1
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Wang M, Wang T, Wang J, Yang Y, Li X, Chen H, Liao J. ALDH1A1 promotes immune escape of tumor cells through ZBTB7B-glycolysis pathway. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:568. [PMID: 39107297 PMCID: PMC11303523 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06943-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The primary impediment to the success of immunotherapy lies in the immune evasion orchestrated by tumors, contributing to the suboptimal overall response rates observed. Despite this recognition, the intricacies of the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Through preliminary detection of clinical patient tissues, we have found that ALDH1A1 was a key gene for the prognosis of cancer patients and tumor glycolysis. In vitro experiments and tumor formation in nude mice suggested that targeting ALDH1A1 could inhibit tumor growth. Through further analysis of xenograft tumor models in immune-normal mice and flow cytometry, we found that deficiency in ALDH1A1 could promote immune system suppression of tumors in vivo. Specifically, RNA-seq analysis, combined with qPCR and western blot, identified the transcription factor ZBTB7B as downstream of ALDH1A1. The binding sites of the transcription factor ZBTB7B on the LDHA promoter region, which is responsible for regulating the rate-limiting enzyme gene LDHA in glycolysis, were determined using luciferase reporter gene detection and Chip-qPCR, respectively. In addition, the increased SUMOylation of ZBTB7B stabilized its transcriptional activity. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that the combination of targeting ALDH1A1 and ZBTB7B with immune checkpoint inhibitors could synergistically inhibit tumors in vivo. Finally, after conducting additional verification of patient tissue and clinical data, we have confirmed the potential translational value of targeting ALDH1A1 and ZBTB7B for tumor immunotherapy. These results emphasize the potential translational significance of targeting ALDH1A1 and ZBTB7B in the realm of tumor immunotherapy. The convergence of ALDH1A1 inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade, particularly with PD-L1/PD-1 mAb, presents a compelling avenue for curtailing tumor immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Wang
- Department of Geratic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Taoli Wang
- Department of Pathology, the Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Department of Gynaecology, the Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yuexin Yang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Geratic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, the Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China.
| | - Jingnan Liao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
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2
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Xu NY, Li J, Wang ML, Chen XY, Tang R, Liu XQ. Fabrication of a Coculture Organoid Model in the Biomimetic Matrix of Alginate to Investigate Breast Cancer Progression in a TAMs-Leading Immune Microenvironment. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:11275-11288. [PMID: 38383056 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The current research models of breast cancer are usually limited in their capacity to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. The lack of an extracellular matrix (ECM) oversimplifies cell-cell or cell-ECM cross-talks. Moreover, the lack of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), that can comprise up to 50% of some solid neoplasms, poses a major problem for recognizing various hallmarks of cancer. To address these concerns, a type of direct breast cancer cells (BCCs)-TAMs coculture organoid model was well developed by a sequential culture method in this study. Alginate cryogels were fabricated with appropriate physical and mechanical properties to serve as an alternative ECM. Then, our previous experience was leveraged to polarize TAMs inside of the cryogels for creating an in vitro immune microenvironment. The direct coculture significantly enhanced BCCs organoid growth and cancer aggressive phenotypes, including the stemness, migration, ECM remodeling, and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis and protein-protein interaction networks implied certain pathways (PI3K-Akt pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, etc.) and targets (TNF, PPARG, TLR2, etc.) during breast cancer progression in a TAM-leading immune microenvironment. Future studies to advance treatment strategies for BCC patients may benefit from using this facile model to reveal and target the interactions between cancer signaling and the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Yuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Mei-Ling Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Ruizhi Tang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, P. R. China
| | - Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
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3
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Liu CC, Chen L, Cai YW, Chen YF, Liu YM, Zhou YJ, Shao ZM, Yu KD. Targeting EMSY-mediated methionine metabolism is a potential therapeutic strategy for triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101396. [PMID: 38290515 PMCID: PMC10897545 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101396] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the most intractable subpopulation of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, which have been associated with a high risk of relapse and poor prognosis. However, eradication of CSCs continues to be difficult. Here, we integrate the multiomics data of a TNBC cohort (n = 360) to identify vital markers of CSCs. We discover that EMSY, inducing a BRCAness phenotype, is preferentially expressed in breast CSCs, promotes ALDH+ cells enrichment, and is positively correlated with poor relapse-free survival. Mechanistically, EMSY competitively binds to the Jmjc domain, which is critical for KDM5B enzyme activity, to reshape methionine metabolism, and to promote CSC self-renewal and tumorigenesis in an H3K4 methylation-dependent manner. Moreover, EMSY accumulation in TNBC cells sensitizes them to PARP inhibitors against bulk cells and methionine deprivation against CSCs. These findings indicate that clinically relevant eradication of CSCs could be achieved with a strategy that targets CSC-specific vulnerabilities in amino acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Cui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Lie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Wen Cai
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Fei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Jie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Da Yu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.
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4
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Toghrayee Z, Montazeri H. Uncovering hidden cancer self-dependencies through analysis of shRNA-level dependency scores. Sci Rep 2024; 14:856. [PMID: 38195844 PMCID: PMC10776685 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51453-5] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Large-scale short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screens on well-characterized human cancer cell lines have been widely used to identify novel cancer dependencies. However, the off-target effects of shRNA reagents pose a significant challenge in the analysis of these screens. To mitigate these off-target effects, various approaches have been proposed that aggregate different shRNA viability scores targeting a gene into a single gene-level viability score. Most computational methods for discovering cancer dependencies rely on these gene-level scores. In this paper, we propose a computational method, named NBDep, to find cancer self-dependencies by directly analyzing shRNA-level dependency scores instead of gene-level scores. The NBDep algorithm begins by removing known batch effects of the shRNAs and selecting a subset of concordant shRNAs for each gene. It then uses negative binomial random effects models to statistically assess the dependency between genetic alterations and the viabilities of cell lines by incorporating all shRNA dependency scores of each gene into the model. We applied NBDep to the shRNA dependency scores available at Project DRIVE, which covers 26 different types of cancer. The proposed method identified more well-known and putative cancer genes compared to alternative gene-level approaches in pan-cancer and cancer-specific analyses. Additionally, we demonstrated that NBDep controls type-I error and outperforms statistical tests based on gene-level scores in simulation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Toghrayee
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kish International Campus University of Tehran, Kish, Iran
| | - Hesam Montazeri
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Daimon T, Bhattacharya A, Wang K, Haratake N, Nakashoji A, Ozawa H, Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Kosaka T, Oya M, Kufe DW. MUC1-C is a target of salinomycin in inducing ferroptosis of cancer stem cells. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:9. [PMID: 38182558 PMCID: PMC10770371 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01772-9] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic MUC1-C transmembrane protein is a critical effector of the cancer stem cell (CSC) state. Addiction to MUC1-C for self-renewal in the progression of human cancers has emphasized the need for development of anti-MUC1-C agents. However, there are presently no approved small molecules for targeting MUC1-C-dependent CSCs. In screening for small molecules, we identified salinomycin (SAL), an inducer of ferroptosis, as a potent inhibitor of MUC1-C signaling. We demonstrate that SAL suppresses MUC1-C expression by disrupting a NF-κB/MUC1-C auto-inductive circuit that is necessary for ferroptosis resistance. Our results show that SAL-induced MUC1-C suppression downregulates a MUC1-C→MYC pathway that activates genes encoding (i) glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), and (ii) the LDL receptor related protein 8 (LRP8), which inhibit ferroptosis by generating GSH and regulating selenium levels, respectively. GSR and LRP8 contribute to the function of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an essential negative regulator of ferroptotic cell death. We demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C genetically or with the GO-203 peptide inhibitor suppresses GPX4 expression and GPX activity in association with the induction of ferroptosis. Studies of CSCs enriched by serial passage as tumorspheres further demonstrate that the effects of SAL are mediated by downregulation of MUC1-C and thereby overcoming resistance to ferroptosis. As confirmation of these results, rescue of MUC1-C downregulation with the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain (i) reversed the suppression of GSR, LRP8 and GPX4 expression, and (ii) attenuated the induction of ferroptosis. These findings identify SAL as a unique small molecule inhibitor of MUC1-C signaling and demonstrate that MUC1-C is an important effector of resistance to ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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7
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Kim SL, Choi HS, Lee DS. BRD4/nuclear PD-L1/RelB circuit is involved in the stemness of breast cancer cells. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:315. [PMID: 37924094 PMCID: PMC10623882 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01319-6] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide. BC stem cells (BCSCs) have been known to be involved in the carcinogenesis of the breast and contribute to therapeutic resistance. The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression of BC correlated with a poor prognosis. Immunotherapies that target PD-L1 have great potential and have been successful when applied to cancer treatment. However, whether PD-L1 regulates BCSC formation is unknown. METHODS BCSCs were enriched by serum-free suspension culture. The properties of BCSCs were examined by mammosphere formation assay, CD44+/Cd24-, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) assay, CSC marker analysis, and mammosphere growth assay. To elucidate the functions of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), nuclear PD-L1, and RelB proteins in the stemness of BCSCs, mammosphere formation was examined using BRD4 inhibitor and degrader, PD-L1 degrader, and RelB inhibitor. The antitumor function of 3',4',7,8-tetrahydroxyflavone (THF), a specific BRD4 inhibitor, was studied through in vivo tumor model and mouse studies, and the protein levels of c-Myc, PD-L1, and RelB were examined in tumor model under THF treatment. RESULTS BRD4 was upregulated in breast CSCs and regulates the stemness of BCs. The downregulation of BRD4 using BRD4 PROTAC, ARV-825, and BRD4 inhibitor, (+)-JQ1, inhibits mammosphere formation and reduces the levels of breast CSC markers (CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1), stem cell marker genes, and mammosphere growth. BRD4 inhibitor (JQ1) and degrader (ARV825) downregulate membrane and nuclear fractions of PD-L1 through the inhibition of PD-L1 transcript levels. The knockdown of PD-L1 inhibits mammosphere formation. Verteporfin, a PD-L1 degrader, inhibits the transcripts and protein levels of PD-L1 and downregulates the transcript and protein levels of RelB. Calcitriol, a RelB inhibitor, and the knockdown of RelB using si-RelB regulate mammosphere formation through interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. THF is a natural product and a potent selective BRD4 inhibitor, inhibits mammosphere formation, and reduces the levels of CD44+/CD24- and mammosphere growth by downregulating c-Myc, PD-L1, and RelB. 3',4',7,8-THF shows tumoricidal activity and increased levels of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T-cells in the tumor and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) in the murine tumor model using 4T1 and MC38 cells. CONCLUSIONS The results show the first evidence of the essential role of the BRD4/nuclear PD-L1/RelB axis in breast CSC formation. The nuclear PD-L1 regulates RelB, and the RelB/p65 complex induces IL6 and breast CSC formation. Targeting nuclear PD-L1 represents a potential and novel tool for immunotherapies of intractable BC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Lim Kim
- Bio-Health Materials Core-Facility Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program for Bio-health/Innovative Drug Development using Subtropical Bio-Resources, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Hack Sun Choi
- Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, SARI, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong-Sun Lee
- Bio-Health Materials Core-Facility Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate Program for Bio-health/Innovative Drug Development using Subtropical Bio-Resources, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
- Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
- Faculty of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, SARI, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Ducarouge B, Redavid AR, Victoor C, Chira R, Fonseca A, Hervieu M, Bergé R, Lengrand J, Vieugué P, Neves D, Goddard I, Richaud M, Laval PA, Rama N, Goldschneider D, Paradisi A, Gourdin N, Chabaud S, Treilleux I, Gadot N, Ray-Coquard I, Depil S, Decaudin D, Némati F, Marangoni E, Mery-Lamarche E, Génestie C, Tabone-Eglinger S, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M, Moore KJ, Gibert B, Mehlen P, Bernet A. Netrin-1 blockade inhibits tumor associated Myeloid-derived suppressor cells, cancer stemness and alleviates resistance to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2201-2212. [PMID: 37633969 PMCID: PMC10589209 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01209-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance and cancer relapse represent significant therapeutic challenges after chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and a major limiting factor for long-term cancer survival. Netrin-1 was initially identified as a neuronal navigation cue but has more recently emerged as an interesting target for cancer therapy, which is currently clinically investigated. We show here that netrin-1 is an independent prognostic marker for clinical progression of breast and ovary cancers. Cancer stem cells (CSCs)/Tumor initiating cells (TICs) are hypothesized to be involved in clinical progression, tumor relapse and resistance. We found a significant correlation between netrin-1 expression and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers levels. We also show in different mice models of resistance to chemotherapies that netrin-1 interference using a therapeutic netrin-1 blocking antibody alleviates resistance to chemotherapy and triggers an efficient delay in tumor relapse and this effect is associated with CSCs loss. We also demonstrate that netrin-1 interference limits tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor and provide evidence linking this enhanced anti-tumor efficacy to a decreased recruitment of a subtype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) called polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs. We have functionally demonstrated that these immune cells promote CSCs features and, consequently, resistance to anti-cancer treatments. Together, these data support the view of both a direct and indirect contribution of netrin-1 to cancer stemness and we propose that this may lead to therapeutic opportunities by combining conventional chemotherapies and immunotherapies with netrin-1 interfering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ducarouge
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Anna-Rita Redavid
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Victoor
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Ruxanda Chira
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | - Maëva Hervieu
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Roméo Bergé
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Justine Lengrand
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Vieugué
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - David Neves
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Goddard
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Mathieu Richaud
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre-Alexandre Laval
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Rama
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | - Andrea Paradisi
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Gourdin
- Targeting of the Tumor and its Immune Environnement, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Nicolas Gadot
- Pathology Department, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Fariba Némati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigations, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sciences-et-Lettres, 75005, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Kathryn J Moore
- Department of Medicine, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Gibert
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Agnes Bernet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', Labex DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Netris Pharma, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
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9
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Puppo M, Valluru MK, Croset M, Ceresa D, Iuliani M, Khan A, Wicinski J, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C, Pantano F, Ottewell PD, Clézardin P. MiR-662 is associated with metastatic relapse in early-stage breast cancer and promotes metastasis by stimulating cancer cell stemness. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:754-771. [PMID: 37443350 PMCID: PMC10449914 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02340-9] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) metastasis, which often occurs in bone, contributes substantially to mortality. MicroRNAs play a fundamental role in BC metastasis, although microRNA-regulated mechanisms driving metastasis progression remain poorly understood. METHODS MiRome analysis in serum from BC patients was performed by TaqMan™ low-density array. MiR-662 was overexpressed following MIMIC-transfection or lentivirus transduction. Animal models were used to investigate the role of miR-662 in BC (bone) metastasis. The effect of miR-662-overexpressing BC cell conditioned medium on osteoclastogenesis was investigated. ALDEFLUOR assays were performed to study BC stemness. RNA-sequencing transcriptomic analysis of miR-662-overexpressing BC cells was performed to evaluate gene expression changes. RESULTS High levels of hsa-miR-662 (miR-662) in serum from BC patients, at baseline (time of surgery), were associated with future recurrence in bone. At an early-stage of the metastatic disease, miR-662 could mask the presence of BC metastases in bone by inhibiting the differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Nonetheless, metastatic miR-662-overexpressing BC cells then progressed as overt osteolytic metastases thanks to increased stem cell-like traits. CONCLUSIONS MiR-662 is involved in BC metastasis progression, suggesting it may be used as a prognostic marker to identify BC patients at high risk of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Puppo
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France.
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Manoj Kumar Valluru
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Martine Croset
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Davide Ceresa
- IRCCS AOU San Martino, Università degli studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Michele Iuliani
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Ashrin Khan
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julien Wicinski
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Ginestier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Penelope Dawn Ottewell
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Philippe Clézardin
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France.
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France.
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10
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Bu J, Zhang Y, Wu S, Li H, Sun L, Liu Y, Zhu X, Qiao X, Ma Q, Liu C, Niu N, Xue J, Chen G, Yang Y, Liu C. KK-LC-1 as a therapeutic target to eliminate ALDH + stem cells in triple negative breast cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2602. [PMID: 37147285 PMCID: PMC10163259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Failure to achieve complete elimination of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) stem cells after adjuvant therapy is associated with poor outcomes. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is a marker of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and its enzymatic activity regulates tumor stemness. Identifying upstream targets to control ALDH+ cells may facilitate TNBC tumor suppression. Here, we show that KK-LC-1 determines the stemness of TNBC ALDH+ cells via binding with FAT1 and subsequently promoting its ubiquitination and degradation. This compromises the Hippo pathway and leads to nuclear translocation of YAP1 and ALDH1A1 transcription. These findings identify the KK-LC-1-FAT1-Hippo-ALDH1A1 pathway in TNBC ALDH+ cells as a therapeutic target. To reverse the malignancy due to KK-LC-1 expression, we employ a computational approach and discover Z839878730 (Z8) as an small-molecule inhibitor which may disrupt KK-LC-1 and FAT1 binding. We demonstrate that Z8 suppresses TNBC tumor growth via a mechanism that reactivates the Hippo pathway and decreases TNBC ALDH+ cell stemness and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Bu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Sijin Wu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), International Biomedical Industrial Park (Phase II) 3F, 2 Hongliu Rd, Futian District, 16023, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haonan Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Lisha Sun
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, China
| | - Xudong Zhu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinbo Qiao
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingtian Ma
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Nan Niu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinqi Xue
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Guanglei Chen
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China.
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, 116023, Dalian, China.
| | - Caigang Liu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China.
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11
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Xu L, Zhang J, Sun J, Hou K, Yang C, Guo Y, Liu X, Kalvakolanu DV, Zhang L, Guo B. Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cells: Shedding light on the refractory/relapsed cancers. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115110. [PMID: 35640714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115110] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The resistance to drugs, ability to enter quiescence and generate heterogeneous cancer cells, and enhancement of aggressiveness, make cancer stem cells (CSCs) integral part of tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence after treatment. The epigenetic modification machinery is crucial for the viability of CSCs and evolution of aggressive forms of a tumor. These mechanisms can also be targeted by specific drugs, providing a promising approach for blocking CSCs. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in CSCs which contribute to drug resistance, quiescence and tumor heterogeneity. We also discuss the drugs that can potentially target these processes and data from experimental and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Xu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jinghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jicheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Kunlin Hou
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Chenxin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Dhan V Kalvakolanu
- Greenebaum NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China.
| | - Baofeng Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China.
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12
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Yamashita N, Kufe D. Addiction of Cancer Stem Cells to MUC1-C in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8219. [PMID: 35897789 PMCID: PMC9331006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. TNBC progression is associated with expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Few insights are available regarding druggable targets that drive the TNBC CSC state. This review summarizes the literature on TNBC CSCs and the compelling evidence that they are addicted to the MUC1-C transmembrane protein. In normal epithelia, MUC1-C is activated by loss of homeostasis and induces reversible wound-healing responses of inflammation and repair. However, in settings of chronic inflammation, MUC1-C promotes carcinogenesis. MUC1-C induces EMT, epigenetic reprogramming and chromatin remodeling in TNBC CSCs, which are dependent on MUC1-C for self-renewal and tumorigenicity. MUC1-C-induced lineage plasticity in TNBC CSCs confers DNA damage resistance and immune evasion by chronic activation of inflammatory pathways and global changes in chromatin architecture. Of therapeutic significance, an antibody generated against the MUC1-C extracellular domain has been advanced in a clinical trial of anti-MUC1-C CAR T cells and in IND-enabling studies for development as an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Agents targeting the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain have also entered the clinic and are undergoing further development as candidates for advancing TNBC treatment. Eliminating TNBC CSCs will be necessary for curing this recalcitrant cancer and MUC1-C represents a promising druggable target for achieving that goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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13
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Rao TD, Xu M, Eng S, Yang G, Manson R, Rosales N, Kumar R, Veillard IE, Zhou Q, Iasonos A, Ouerfelli O, Djaballah H, Spriggs DR, Yeku OO. Dual Fluorescence Isogenic Synthetic Lethal Kinase Screen and High-Content Secondary Screening for MUC16/CA125 Selective Agents. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:775-785. [PMID: 35413118 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Significant strides have been made in the development of precision therapeutics for cancer. Aberrantly expressed glycoproteins represent a potential avenue for therapeutic development. The MUC16/CA125 glycoprotein serves as a biomarker of disease and a driver of malignant transformation in epithelial ovarian cancer. Previously, we demonstrated a proof-of-principle approach to selectively targeting MUC16+ cells. In this report, we performed a synthetic lethal kinase screen using a human kinome RNAi library and identified key pathways preferentially targetable in MUC16+ cells using isogenic dual florescence ovarian cancer cell lines. Utilizing a separate approach, we performed high-content small-molecule screening of 6 different libraries of 356,982 compounds for MUC16/CA125 selective agents and identified lead candidates that showed preferential cytotoxicity in MUC16+ cells. Compounds with differential activity were selected and tested in various other ovarian cell lines or isogenic pairs to identify lead compounds for Structural Activity Relationship (SAR) selection. Lead siRNA and small molecule inhibitor candidates preferentially inhibited invasion of MUC16+ cells in vitro and in vivo and we show that this is due to decreased activation of MAP kinase, and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Taken together, we present a comprehensive screening approach to the development of a novel class of MUC16-selective targeted therapeutics and identify candidates suitable for further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thapi Dharma Rao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mengyao Xu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Stephanie Eng
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States
| | - Guangli Yang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Robin Manson
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nestor Rosales
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Raj Kumar
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Qin Zhou
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alexia Iasonos
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | | | | | | | - Oladapo O Yeku
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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14
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Azzoni V, Wicinski J, Macario M, Castagné M, Finetti P, Ambrosova K, Rouault CD, Sergé A, Farina A, Agavnian E, Coslet S, Josselin E, Guille A, Adelaide J, Zacharioudakis E, Castellano R, Bertucci F, Birnbaum D, Rodriguez R, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C. BMI1 nuclear location is critical for RAD51-dependent response to replication stress and drives chemoresistance in breast cancer stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:96. [PMID: 35110528 PMCID: PMC8811067 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Replication stress (RS) has a pivotal role in tumor initiation, progression, or therapeutic resistance. In this study, we depicted the mechanism of breast cancer stem cells’ (bCSCs) response to RS and its clinical implication. We demonstrated that bCSCs present a limited level of RS compared with non-bCSCs in patient samples. We described for the first time that the spatial nuclear location of BMI1 protein triggers RS response in breast cancers. Hence, in bCSCs, BMI1 is rapidly located to stalled replication forks to recruit RAD51 and activate homologous-recombination machinery, whereas in non-bCSCs BMI1 is trapped on demethylated 1q12 megasatellites precluding effective RS response. We further demonstrated that BMI1/RAD51 axis activation is necessary to prevent cisplatin-induced DNA damage and that treatment of patient-derived xenografts with a RAD51 inhibitor sensitizes tumor-initiating cells to cisplatin. The comprehensive view of replicative-stress response in bCSC has profound implications for understanding and improving therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violette Azzoni
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Julien Wicinski
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Manon Macario
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Martin Castagné
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Katerina Ambrosova
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Célia D Rouault
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Sergé
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, leuko/stromal interactions in normal and pathological hematopoiesis Lab, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Farina
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Experimental Pathology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Agavnian
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Experimental Pathology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Sergiu Coslet
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Experimental Pathology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Josselin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Plateform, Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Guille
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - José Adelaide
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Emmanouil Zacharioudakis
- Institut Curie, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Chemical Cell Biology Group, Paris, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Plateform, Marseille, France
| | - Francois Bertucci
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Raphael Rodriguez
- Institut Curie, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Chemical Cell Biology Group, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France.
| | - Christophe Ginestier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France.
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15
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Pinna G, Vandamme M, Rouault C, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C. Genome-wide RNA interference screen in cancer stem cells. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 170:81-99. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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16
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Tang Y, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Tang B, Zhou Z, Chen H. Nanoparticle-Based RNAi Therapeutics Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Update and Prospective. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122116. [PMID: 34959397 PMCID: PMC8708448 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122116] [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: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by intrinsic self-renewal and tumorigenic properties, and play important roles in tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to diverse forms of anticancer therapy. Accordingly, targeting signaling pathways that are critical for CSC maintenance and biofunctions, including the Wnt, Notch, Hippo, and Hedgehog signaling cascades, remains a promising therapeutic strategy in multiple cancer types. Furthermore, advances in various cancer omics approaches have largely increased our knowledge of the molecular basis of CSCs, and provided numerous novel targets for anticancer therapy. However, the majority of recently identified targets remain ‘undruggable’ through small-molecule agents, whereas the implications of exogenous RNA interference (RNAi, including siRNA and miRNA) may make it possible to translate our knowledge into therapeutics in a timely manner. With the recent advances of nanomedicine, in vivo delivery of RNAi using elaborate nanoparticles can potently overcome the intrinsic limitations of RNAi alone, as it is rapidly degraded and has unpredictable off-target side effects. Herein, we present an update on the development of RNAi-delivering nanoplatforms in CSC-targeted anticancer therapy and discuss their potential implications in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Zongguang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (H.C.)
| | - Haining Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.C.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (H.C.)
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17
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Qi D, Liu Y, Li J, Huang JH, Hu X, Wu E. Salinomycin as a potent anticancer stem cell agent: State of the art and future directions. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:1037-1063. [PMID: 34786735 PMCID: PMC9298915 DOI: 10.1002/med.21870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within a tumor that can both self‐renew and differentiate into other cell types forming the heterogeneous tumor bulk. Since CSCs are involved in all aspects of cancer development, including tumor initiation, cell proliferation, metastatic dissemination, therapy resistance, and recurrence, they have emerged as attractive targets for cancer treatment and management. Salinomycin, a widely used antibiotic in poultry farming, was identified by the Weinberg group as a potent anti‐CSC agent in 2009. As a polyether ionophore, salinomycin exerts broad‐spectrum activities, including the important anti‐CSC function. Studies on the mechanism of action of salinomycin against cancer have been continuously and rapidly published since then. Thus, it is imperative for us to update its literature of recent research findings in this area. We here summarize the notable work reported on salinomycin's anticancer activities, intracellular binding target(s), effects on tumor microenvironment, safety, derivatives, and tumor‐specific drug delivery; after that we also discuss the translational potential of salinomycin toward clinical application based on current multifaceted understandings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Yunyi Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA.,Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Hu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Erxi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas, USA.,Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA.,LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes and Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Pharmacy, College Station, Texas, USA
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18
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Liu C, Qiang J, Deng Q, Xia J, Deng L, Zhou L, Wang D, He X, Liu Y, Zhao B, Lv J, Yu Z, Lei QY, Shao ZM, Zhang XY, Zhang L, Liu S. ALDH1A1 activity in tumor-initiating cells remodels myeloid-derived suppressor cells to promote breast cancer progression. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5919-5934. [PMID: 34580061 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TIC) are associated with tumor initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) is a TIC marker in many cancers, including breast cancer. However the molecular mechanisms underlying ALDH1A1 functions in solid tumors remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that ALDH1A1 enzymatic activity facilitates breast tumor growth. Mechanistically, ALDH1A1 decreased the intracellular pH in breast cancer cells to promote phosphorylation of TAK1, activate NFκB signaling, and increase the secretion of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which led to myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) expansion and immunosuppression. Furthermore, the ALDH1A1 inhibitor disulfiram and chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine cooperatively inhibited breast tumor growth and tumorigenesis by purging ALDH+ TICs and activating T cell immunity. These findings elucidate how active ALDH1A1 modulates the immune system to promote tumor development, highlghting new therapeutic strategies for malignant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Liu
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | | | - Qiaodan Deng
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | - Jie Xia
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | - Lu Deng
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research
| | - Lei Zhou
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | | | - Xueyan He
- Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China
| | | | | | - Jinhui Lv
- Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
| | - Zuoren Yu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Life Sciences and Technology
| | - Qun-Ying Lei
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhang
- The Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University
| | | | - Suling Liu
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
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19
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Wang H, Zhang H, Zhu Y, Wu Z, Cui C, Cai F. Anticancer Mechanisms of Salinomycin in Breast Cancer and Its Clinical Applications. Front Oncol 2021; 11:654428. [PMID: 34381705 PMCID: PMC8350729 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.654428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Cancer cells with stem cell-like features and tumor-initiating potential contribute to drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. To achieve better clinical outcomes, it is crucial to eradicate both bulk BC cells and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Salinomycin, a monocarboxylic polyether antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces albus, can precisely kill cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly BCSCs, by various mechanisms, including apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. There is increasing evidence that salinomycin can inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in BC and reverse the immune-inhibitory microenvironment to prevent tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, salinomycin is a promising therapeutic drug for BC. In this review, we summarize established mechanisms by which salinomycin protects against BC and discuss its future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihao Zhu
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonghang Wu
- Department of Scientific Research, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhong Cui
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Department of Scientific Research, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengfeng Cai
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Li GH, Qu Q, Qi TT, Teng XQ, Zhu HH, Wang JJ, Lu Q, Qu J. Super-enhancers: a new frontier for epigenetic modifiers in cancer chemoresistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:174. [PMID: 34011395 PMCID: PMC8132395 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although new developments of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy treatments for cancer have improved patient survival, the emergence of chemoresistance in cancer has significant impacts on treatment effects. The development of chemoresistance involves several polygenic, progressive mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as both genetic and epigenetic heterogeneities. Chemotherapeutics induce epigenetic reprogramming in cancer cells, converting a transient transcriptional state into a stably resistant one. Super-enhancers (SEs) are central to the maintenance of identity of cancer cells and promote SE-driven-oncogenic transcriptions to which cancer cells become highly addicted. This dependence on SE-driven transcription to maintain chemoresistance offers an Achilles' heel for chemoresistance. Indeed, the inhibition of SE components dampens oncogenic transcription and inhibits tumor growth to ultimately achieve combined sensitization and reverse the effects of drug resistance. No reviews have been published on SE-related mechanisms in the cancer chemoresistance. In this review, we investigated the structure, function, and regulation of chemoresistance-related SEs and their contributions to the chemotherapy via regulation of the formation of cancer stem cells, cellular plasticity, the microenvironment, genes associated with chemoresistance, noncoding RNAs, and tumor immunity. The discovery of these mechanisms may aid in the development of new drugs to improve the sensitivity and specificity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Enhancer rewiring in tumors: an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Oncogene 2021; 40:3475-3491. [PMID: 33934105 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Enhancers are cis-regulatory sequences that fine-tune expression of their target genes in a spatiotemporal manner. They are recognized by sequence-specific transcription factors, which in turn recruit transcriptional coactivators that facilitate transcription by promoting assembly and activation of the basal transcriptional machinery. Their functional importance is underscored by the fact that they are often the target of genetic and nongenetic events in human disease that disrupt their sequence, interactome, activation potential, and/or chromatin environment. Dysregulation of transcription and addiction to transcriptional effectors that interact with and modulate enhancer activity are common features of cancer cells and are amenable to therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on enhancer biology, the broad spectrum of mechanisms that lead to their malfunction in tumor cells, and recent progress in developing drugs that efficaciously target their dependencies.
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22
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Trailblazing perspectives on targeting breast cancer stem cells. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107800. [PMID: 33421449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women's health worldwide. The recurrence and metastasis of BCa have made it a long-standing challenge to achieve remission-persistent or disease-undetectable clinical outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and generate heterogeneous tumor bulk. The existence of CSCs has been found to be vital in the initiation, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence of tumors across cancer types. Because CSCs grow slowly in their dormant state, they are insensitive to conventional chemotherapies; however, when CSCs emerge from their dormant state and become clinically evident, they usually acquire genetic traits that make them resistant to existing therapies. Moreover, CSCs also show evidence of acquired drug resistance in synchrony with tumor relapses. The concept of CSCs provides a new treatment strategy for BCa. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in research on breast CSCs and their association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), plasticity of tumor cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), T-cell modulatory protein PD-L1, and non-coding RNAs. On the basis that CSCs are associated with multiple dysregulated biological processes, we envisage that increased understanding of disease sub-classification, selected combination of conventional treatment, molecular aberration directed therapy, immunotherapy, and CSC targeting/sensitizing strategy might improve the treatment outcome of patients with advanced BCa. We also discuss novel perspectives on new drugs and therapeutics purposing the potent and selective expunging of CSCs.
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23
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Chen B, Ye P, Chen Y, Liu T, Cha JH, Yan X, Yang WH. Involvement of the Estrogen and Progesterone Axis in Cancer Stemness: Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Significance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1657. [PMID: 33014829 PMCID: PMC7498570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone regulate the growth and development of human tissues, including the reproductive system and breasts, through estrogen and progesterone receptors, respectively. These receptors are also important indicators for the clinical prognosis of breast cancer and various reproductive cancers. Many studies have reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Although the role of estrogen and progesterone in human organs and various cancers has been studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of these hormones on CSCs remain unclear. Therefore, further elucidation of the effects of estrogen and progesterone on CSCs should provide a new direction for developing pertinent therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the estrogen and progesterone axis involved in cancer stemness and discuss potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit CSCs by targeting relevant pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Chen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Ye
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yeh Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.,The Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jong-Ho Cha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Xiuwen Yan
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hao Yang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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24
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Arfaoui A, Rioualen C, Azzoni V, Pinna G, Finetti P, Wicinski J, Josselin E, Macario M, Castellano R, Léonard-Stumpf C, Bal A, Gros A, Lossy S, Kharrat M, Collette Y, Bertucci F, Birnbaum D, Douik H, Bidaut G, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C. A genome-wide RNAi screen reveals essential therapeutic targets of breast cancer stem cells. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e9930. [PMID: 31476112 PMCID: PMC6783652 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is a major clinical challenge in oncology. Evidence identifies cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a driver of tumor evolution. Accordingly, the key stemness property unique to CSCs may represent a reservoir of therapeutic target to improve cancer treatment. Here, we carried out a genome‐wide RNA interference screen to identify genes that regulate breast CSCs‐fate (bCSC). Using an interactome/regulome analysis, we integrated screen results in a functional mapping of the CSC‐related processes. This network analysis uncovered potential therapeutic targets controlling bCSC‐fate. We tested a panel of 15 compounds targeting these regulators. We showed that mifepristone, salinomycin, and JQ1 represent the best anti‐bCSC activity. A combination assay revealed a synergistic interaction of salinomycin/JQ1 association to deplete the bCSC population. Treatment of primary breast cancer xenografts with this combination reduced the tumor‐initiating cell population and limited metastatic development. The clinical relevance of our findings was reinforced by an association between the expression of the bCSC‐related networks and patient prognosis. Targeting bCSCs with salinomycin/JQ1 combination provides the basis for a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Arfaoui
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, LR99ES10 Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Service de Biologie Clinique, Institut Salah Azaiz, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Claire Rioualen
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Plateform Integrative Bioinformatics, Cibi, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Violette Azzoni
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Pinna
- Plateforme ARN Interférence, Service de Biologie Intégrative et de Génétique Moléculaire (SBIGeM), I2BC, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Molecular Oncology "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Wicinski
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Josselin
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Plateform, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Manon Macario
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Plateform, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Candi Léonard-Stumpf
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Bal
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Abigaelle Gros
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Sylvain Lossy
- Plateforme ARN Interférence, Service de Biologie Intégrative et de Génétique Moléculaire (SBIGeM), I2BC, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Maher Kharrat
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, LR99ES10 Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yves Collette
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Plateform, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Francois Bertucci
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Molecular Oncology "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Molecular Oncology "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Hayet Douik
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, LR99ES10 Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Service de Biologie Clinique, Institut Salah Azaiz, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ghislain Bidaut
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Plateform Integrative Bioinformatics, Cibi, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Ginestier
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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