytokine affects essentially all hallmarks of cancer, the multifunctional DDR mostly orchestrates cell cycle progression, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling and cell death. One oncogenic effect of TGFβ is the partial activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), conferring invasiveness, cellular plasticity and resistance to various noxae. Several reports show that both individual networks as well as their interface affect chemo-/radiotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved. EMT often correlates with TGFβ-induced slowing of proliferation, yet numerous studies demonstrate that particularly the co-activated EMT transcription factors counteract anti-proliferative signaling in a partially non-redundant manner. Collectively, evidence piled up over decades underscore a multifaceted, reciprocal inter-connection of TGFβ signaling / EMT with the DDR / cell cycle progression, which we will discuss here. Altogether, we conclude that full cell cycle arrest is barely compatible with the propagation of oncogenic EMT traits and further propose that 'EMT-linked DDR plasticity' is a crucial, yet intricate facet of malignancy, decisively affecting metastasis formation and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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21
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Ram T, Singh AK, Kumar A, Singh H, Pathak P, Grishina M, Khalilullah H, Jaremko M, Emwas AH, Verma A, Kumar P. MEK inhibitors in cancer treatment: structural insights, regulation, recent advances and future perspectives. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1837-1857. [PMID: 37859720 PMCID: PMC10583825 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00145h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MEK1/2 are critical components of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK or MAPK signalling pathway that regulates a variety of cellular functions including proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In 1997, a lung cancer cell line was first found to have a MEK mutation (encoding MEK2P298L). MEK is involved in various human cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), spurious melanoma, and pancreatic, colorectal, basal, breast, and liver cancer. To date, 4 MEK inhibitors i.e., trametinib, cobimetinib, selumetinib, and binimetinib have been approved by the FDA and several are under clinical trials. In this review, we have highlighted structural insights into the MEK1/2 proteins, such as the αC-helix, catalytic loop, P-loop, F-helix, hydrophobic pocket, and DFG motif. We have also discussed current issues with all FDA-approved MEK inhibitors or drugs under clinical trials and combination therapies to improve the efficacy of clinical drugs. Finally, this study addressed recent developments on synthetic MEK inhibitors (from their discovery in 1997 to 2022), their unique properties, and their relevance to MEK mutant inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teja Ram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Ankit Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Adarsh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Harshwardhan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Prateek Pathak
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University Chelyabinsk 454008 Russia
- Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GITAM School of Pharmacy at "Hyderabad Campus", GITAM (Deemed to be University) India
| | - Maria Grishina
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University Chelyabinsk 454008 Russia
| | - Habibullah Khalilullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University Unayzah 51911 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic and Med. Chem. Res., Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Prayagraj 211007 India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
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22
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Kotian S, Carnes RM, Stern JL. Enhancing Transcriptional Reprogramming of Mesenchymal Glioblastoma with Grainyhead-like 2 and HDAC Inhibitors Leads to Apoptosis and Cell-Cycle Dysregulation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1787. [PMID: 37761927 PMCID: PMC10530281 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells exhibit mesenchymal properties which are thought to play significant roles in therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. An important question is whether impairment of the mesenchymal state of GBM can sensitize these tumors to therapeutic intervention. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) are being tested in GBM for their ability promote mesenchymal-to-epithelial transcriptional (MET) reprogramming, and for their cancer-specific ability to dysregulate the cell cycle and induce apoptosis. We set out to enhance the transcriptional reprogramming and apoptotic effects of HDACi in GBM by introducing an epithelial transcription factor, Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2), to specifically counter the mesenchymal state. GRHL2 significantly enhanced HDACi-mediated MET reprogramming. Surprisingly, we found that inducing GRHL2 in glioma stem cells (GSCs) altered cell-cycle drivers and promoted aneuploidy. Mass spectrometry analysis of GRHL2 interacting proteins revealed association with several key mitotic factors, suggesting their exogenous expression disrupted the established mitotic program in GBM. Associated with this cell-cycle dysregulation, the combination of GRHL2 and HDACi induced elevated levels of apoptosis. The key implication of our study is that although genetic strategies to repress the mesenchymal properties of glioblastoma may be effective, biological interactions of epithelial factors in mesenchymal cancer cells may dysregulate normal homeostatic cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josh L. Stern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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23
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Mehmood SA, Sahu KK, Sengupta S, Partap S, Karpoormath R, Kumar B, Kumar D. Recent advancement of HDAC inhibitors against breast cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:201. [PMID: 37294406 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies highlight the great potential impact of HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) in suppressing TNBC, even though clinical trials including a single HDACis demonstrated unsatisfactory outcomes against TNBC. New compounds created to achieve isoform selectivity and/or a polypharmacological HDAC strategy have also produced interesting results. The current study discusses the HDACis pharmacophoric models and the structural alterations that produced drugs with strong inhibitory effects on TNBC progression. With more than 2 million new cases reported in 2018, breast cancer-the most common cancer among women worldwide-poses a significant financial burden on an already deteriorating public health system. Due to a lack of therapies being developed for triple-negative breast cancers and the development of resistance to the current treatment options, it is imperative to plan novel therapeutics in order to bring new medications to the pipeline. Additionally, HDACs deacetylate a large number of nonhistone cellular substrates that control a variety of biological processes, such as the beginning and development of cancer. The significance of HDACs in cancer and the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitor. Furthermore, we also reported molecular docking study with four HDAC inhibitors and performed molecular dynamic stimulation of the best dock score compound. Among the four ligands belinostat compound showed best binding affinity with histone deacetylase protein which was -8.7 kJ/mol. It also formed five conventional hydrogen bond with Gly 841, His 669, His 670, pro 809, and His 709 amino acid residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Abdulla Mehmood
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Humdard University, New Delhi, India
| | - Kantrol Kumar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sounok Sengupta
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sangh Partap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Rajshekhar Karpoormath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Brajesh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, TATA College, Kolhan University, Chaibasa, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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24
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Kulkarni AS, Dash A, Shingare RD, Chand J, Manhas D, Singh A, Nandi U, Goswami A, Srinivasa Reddy D. Identification of new modulator of DNA repairing pathways based on natural product (±)-peharmaline A. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 91:117365. [PMID: 37392722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The complex heterogenic environment of tumour mass often leads to drug resistance and facilitate chemo insensitivity triggering more malignant phenotypes among cancer patients. Major DNA-damaging cancer drugs have been consistently proven unsuccessful in terms of elevating chemo-resistance. (±)-peharmaline A, a hybrid natural product isolated from seeds of Peganum harmala L. possesses significant cytotoxic activities. Herein, we have described the design, and synthesis of a novel library of close and simplified analogues around the anticancer natural product (±)-peharmaline A and investigated their cytotoxic activities, which led to the identification of three structurally simplified lead compounds exhibiting better potency than parent natural product. Among them, demethoxy analogue of peharmaline A was further investigated for its anticancer potential eliciting demethoxy analogue as potent DNA-damage inducing agent attenuating the expression of the proteins responsible for the DNA damage repair. Therefore, this demethoxy analogue warrants detailed investigations for the confirmations of the molecular mechanism-based studies responsible for its anticancer activity. ______________________________________________________________________________.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay S Kulkarni
- Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Anshurekha Dash
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Rahul D Shingare
- Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Jagdish Chand
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Diksha Manhas
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Aman Singh
- Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Anindya Goswami
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India.
| | - D Srinivasa Reddy
- Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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25
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Bagheri M, Aisha Mohamed G, Mohamed Saleem MA, Ognjenovic NB, Lu H, Kolling FW, Wilkins OM, Das S, La Croix IS, Nagaraj SH, Muller KE, Gerber SA, Miller TW, Pattabiraman DR. Pharmacological Induction of mesenchymal-epithelial transition chemosensitizes breast cancer cells and prevents metastatic progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.19.537586. [PMID: 37131809 PMCID: PMC10153261 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.19.537586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program co-opted by tumor cells that aids the initiation of the metastatic cascade. Tumor cells that undergo EMT are relatively chemoresistant, and there are currently no therapeutic avenues specifically targeting cells that have acquired mesenchymal traits. We show that treatment of mesenchymal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells with the microtubule-destabilizing chemotherapeutic eribulin, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, leads to a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). This MET is accompanied by loss of metastatic propensity and sensitization to subsequent treatment with other FDA-approved chemotherapeutics. We uncover a novel epigenetic mechanism of action that supports eribulin pretreatment as a path to MET induction that curtails metastatic progression and the evolution of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Bagheri
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Gadisti Aisha Mohamed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | | | - Nevena B. Ognjenovic
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | - Hanxu Lu
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | - Fred W. Kolling
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Owen M. Wilkins
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755 USA
| | | | - Ian S. La Croix
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | - Shivashankar H. Nagaraj
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kristen E. Muller
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Scott A. Gerber
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Todd W. Miller
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Diwakar R. Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
- Lead contact
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26
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Ono H, Murase Y, Yamashita H, Kato T, Asano D, Ishikawa Y, Watanabe S, Ueda H, Akahoshi K, Ogawa K, Kudo A, Akiyama Y, Tanaka S, Tanabe M. RRM1 is mediated by histone acetylation through gemcitabine resistance and contributes to invasiveness and ECM remodeling in pancreatic cancer. Int J Oncol 2023; 62:51. [PMID: 36866763 PMCID: PMC10019754 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasiveness of pancreatic cancer and its resistance to anticancer drugs define its malignant potential, and are considered to affect the peritumoral microenvironment. Cancer cells with resistance to gemcitabine exposed to external signals induced by anticancer drugs may enhance their malignant transformation. Ribonucleotide reductase large subunit M1 (RRM1), an enzyme in the DNA synthesis pathway, is upregulated during gemcitabine resistance, and its expression is associated with worse prognosis for pancreatic cancer. However, the biological function of RRM1 is unclear. In the present study, it was demonstrated that histone acetylation is involved in the regulatory mechanism related to the acquisition of gemcitabine resistance and subsequent RRM1 upregulation. The current in vitro study indicated that RRM1 expression is critical for the migratory and invasive potential of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, a comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis showed that activated RRM1 induced marked changes in the expression levels of extracellular matrix‑related genes, including N‑cadherin, tenascin‑C and COL11A. RRM1 activation also promoted extracellular matrix remodeling and mesenchymal features, which enhanced the migratory invasiveness and malignant potential of pancreatic cancer cells. The present results demonstrated that RRM1 has a critical role in the biological gene program that regulates the extracellular matrix, which promotes the aggressive malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Ono
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Murase
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Hironari Yamashita
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Kato
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Daisuke Asano
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ishikawa
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Shuichi Watanabe
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ueda
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Keiichi Akahoshi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ogawa
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kudo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Akiyama
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113‑8510, Japan
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Fratini L, Dalmolin MGS, Sinigaglia M, da Silveira Perla A, de Farias CB, Brunetto AL, Brunetto AT, da Cunha Jaeger M, Roesler R. ZEB1 is a Subgroup-Specific Marker of Prognosis and Potential Drug Target in Medulloblastoma. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:64-74. [PMID: 35716340 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-022-08716-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant brain tumor that afflicts mostly children and adolescents and presents four distinct molecular subgroups, known as WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. ZEB1 is a transcription factor that promotes the expression of mesenchymal markers while restraining expression of epithelial and polarity genes. Because of ZEB1 involvement in cerebellum development, here we investigated the role of ZEB1 in MB. We found increased expression of ZEB1 in MB tumor samples compared to normal cerebellar tissue. Expression was higher in the SHH subgroup when compared to all other MB molecular subgroups. High ZEB1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in Group 3 and Group 4, whereas in patients with WNT tumors poorer prognosis were related to lower ZEB1 expression. There was a moderate correlation between ZEB1 and MYC expression in Group 3 and Group 4 MB. Treatment with the immunomodulator and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor fingolimod (FTY720) reduced ZEB1 expression specifically in D283 cells, which are representative of Group 3 and Group 4 MB. These findings reveal novel subgroup-specific associations of ZEB1 expression with survival in patients with MB and suggest that ZEB1 expression can be reduced by pharmacological agents that target HDAC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Fratini
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Gibeke Siqueira Dalmolin
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Marialva Sinigaglia
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Alexandre da Silveira Perla
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
- Neurology Service, São José Hospital, Santa Casa de Misericórdia Porto Alegre Hospital Complex, Porto Alegre, RS, 90020-090, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Algemir L Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - André T Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Mariane da Cunha Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
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28
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Gao D, Xu X, Liu L, Liu L, Zhang X, Liang X, Cen L, Liu Q, Yuan X, Yu Z. Combination of Peglated-H1/HGFK1 Nanoparticles and TAE in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:505-518. [PMID: 36094649 PMCID: PMC9832107 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04153-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Transarterial embolization (TAE) constitutes the gold standard for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The effect of combination of TAE and peglated-H1/HGFK1 nanoparticles was explored on hepatocellular carcinoma. MTT and Annexin V-FITC were used to determine the cell viability and apoptosis of HepG2, ml-1, LO2, and VX2 cells after the treatment of HGFK1. Next, the orthotopic rabbit was selected to establish the in situ models of VX2 hepatocellular carcinoma. Nanoparticles were synthesized with peglated-PH1 and used to deliver HGFK1 overexpressing plasmids. MRI was performed to monitor tumor volume after being treated with TAE. The protein expression levels of CD31, CD90, and Ki67 were determined by immunohistochemistry. H&E and TUNEL staining were used to determine the necrosis and apoptosis in vivo. HGFK1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of HepG2 and ml-1 cells (P < 0.05). MRI on 14 days after modeling suggested that the tumor showed ring enhancement. MRI on 7 days and 14 days after interventional therapy showed that tumor volume was significantly inhibited after the treatment with TAE and HGFK1 (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical results 7 days after interventional therapy indicated that the expressions of CD31, CD90, and Ki67 were significantly lower after treatment with TAE and HGFK1 (P < 0.05). TAE and HGFK1 all extended the survival period of rabbits (P < 0.05). PH1/HGFK1 nanoparticle is an innovative and effective embolic agent, which could limit angiogenesis post-TAE treatment. The combination of TAE with PH1/HGFK1 is a promising strategy and might alter the way that surgeons manage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhi Gao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029 China ,Department of Interventional Therapy, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002 China
| | - Xiangxian Xu
- Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029 China
| | - Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China
| | - Li Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029 China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Medical Imaging College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China
| | - Xianxian Liang
- Medical Imaging College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China
| | - Lanqi Cen
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009 China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Infectious Disease Hospital, Xuzhou, 221004 China
| | - Xiaoli Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University, No. 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Zhenghong Yu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029 China ,Department of Oncology, Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University, No. 305 Zhongshan East Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
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29
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An Overview of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition in Canine Tumors: How Far Have We Come? Vet Sci 2022; 10:vetsci10010019. [PMID: 36669020 PMCID: PMC9865109 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010019] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, pre-clinical and clinical studies in human medicine have provided new insights, pushing forward the contemporary knowledge. The new results represented a motivation for investigators in specific fields of veterinary medicine, who addressed the same research topics from different perspectives in studies based on experimental and spontaneous animal disease models. The study of different pheno-genotypic contexts contributes to the confirmation of translational models of pathologic mechanisms. This review provides an overview of EMT and MET processes in both human and canine species. While human medicine rapidly advances, having a large amount of information available, veterinary medicine is not at the same level. This situation should provide motivation for the veterinary medicine research field, to apply the knowledge on humans to research in pets. By merging the knowledge of these two disciplines, better and faster results can be achieved, thus improving human and canine health.
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Schuhwerk H, Kleemann J, Gupta P, van Roey R, Armstark I, Kreileder M, Feldker N, Ramesh V, Hajjaj Y, Fuchs K, Mahapatro M, Hribersek M, Volante M, Groenewoud A, Engel FB, Ceppi P, Eckstein M, Hartmann A, Müller F, Kroll T, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T. The EMT transcription factor ZEB1 governs a fitness-promoting but vulnerable DNA replication stress response. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111819. [PMID: 36516781 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111819] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are two crucial cellular programs in cancer biology. While the DDR orchestrates cell-cycle progression, DNA repair, and cell death, EMT promotes invasiveness, cellular plasticity, and intratumor heterogeneity. Therapeutic targeting of EMT transcription factors, such as ZEB1, remains challenging, but tumor-promoting DDR alterations elicit specific vulnerabilities. Using multi-omics, inhibitors, and high-content microscopy, we discover a chemoresistant ZEB1-high-expressing sub-population (ZEB1hi) with co-rewired cell-cycle progression and proficient DDR across tumor entities. ZEB1 stimulates accelerated S-phase entry via CDK6, inflicting endogenous DNA replication stress. However, DDR buildups involving constitutive MRE11-dependent fork resection allow homeostatic cycling and enrichment of ZEB1hi cells during transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced EMT and chemotherapy. Thus, ZEB1 promotes G1/S transition to launch a progressive DDR benefitting stress tolerance, which concurrently manifests a targetable vulnerability in chemoresistant ZEB1hi cells. Our study thus highlights the translationally relevant intercept of the DDR and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Julia Kleemann
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Kreileder
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nora Feldker
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vignesh Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Yussuf Hajjaj
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fuchs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mousumi Mahapatro
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mojca Hribersek
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Arwin Groenewoud
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paolo Ceppi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Torsten Kroll
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz-Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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31
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Skp2-mediated Zeb1 expression facilitates cancer migration by a ubiquitination-independent pathway. Life Sci 2022; 311:121135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Anwar S, Malik JA, Ahmed S, Kameshwar VA, Alanazi J, Alamri A, Ahemad N. Can Natural Products Targeting EMT Serve as the Future Anticancer Therapeutics? MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227668. [PMID: 36431766 PMCID: PMC9698579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death and has remained a big challenge for the scientific community. Because of the growing concerns, new therapeutic regimens are highly demanded to decrease the global burden. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, drug resistance is still a major hurdle to successful treatment. The primary challenge should be identifying and developing appropriate therapeutics for cancer patients to improve their survival. Multiple pathways are dysregulated in cancers, including disturbance in cellular metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, or epigenetic alterations. Over the last two decades, natural products have been a major research interest due to their therapeutic potential in various ailments. Natural compounds seem to be an alternative option for cancer management. Natural substances derived from plants and marine sources have been shown to have anti-cancer activity in preclinical settings. They might be proved as a sword to kill cancerous cells. The present review attempted to consolidate the available information on natural compounds derived from plants and marine sources and their anti-cancer potential underlying EMT mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirajudheen Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit and Personalized Treatment, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Jonaid Ahmad Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati 781101, Assam, India
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar 140001, Punjab, India
| | - Sakeel Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Verma Abhishek Kameshwar
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi 641112, Kerala, India
| | - Jowaher Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit and Personalized Treatment, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulwahab Alamri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit and Personalized Treatment, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nafees Ahemad
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya 47500, Selangor DE, Malaysia
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33
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Aberrant transcription factors in the cancers of the pancreas. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:28-45. [PMID: 36058426 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.011] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential for proper activation of gene set during the process of organogenesis, differentiation, lineage specificity. Reactivation or dysregulation of TFs regulatory networks could lead to deformation of organs, diseases including various malignancies. Currently, understanding the mechanism of oncogenesis became necessity for the development of targeted therapeutic strategy for different cancer types. It is evident that many TFs go awry in cancers of the pancreas such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs). These mutated or dysregulated TFs abnormally controls various signaling pathways in PDAC and PanNENs including RTK, PI3K-PTEN-AKT-mTOR, JNK, TGF-β/SMAD, WNT/β-catenin, SHH, NOTCH and VEGF which in turn regulate different hallmarks of cancer. Aberrant regulation of such pathways have been linked to the initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance in pancreatic cancer. As of today, a number of TFs has been identified as crucial regulators of pancreatic cancer and a handful of them shown to have potential as therapeutic targets in pre-clinical and clinical settings. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on the role and therapeutic usefulness of TFs in PDAC and PanNENs.
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ZEB1: Catalyst of immune escape during tumor metastasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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35
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Wang CJ, Jia MZ, Deng LP, Li WJ, Zhang Q, Zhang TJ, Li SY, Cui L, Li ZG. Interaction between CASP8AP2 and ZEB2-CtBP2 Regulates the Expression of LEF1. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 39:549-560. [PMID: 35139734 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2022.2033369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Low expression of CTBP2 and CASP8AP2 correlated with poor outcome and predicted risk of relapse in pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which CASP8AP2 regulates LEF1 expression by interacting with CtBP2 and ZEB2 in Acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL). There was an interaction between CASP8AP2, ZEB2, and CtBP2, and then the interaction between CtBP2 and ZEB2 was observed after downregulating the expression of CASP8AP2. The wild type (containing the ZEB2 binding site) or mutant (containing a mutant binding site) LEF1 gene promoter sequence was inserted into the pGL3-basic plasmid, and a dual-luciferase reporter gene detection system was used to observe how CASP8AP2, ZEB2, and CtBP2 regulate the transcription of the LEF1 gene. We conclude that CASP8AP2, CtBP2, and ZEB2 can all bind to the LEF1 gene promoter region and reduce the luciferase activity of the LEF1 promoter. Meanwhile, the interaction of ZEB2 and the LEF1 promoter was significantly weakened after downregulation of CASP8AP2. Knockdown of CASP8AP2 in the 697 cell lines resulted in the significant upregulation of the mRNA expression levels of the stemness-related genes CD44, JAG1, and SALL4. In conclusion, CASP8AP2 is vital for the interaction between CtBP2 and ZEB2, inhibiting LEF1 and stemness-related genes expression ALL.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08880018.2022.2033369 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Juan Wang
- Hematologic Diseases Laboratory, Hematology Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Jia
- Hematologic Diseases Laboratory, Hematology Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ping Deng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wei-Jing Li
- Hematologic Diseases Laboratory, Hematology Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Hematologic Diseases Laboratory, Hematology Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Tong-Jia Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Yan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cui
- Hematologic Diseases Laboratory, Hematology Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Li
- Hematologic Diseases Laboratory, Hematology Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
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36
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Singh T, Kaur P, Singh P, Singh S, Munshi A. Differential molecular mechanistic behavior of HDACs in cancer progression. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:171. [PMID: 35972597 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01770-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic aberration including mutation in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes transforms normal cells into tumor cells. Epigenetic modifications work concertedly with genetic factors in controlling cancer development. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and chromatin structure modifier are prospective epigenetic regulators. Specifically, HDACs are histone modifiers regulating the expression of genes implicated in cell survival, growth, apoptosis, and metabolism. The majority of HDACs are highly upregulated in cancer, whereas some have a varied function and expression in cancer progression. Distinct HDACs have a positive and negative role in controlling cancer progression. HDACs are also significantly involved in tumor cells acquiring metastatic and angiogenic potential in order to withstand the anti-tumor microenvironment. HDACs' role in modulating metabolic genes has also been associated with tumor development and survival. This review highlights and discusses the molecular mechanisms of HDACs by which they regulate cell survival, apoptosis, metastasis, invasion, stemness potential, angiogenesis, and epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT) in tumor cells. HDACs are the potential target for anti-cancer drug development and various inhibitors have been developed and FDA approved for a variety of cancers. The primary HDAC inhibitors with proven anti-cancer efficacy have also been highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashvinder Singh
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Prabhsimran Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | | | - Sandeep Singh
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India.
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India.
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Liu Y, Chen C, Wang X, Sun Y, Zhang J, Chen J, Shi Y. An Epigenetic Role of Mitochondria in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162518. [PMID: 36010594 PMCID: PMC9406960 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are not only the main energy supplier but are also the cell metabolic center regulating multiple key metaborates that play pivotal roles in epigenetics regulation. These metabolites include acetyl-CoA, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), NAD+, and O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), which are the main substrates for DNA methylation and histone post-translation modifications, essential for gene transcriptional regulation and cell fate determination. Tumorigenesis is attributed to many factors, including gene mutations and tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria and epigenetics play essential roles in tumor initiation, evolution, metastasis, and recurrence. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetics are promising therapeutic strategies for tumor treatment. In this review, we summarize the roles of mitochondria in key metabolites required for epigenetics modification and in cell fate regulation and discuss the current strategy in cancer therapies via targeting epigenetic modifiers and related enzymes in metabolic regulation. This review is an important contribution to the understanding of the current metabolic-epigenetic-tumorigenesis concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu’e Liu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xinye Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yihong Sun
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Juxiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yufeng Shi
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Clinical Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (Y.S.)
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Bar-Hai N, Ishay-Ronen D. Engaging plasticity: Differentiation therapy in solid tumors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944773. [PMID: 36034865 PMCID: PMC9410762 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a systemic heterogeneous disease that can undergo several rounds of latency and activation. Tumor progression evolves by increasing diversity, adaptation to signals from the microenvironment and escape mechanisms from therapy. These dynamic processes indicate necessity for cell plasticity. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a major role in facilitating cell plasticity in solid tumors by inducing dedifferentiation and cell type transitions. These two practices, plasticity and dedifferentiation enhance tumor heterogeneity creating a key challenge in cancer treatment. In this review we will explore cancer cell plasticity and elaborate treatment modalities that aspire to overcome such dynamic processes in solid tumors. We will further discuss the therapeutic potential of utilizing enhanced cell plasticity for differentiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Bar-Hai
- Cancer Research Center, Oncology Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Ishay-Ronen
- Cancer Research Center, Oncology Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Dana Ishay-Ronen,
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Nisar M, Paracha RZ, Adil S, Qureshi SN, Janjua HA. An Extensive Review on Preclinical and Clinical Trials of Oncolytic Viruses Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:875188. [PMID: 35686109 PMCID: PMC9171400 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.875188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance and peculiar tumor microenvironment, which diminish or mitigate the effects of therapies, make pancreatic cancer one of the deadliest malignancies to manage and treat. Advanced immunotherapies are under consideration intending to ameliorate the overall patient survival rate in pancreatic cancer. Oncolytic viruses therapy is a new type of immunotherapy in which a virus after infecting and lysis the cancer cell induces/activates patients’ immune response by releasing tumor antigen in the blood. The current review covers the pathways and molecular ablation that take place in pancreatic cancer cells. It also unfolds the extensive preclinical and clinical trial studies of oncolytic viruses performed and/or undergoing to design an efficacious therapy against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryum Nisar
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Zafar Paracha
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Adil
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Hussnain Ahmed Janjua
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Pancreatic cancer cells spectral library by DIA-MS and the phenotype analysis of gemcitabine sensitivity. Sci Data 2022; 9:283. [PMID: 35680938 PMCID: PMC9184632 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01407-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Data-independent acquisition (DIA)-mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteome strategies are increasingly used for detecting and validating protein biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, based on an in-depth proteome analysis of seven pancreatic cancer cell lines, we built a pancreas-specific mass spectrum library containing 10633 protein groups and 184551 peptides. The proteome difference among the seven pancreatic cancer cells was significant, especially for the divergent expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The spectra library was applied to explore the proteome difference of PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells upon gemcitabine (GEM) treatment, and potential GEM targets were identified. The cytotoxicity test and GEM target analysis found that HPAC, CFPAC-1, and BxPC-3 were sensitive to GEM treatment, whereas PANC-1 and AsPC-1 were resistant. Finally, we found EMT was significant for CFPAC-1, AsPC-1, and PANC-1 cells, whereas BxPC-3 and HPAC cells showed more typical epithelial features. This library provides a valuable resource for in-depth proteomic analysis on pancreatic cancer cell lines, meeting the urgent demands for cell line-dependent protein differences and targeted drug analysis. Measurement(s) | protein expression profiling | Technology Type(s) | Mass Spectrometry |
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Sundararajan V, Burk UC, Bajdak-Rusinek K. Revisiting the miR-200 Family: A Clan of Five Siblings with Essential Roles in Development and Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060781. [PMID: 35740906 PMCID: PMC9221129 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Over two decades of studies on small noncoding RNA molecules illustrate the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in controlling multiple physiological and pathological functions through post-transcriptional and spatiotemporal gene expression. Among the plethora of miRs that are essential during animal embryonic development, in this review, we elaborate the indispensable role of the miR-200 family (comprising miR-200a, -200b, 200c, -141, and -429) in governing the cellular functions associated with epithelial homeostasis, such as epithelial differentiation and neurogenesis. Additionally, in pathological contexts, miR-200 family members are primarily involved in tumor-suppressive roles, including the reversal of the cancer-associated epithelial–mesenchymal transition dedifferentiation process, and are dysregulated during organ fibrosis. Moreover, recent eminent studies have elucidated the crucial roles of miR-200s in the pathophysiology of multiple neurodegenerative diseases and tissue fibrosis. Lastly, we summarize the key studies that have recognized the potential use of miR-200 members as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers, elaborating the application of these small biomolecules in aiding early cancer detection and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sundararajan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Center for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
| | - Ulrike C. Burk
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Karolina Bajdak-Rusinek
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-32-208-8382
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42
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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Kong F, Ma L, Wang X, You H, Zheng K, Tang R. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by protein lysine acetylation. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:57. [PMID: 35484625 PMCID: PMC9052664 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00870-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital driver of tumor progression. It is a well-known and complex trans-differentiation process in which epithelial cells undergo morphogenetic changes with loss of apical-basal polarity, but acquire spindle-shaped mesenchymal phenotypes. Lysine acetylation is a type of protein modification that favors reversibly altering the structure and function of target molecules via the modulation of lysine acetyltransferases (KATs), as well as lysine deacetylases (KDACs). To date, research has found that histones and non-histone proteins can be acetylated to facilitate EMT. Interestingly, histone acetylation is a type of epigenetic regulation that is capable of modulating the acetylation levels of distinct histones at the promoters of EMT-related markers, EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs), and EMT-related long non-coding RNAs to control EMT. However, non-histone acetylation is a post-translational modification, and its effect on EMT mainly relies on modulating the acetylation of EMT marker proteins, EMT-TFs, and EMT-related signal transduction molecules. In addition, several inhibitors against KATs and KDACs have been developed, some of which can suppress the development of different cancers by targeting EMT. In this review, we discuss the complex biological roles and molecular mechanisms underlying histone acetylation and non-histone protein acetylation in the control of EMT, highlighting lysine acetylation as potential strategy for the treatment of cancer through the regulation of EMT. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Marqués M, Sorolla MA, Urdanibia I, Parisi E, Hidalgo I, Morales S, Salud A, Sorolla A. Are Transcription Factors Plausible Oncotargets for Triple Negative Breast Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051101. [PMID: 35267409 PMCID: PMC8909618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051101] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have a selective and effective therapy. It is known that this cancer possesses high abundance of certain proteins called transcription factors, which are essential for their growth. However, inhibiting transcription factors is very difficult with common therapeutics due to their inaccessibility inside the cell and their molecular structure. In this work, we identified the most important transcription factors for the growth of triple negative breast cancers, and that can predict worse clinical outcome. Moreover, we described different strategies that have been utilised to inhibit them. A successful inhibition of these transcription factors could reduce the mortality and convalescence associated with triple negative breast cancers. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and one of the main causes of cancer deaths. BC is a heterogeneous disease composed of different BC intrinsic subtypes such as triple-negative BC (TNBC), which is one of the most aggressive subtypes and which lacks a targeted therapy. Recent comprehensive analyses across cell types and cancer types have outlined a vast network of protein–protein associations between transcription factors (TFs). Not surprisingly, protein–protein networks central to oncogenesis and disease progression are highly altered during TNBC pathogenesis and are responsible for the activation of oncogenic programs, such as uncontrollable proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness. From the therapeutic viewpoint, inhibiting the interactions between TFs represents a very significant challenge, as the contact surfaces of TFs are relatively large and featureless. However, promising tools have emerged to offer a solution to the targeting problem. At the clinical level, some TF possess diagnostic and prognostic value in TNBC. In this review, we outline the recent advances in TFs relevant to TNBC growth and progression. Moreover, we highlight different targeting approaches to inhibit these TFs. Furthermore, the validity of such TFs as clinical biomarkers has been explored. Finally, we discuss how research is likely to evolve in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marqués
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Alba Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Izaskun Urdanibia
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Eva Parisi
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Iván Hidalgo
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Serafín Morales
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Antonieta Salud
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Anabel Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLleida), Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.M.); (M.A.S.); (I.U.); (E.P.); (I.H.); (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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USP13 promotes development and metastasis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma in a novel mouse model. Oncogene 2022; 41:1974-1985. [PMID: 35173307 PMCID: PMC8956511 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and one of the most common causes of cancer mortality among women worldwide. Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 13 (USP13) gene copy is strongly amplified in human epithelial ovarian cancer, and high USP13 expression is correlated with poor survival outcomes. Yet, its pathological contribution to ovarian tumorigenesis remains unknown. We crossed a conditional Usp13 overexpressing knock-in mouse with a conditional knockout of Trp53 and Pten mouse and generated a novel ovarian cancer genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM), which closely recapitulates the genetic changes driving ovarian cancer in humans. Overexpression of USP13 with deletion of Trp53 and Pten in murine ovarian surface epithelium accelerated ovarian tumorigenesis and led to decreased survival in mice. Notably, USP13 greatly enhanced peritoneal metastasis of ovarian tumors with frequent development of hemorrhagic ascites. The primary and metastatic tumors exhibited morphology and clinical behavior similar to human high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Co-inhibition of USP13 and AKT significantly decreased the viability of the primary murine ovarian cancer cells isolated from the GEMM. USP13 also increased the tumorigenic and metastatic abilities of primary murine ovarian cancer cells in a syngeneic mouse study. These findings suggest a critical role of USP13 in ovarian cancer development and reveal USP13 as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
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Krauß L, Urban BC, Hastreiter S, Schneider C, Wenzel P, Hassan Z, Wirth M, Lankes K, Terrasi A, Klement C, Cernilogar FM, Öllinger R, de Andrade Krätzig N, Engleitner T, Schmid RM, Steiger K, Rad R, Krämer OH, Reichert M, Schotta G, Saur D, Schneider G. HDAC2 Facilitates Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis. Cancer Res 2022; 82:695-707. [PMID: 34903606 PMCID: PMC9359718 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The mortality of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is strongly associated with metastasis, a multistep process that is incompletely understood in this disease. Although genetic drivers of PDAC metastasis have not been defined, transcriptional and epigenetic rewiring can contribute to the metastatic process. The epigenetic eraser histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) has been connected to less differentiated PDAC, but the function of HDAC2 in PDAC has not been comprehensively evaluated. Using genetically defined models, we show that HDAC2 is a cellular fitness factor that controls cell cycle in vitro and metastasis in vivo, particularly in undifferentiated, mesenchymal PDAC cells. Unbiased expression profiling detected a core set of HDAC2-regulated genes. HDAC2 controlled expression of several prosurvival receptor tyrosine kinases connected to mesenchymal PDAC, including PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, and EGFR. The HDAC2-maintained program disabled the tumor-suppressive arm of the TGFβ pathway, explaining impaired metastasis formation of HDAC2-deficient PDAC. These data identify HDAC2 as a tractable player in the PDAC metastatic cascade. The complexity of the function of epigenetic regulators like HDAC2 implicates that an increased understanding of these proteins is needed for implementation of effective epigenetic therapies. SIGNIFICANCE HDAC2 has a context-specific role in undifferentiated PDAC and the capacity to disseminate systemically, implicating HDAC2 as targetable protein to prevent metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Krauß
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Bettina C. Urban
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Sieglinde Hastreiter
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Patrick Wenzel
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Zonera Hassan
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Matthias Wirth
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, German
| | - Katharina Lankes
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Andrea Terrasi
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christine Klement
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Filippo M. Cernilogar
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Niklas de Andrade Krätzig
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Roland M. Schmid
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver H. Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schotta
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Pantelaiou-Prokaki G, Mieczkowska I, Schmidt GE, Fritzsche S, Prokakis E, Gallwas J, Wegwitz F. HDAC8 suppresses the epithelial phenotype and promotes EMT in chemotherapy-treated basal-like breast cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:7. [PMID: 35016723 PMCID: PMC8753869 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01228-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is one of the most aggressive malignant diseases in women with an increased metastatic behavior and poor prognosis compared to other molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Resistance to chemotherapy is the main cause of treatment failure in BLBC. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies counteracting the gain of aggressiveness underlying therapy resistance are urgently needed. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been established as one central process stimulating cancer cell migratory capacity but also acquisition of chemotherapy-resistant properties. In this study, we aimed to uncover epigenetic factors involved in the EMT-transcriptional program occurring in BLBC cells surviving conventional chemotherapy. RESULTS Using whole transcriptome data from a murine mammary carcinoma cell line (pG-2), we identified upregulation of Hdac4, 7 and 8 in tumor cells surviving conventional chemotherapy. Subsequent analyses of human BLBC patient datasets and cell lines established HDAC8 as the most promising factor sustaining tumor cell viability. ChIP-sequencing data analysis identified a pronounced loss of H3K27ac at regulatory regions of master transcription factors (TFs) of epithelial phenotype like Gata3, Elf5, Rora and Grhl2 upon chemotherapy. Interestingly, impairment of HDAC8 activity reverted epithelial-TFs levels. Furthermore, loss of HDAC8 activity sensitized tumor cells to chemotherapeutic treatments, even at low doses. CONCLUSION The current study reveals a previously unknown transcriptional repressive function of HDAC8 exerted on a panel of transcription factors involved in the maintenance of epithelial cell phenotype, thereby supporting BLBC cell survival to conventional chemotherapy. Our data establish HDAC8 as an attractive therapeutically targetable epigenetic factor to increase the efficiency of chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garyfallia Pantelaiou-Prokaki
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Molecular Imaging, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Iga Mieczkowska
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Geske E Schmidt
- Department of Gastroenterology, GI-Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja Fritzsche
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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48
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Garg M. Emerging roles of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in invasion-metastasis cascade and therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:131-145. [PMID: 34978017 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Strong association of cancer incidence and its progression with mortality highlights the need to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive tumor cells to rapidly progress to metastatic disease and therapy resistance. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) emerged as a key regulator of metastatic outgrowth. It allows neoplastic epithelial cells to delaminate from their neighbors either individually or collectively, traverse the extracellular matrix (ECM) barrier, enter into the circulation, and establish distal metastases. Plasticity between epithelial and mesenchymal states and the existence of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes are increasingly being reported in different tumor contexts. Small subset of cancer cells with stemness called cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit plasticity, possess high tumorigenic potential, and contribute to high degree of tumoral heterogeneity. EMP characterized by the presence of dynamic intermediate states is reported to be influenced by (epi)genomic reprograming, growth factor signaling, inflammation, and low oxygen generated by tumor stromal microenvironment. EMP alters the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of tumor cells/CSCs, disrupts tissue homeostasis, induces the reprogramming of angiogenic and immune recognition functions, and renders tumor cells to survive hostile microenvironments and resist therapy. The present review summarizes the roles of EMP in tumor invasion and metastasis and provides an update on therapeutic strategies to target the metastatic and refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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49
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Down-Regulation of miR-194-5p for Predicting Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010325. [PMID: 35008751 PMCID: PMC8745262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as key negative regulators of gene expression, are closely related to tumor occurrence and progression. miR-194-5p (miR-194-1) has been shown to play a regulatory role in various cancers however, its biological function and mechanism of action in breast cancer have not yet been well explored. In this study, we use the UALCAN and LinkedOmics databases to analyze transcription expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA). The epithelial-mesenchymal transition status of breast cancer cells was evaluated by wound-healing assay, trans-well assays, and gelatin zymography, while protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. miR-194-5p expression was found to be up-regulated in breast cancer clinical specimens but down-regulated in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 and breast cancer clinical specimens in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). miR-194-5p significantly inhibited the expression of the epithelial marker ZO-1 and increased the expression of mesenchymal markers, including ZEB-1 and vimentin, in MDA-MB-231 cells. miR-194-5p significantly reduced the gelatin-degrading activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in zymography assays. In MDA-MB-231 cells and TCGA patient samples, ZEB-1 expression was significantly inversely correlated with miR-194-5p expression. High levels of miR-194-5p were associated with good overall survival. miR-194-5p regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TNBC. Our findings suggest that miR-194-5p functions as a tumor biomarker in breast cancer, providing new insights for the study of breast cancer development and metastasis.
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50
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van Roey R, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP, Armstark I. Deregulation of Transcription Factor Networks Driving Cell Plasticity and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:753456. [PMID: 34888306 PMCID: PMC8650502 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.753456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease with 5-year survival rates of less than 10%. The constantly increasing incidence and stagnant patient outcomes despite changes in treatment regimens emphasize the requirement of a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Challenges in treating pancreatic cancer include diagnosis at already progressed disease states due to the lack of early detection methods, rapid acquisition of therapy resistance, and high metastatic competence. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, frequently shows dominant-active mutations in KRAS and TP53 as well as inactivation of genes involved in differentiation and cell-cycle regulation (e.g. SMAD4 and CDKN2A). Besides somatic mutations, deregulated transcription factor activities strongly contribute to disease progression. Specifically, transcriptional regulatory networks essential for proper lineage specification and differentiation during pancreas development are reactivated or become deregulated in the context of cancer and exacerbate progression towards an aggressive phenotype. This review summarizes the recent literature on transcription factor networks and epigenetic gene regulation that play a crucial role during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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