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Lu L, Zhang Q, Aladelokun O, Berardi D, Shen X, Marin A, Garcia-Milian R, Roper J, Khan SA, Johnson CH. Asparagine synthetase and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor are critical responders to nutrient supply in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer 2024. [PMID: 39039782 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35104] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Survival differences exist in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by sex and disease stage. However, the potential molecular mechanism(s) are not well understood. Here we show that asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER1) are critical sensors of nutrient depletion and linked to poorer outcomes for females with CRC. Using a 3D spheroid model of isogenic SW48 KRAS wild-type (WT) and G12A mutant (MT) cells grown under a restricted nutrient supply, we found that glutamine depletion inhibited cell growth in both cell lines, whereas ASNS and GPER1 expression were upregulated in KRAS MT versus WT. Estradiol decreased growth in KRAS WT but had no effect on MT cells. Selective GPER1 and ASNS inhibitors suppressed cell proliferation with increased caspase-3 activity of MT cells under glutamine depletion condition particularly in the presence of estradiol. In a clinical colon cancer cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas, both high GPER1 and ASNS expression were associated with poorer overall survival for females only in advanced stage tumors. These results suggest KRAS MT cells have mechanisms in place that respond to decreased nutrient supply, typically observed in advanced tumors, by increasing the expression of ASNS and GPER1 to drive cell growth. Furthermore, KRAS MT cells are resistant to the protective effects of estradiol under nutrient deplete conditions. The findings indicate that GPER1 and ASNS expression, along with the interaction between nutrient supply and KRAS mutations shed additional light on the mechanisms underlying sex differences in metabolism and growth in CRC, and have clinical implications in the precision management of KRAS mutant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Oladimeji Aladelokun
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Domenica Berardi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xinyi Shen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Audrey Marin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sajid A Khan
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Gopinath P, Oviya RP, Gopisetty G. Oestrogen receptor-independent actions of oestrogen in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9497-9509. [PMID: 37731028 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08793-8] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone, plays a significant role in tumourigenesis. The major pathway for oestrogen is via binding to its receptor [oestrogen receptor (ERα or β)], followed by nuclear translocation and transcriptional regulation of target genes. Almost 70% of breast tumours are ER + , and endocrine therapies with selective ER modulators (tamoxifen) have been successfully applied. As many as 25% of tamoxifen-treated patients experience disease relapse within 5 years upon completion of chemotherapy. In such cases, the ER-independent oestrogen actions provide a plausible explanation for the resistance, as well as expands the existing horizon of available drug targets. ER-independent oestrogen signalling occurs via one of the following pathways: signalling through membrane receptors, oxidative catabolism giving rise to genotoxic metabolites, effects on mitochondria and redox balance, and induction of inflammatory cytokines. The current review focuses on the non-classical oestrogen signalling, its role in cancer, and its clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Gopinath
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India
| | - Revathi Paramasivam Oviya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119, India
| | - Gopal Gopisetty
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India.
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3
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McDermott A, Kim K, Kasper S, Ho SM, Leung YK. The androgen receptor inhibits transcription of GPER1 by preventing Sp1 and Sp3 from binding to the promoters in prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget 2022; 13:46-60. [PMID: 35018219 PMCID: PMC8741193 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
G-1, a GPER1 agonist, was shown to inhibit the growth of castration-resistant mouse xenografts but not their parental androgen-dependent tumors. It is currently unknown how the androgen receptor (AR) represses GPER1 expression. Here, we found that two GPER1 mRNA variants (GPER1v2 and GPER1v4) were transcriptionally repressed, not via transcript destabilization, by the androgen-activated AR. Although no AR binding was found in all active promoters near GPER1, data from promoter assays suggested that both variants' promoters were inhibited by androgen treatment. Site-directed mutagenesis on Sp1/Sp3 binding sites revealed their role in supporting the basal expression of GPER1. Knockdown of Sp1 and Sp3 together but not separately repressed GPER1 expression whereas overexpression of both Sp1 and Sp3 together was required to alleviate AR repression of GPER1. Based on the chromatin immunoprecipitation data, Sp3 was found to bind to the promoters prior to the binding of Sp1 and RNA polymerase II. However, the binding of all three transcription factors was inhibited by DHT treatment. Concordantly, DHT treatment induced nuclear interactions between AR and Sp1 or Sp3. Taken together, these results indicate that AR represses transcription of GPER1 by binding to Sp1 and Sp3 independently to prevent their transactivation of the GPER1 promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin McDermott
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - KyoungHyun Kim
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Susan Kasper
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Dittmer J. Biological effects and regulation of IGFBP5 in breast cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:983793. [PMID: 36093095 PMCID: PMC9453429 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.983793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) pathway plays an important role in cancer progression. In breast cancer, the IGF1R pathway is linked to estrogen-dependent signaling. Regulation of IGF1R activity is complex and involves the actions of its ligands IGF1 and IGF2 and those of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Six IGFBPs are known that share the ability to form complexes with the IGFs, by which they control the bioavailability of these ligands. Besides, each of the IGFBPs have specific features. In this review, the focus lies on the biological effects and regulation of IGFBP5 in breast cancer. In breast cancer, estrogen is a critical regulator of IGFBP5 transcription. It exerts its effect through an intergenic enhancer loop that is part of the chromosomal breast cancer susceptibility region 2q35. The biological effects of IGFBP5 depend upon the cellular context. By inhibiting or promoting IGF1R signaling, IGFBP5 can either act as a tumor suppressor or promoter. Additionally, IGFBP5 possesses IGF-independent activities, which contribute to the complexity by which IGFBP5 interferes with cancer cell behavior.
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Vella V, De Francesco EM, Lappano R, Muoio MG, Manzella L, Maggiolini M, Belfiore A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Breast Cancer Metastasis: Focus on the Crucial Interplay Between Estrogen and Insulin/Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:608412. [PMID: 33364239 PMCID: PMC7753049 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.608412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of the great majority of breast cancers (BCs) are mainly dependent on the biological action elicited by estrogens through the classical estrogen receptor (ER), as well as the alternate receptor named G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In addition to estrogens, other hormones and growth factors, including the insulin and insulin-like growth factor system (IIGFs), play a role in BC. IIGFs cooperates with estrogen signaling to generate a multilevel cross-communication that ultimately facilitates the transition toward aggressive and life-threatening BC phenotypes. In this regard, the majority of BC deaths are correlated with the formation of metastatic lesions at distant sites. A thorough scrutiny of the biological and biochemical events orchestrating metastasis formation and dissemination has shown that virtually all cell types within the tumor microenvironment work closely with BC cells to seed cancerous units at distant sites. By establishing an intricate scheme of paracrine interactions that lead to the expression of genes involved in metastasis initiation, progression, and virulence, the cross-talk between BC cells and the surrounding microenvironmental components does dictate tumor fate and patients’ prognosis. Following (i) a description of the main microenvironmental events prompting BC metastases and (ii) a concise overview of estrogen and the IIGFs signaling and their major regulatory functions in BC, here we provide a comprehensive analysis of the most recent findings on the role of these transduction pathways toward metastatic dissemination. In particular, we focused our attention on the main microenvironmental targets of the estrogen-IIGFs interplay, and we recapitulated relevant molecular nodes that orientate shared biological responses fostering the metastatic program. On the basis of available studies, we propose that a functional cross-talk between estrogens and IIGFs, by affecting the BC microenvironment, may contribute to the metastatic process and may be regarded as a novel target for combination therapies aimed at preventing the metastatic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Muoio
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (A.O.U.) Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
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Lappano R, Rigiracciolo DC, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, De Francesco EM. Cancer associated fibroblasts: role in breast cancer and potential as therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:559-572. [PMID: 32249708 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1751819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the largest population of stromal cells in breast tumors. Emerging evidence has suggested that CAFs are important players not only in fostering tumor growth and spread but also in altering the tumor response to therapeutic agents. On the basis of these observations, huge efforts have been made to exploit CAFs as potential targets for breast cancer therapy.Areas covered: The current understanding of the hallmarks and biology of CAFs, their multilayered interplay with various cell populations of breast tumor microenvironment toward cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and resistance to anticancer therapies are discussed. In addition, a comprehensive overview of the CAFs-based molecular druggable targets in breast tumors is provided. The most relevant literature, in particular the studies retrieved in Medline in the last 10 years, served for this purpose.Expert opinion: The interest on CAFs as a target to fight breast cancer has becoming a hot topic for drug discovery. Indeed, several CAFs-targeted approaches are emerging as appealing therapeutic strategies in breast cancer. At pre-clinical level, this research field is speedily advancing toward the assessment of successful tactics targeting CAFs in breast cancer. Therefore, anti-CAFs therapies may display an intriguing potential to be exploited in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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7
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Talia M, De Francesco EM, Rigiracciolo DC, Muoio MG, Muglia L, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Sims AH, Lappano R. The G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Expression Correlates with Pro-Metastatic Pathways in ER-Negative Breast Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030622. [PMID: 32143514 PMCID: PMC7140398 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, formerly known as GPR30) is a seven-transmembrane receptor that mediates estrogen signals in both normal and malignant cells. In particular, GPER has been involved in the activation of diverse signaling pathways toward transcriptional and biological responses that characterize the progression of breast cancer (BC). In this context, a correlation between GPER expression and worse clinical-pathological features of BC has been suggested, although controversial data have also been reported. In order to better assess the biological significance of GPER in the aggressive estrogen receptor (ER)-negative BC, we performed a bioinformatics analysis using the information provided by The Invasive Breast Cancer Cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) datasets. Gene expression correlation and the statistical analysis were carried out with R studio base functions and the tidyverse package. Pathway enrichment analysis was evaluated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway on the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) website, whereas gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed with the R package phenoTest. The survival analysis was determined with the R package survivALL. Analyzing the expression data of more than 2500 primary BC, we ascertained that GPER levels are associated with pro-migratory and metastatic genes belonging to cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and focal adhesion (FA) signaling pathways. Thereafter, evaluating the disease-free interval (DFI) in ER-negative BC patients, we found that the subjects expressing high GPER levels exhibited a shorter DFI in respect to those exhibiting low GPER levels. Overall, our results may pave the way to further dissect the network triggered by GPER in the breast malignancies lacking ER toward a better assessment of its prognostic significance and the action elicited in mediating the aggressive features of the aforementioned BC subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Maria Grazia Muoio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
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8
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Cai C, Cooper GF, Lu KN, Ma X, Xu S, Zhao Z, Chen X, Xue Y, Lee AV, Clark N, Chen V, Lu S, Chen L, Yu L, Hochheiser HS, Jiang X, Wang QJ, Lu X. Systematic discovery of the functional impact of somatic genome alterations in individual tumors through tumor-specific causal inference. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007088. [PMID: 31276486 PMCID: PMC6650088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is mainly caused by somatic genome alterations (SGAs). Precision oncology involves identifying and targeting tumor-specific aberrations resulting from causative SGAs. We developed a novel tumor-specific computational framework that finds the likely causative SGAs in an individual tumor and estimates their impact on oncogenic processes, which suggests the disease mechanisms that are acting in that tumor. This information can be used to guide precision oncology. We report a tumor-specific causal inference (TCI) framework, which estimates causative SGAs by modeling causal relationships between SGAs and molecular phenotypes (e.g., transcriptomic, proteomic, or metabolomic changes) within an individual tumor. We applied the TCI algorithm to tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and estimated for each tumor the SGAs that causally regulate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in that tumor. Overall, TCI identified 634 SGAs that are predicted to cause cancer-related DEGs in a significant number of tumors, including most of the previously known drivers and many novel candidate cancer drivers. The inferred causal relationships are statistically robust and biologically sensible, and multiple lines of experimental evidence support the predicted functional impact of both the well-known and the novel candidate drivers that are predicted by TCI. TCI provides a unified framework that integrates multiple types of SGAs and molecular phenotypes to estimate which genome perturbations are causally influencing one or more molecular/cellular phenotypes in an individual tumor. By identifying major candidate drivers and revealing their functional impact in an individual tumor, TCI sheds light on the disease mechanisms of that tumor, which can serve to advance our basic knowledge of cancer biology and to support precision oncology that provides tailored treatment of individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Cai
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Gregory F. Cooper
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Kevin N. Lu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Xiaojun Ma
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Shuping Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Zhenlong Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Xueer Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Yifan Xue
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Adrian V. Lee
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Magee Women’s Cancer Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Nathan Clark
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Department of Computational Biology and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Vicky Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Songjian Lu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Lujia Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Liyue Yu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Harry S. Hochheiser
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Xia Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Q. Jane Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (QJW); (XL)
| | - Xinghua Lu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- Center for Causal Discovery, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (QJW); (XL)
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9
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Lv Q, Xie L, Cheng Y, Shi Y, Shan W, Ning C, Xie B, Yang B, Luo X, He Q, Zhu Q, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Wang C, Chen X, Xu C. A20-mediated deubiquitination of ERα in the microenvironment of CD163+ macrophages sensitizes endometrial cancer cells to estrogen. Cancer Lett 2019; 442:137-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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10
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Kwiecinska K, Strojny W, Pietrys D, Bik-Multanowski M, Siedlar M, Balwierz W, Skoczen S. Late effects in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the context of selected gene polymorphisms. Ital J Pediatr 2018; 44:92. [PMID: 30111348 PMCID: PMC6094582 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-018-0526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that approximately half of survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have symptomatic late effects (LE) that may be severe or life-threatening. The aim of our study was to assess the health status of childhood ALL survivors after over 10 years of follow-up and to assess its relationships with gene polymorphisms, numbers and types of LEs, as well as with intensity of chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy (CRT). METHODS We conducted a telephone survey in 125 ALL survivors (median time from completion of treatment was 12 years) and compared the results with those obtained in our previous study. Most of the patients were followed-up by local providers. RESULTS The prevalence of LEs of approximately 50% was similar in both study groups. More than one LE was found in almost 25% of patients. Endocrine LEs were less frequent than in our previous study (44% vs 22%), probably due to underdiagnosis. The prevalence of hepatitis B/C decreased from 30%/50 to 18% (counted together), and prevalence of neurologic LEs decreased from 18 to 6%. The increase in the rate of second malignancies was not significant (2% vs. 3%). Sixty four percent of patients continued their education at the time of the study. Approximately 51% of ALL survivors who have completed their education by the time of the study had no permanent employment, including 4 mothers of infants and 3 persons qualified for a disability living allowance. These employment problems may have been due to cognitive impairment. The offspring of the ALL survivors included 11 children, all of them healthy. Further analysis showed higher prevalence of hepatitis in patients treated with CRT (p = 0.0001). Genetic studies revealed higher prevalence of hepatitis in patients homozygous for the rs9939609A variant of the FTO gene compared with other patients (p = 0.03). Moreover, wild-type rs1137101 polymorphism (Q223R) of the and leptin receptor gene was more frequent in patients with psychological LEs (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of LEs in ALL survivors is of key importance. The transition of childhood ALL survivors from pediatric to adult care should be urgently improved to maintain continued follow-up provide high-quality care. TRIAL REGISTRATION Bioethics Committee of the Jagiellonian University approved the study protocol. Registration number: KBET/113/B/2006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Kwiecinska
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Strojny
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663, Krakow, Poland
| | - Danuta Pietrys
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663, Krakow, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Bik-Multanowski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Chair of Clinical Immunology and Transplantation, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Walentyna Balwierz
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663, Krakow, Poland
| | - Szymon Skoczen
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663, Krakow, Poland
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11
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Belfiore A, Malaguarnera R, Nicolosi ML, Lappano R, Ragusa M, Morrione A, Vella V. A novel functional crosstalk between DDR1 and the IGF axis and its relevance for breast cancer. Cell Adh Migr 2018; 12:305-314. [PMID: 29486622 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2018.1445953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades increasing importance has been attributed to the Insulin/Insulin-like Growth Factor signaling (IIGFs) in cancer development, progression and resistance to therapy. In fact, IIGFs is often deregulated in cancer. In particular, the mitogenic insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A) and the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) are frequently overexpressed in cancer together with their cognate ligands IGF-1 and IGF-2. Recently, we identified discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) as a new IR-A interacting protein. DDR1, a non-integrin collagen tyrosine kinase receptor, is overexpressed in several malignancies and plays a role in cancer progression and metastasis. Herein, we review recent findings indicating that DDR1 is as a novel modulator of IR and IGF-1R expression and function. DDR1 functionally interacts with IR and IGF-1R and enhances the biological actions of insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-2. Conversely, DDR1 is upregulated by IGF-1, IGF-2 and insulin through the PI3K/AKT/miR-199a-5p circuit. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the non-canonical estrogen receptor GPER1 in the DDR1-IIGFs crosstalk. These data suggest a wider role of DDR1 as a regulator of cell response to hormones, growth factors, and signals coming from the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Belfiore
- a Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital , Catania , Italy
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- b Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences , University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Nicolosi
- b Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences , University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- c Department of Pharmacy , Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria , Rende , Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- d Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences , Unit of BioMolecular, Genome, and Complex System BioMedicine, University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- e Department of Urology and Biology of Prostate Cancer Program , Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania
| | - Veronica Vella
- a Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital , Catania , Italy.,f School of Human and Social Sciences, "Kore" University of Enna , Enna , Italy
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12
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Lappano R, Maggiolini M. GPER is involved in the functional liaison between breast tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 176:49-56. [PMID: 28249728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aggressiveness of breast tumors is deeply influenced by the surrounding stroma. In this regard, the functional crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment has received considerable attention in recent years. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are active components of the tumor stroma as they play a main role in the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of breast malignancy. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms through which host stroma may contribute to cancer development would lead to novel therapeutic approaches aimed to target both tumor cells and the adjacent microenvironment. The G protein estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) has been involved in estrogenic signaling in normal and malignant cells, including breast cancer. It is noteworthy that the potential of GPER to mediate stimulatory effects of estrogens has been also shown in CAFs derived from patients with breast tumors, suggesting that GPER may act at the cross-road between cancer cells and these important components of the tumor microenvironment. This review recapitulates recent findings underlying the breast tumor-promoting action of CAFs, in particular their functional liaison with breast cancer cells via GPER toward the occurrence of malignant features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
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13
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Barton M, Filardo EJ, Lolait SJ, Thomas P, Maggiolini M, Prossnitz ER. Twenty years of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor GPER: Historical and personal perspectives. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 176:4-15. [PMID: 28347854 PMCID: PMC5716468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play a critical role in many aspects of physiology, particularly female reproductive function, but also in pathophysiology, and are associated with protection from numerous diseases in premenopausal women. Steroids and the effects of estrogen have been known for ∼90 years, with the first evidence for a receptor for estrogen presented ∼50 years ago. The original ancestral steroid receptor, extending back into evolution more than 500 million years, was likely an estrogen receptor, whereas G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) trace their origins back into history more than one billion years. The classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) are ligand-activated transcription factors that confer estrogen sensitivity upon many genes. It was soon apparent that these, or novel receptors may also be responsible for the "rapid"/"non-genomic" membrane-associated effects of estrogen. The identification of an orphan GPCR (GPR30, published in 1996) opened a new field of research with the description in 2000 that GPR30 expression is required for rapid estrogen signaling. In 2005-2006, the field was greatly stimulated by two studies that described the binding of estrogen to GPR30-expressing cell membranes, followed by the identification of a GPR30-selective agonist (that lacked binding and activity towards ERα and ERβ). Renamed GPER (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor) by IUPHAR in 2007, the total number of articles in PubMed related to this receptor recently surpassed 1000. In this article, the authors present personal perspectives on how they became involved in the discovery and/or advancement of GPER research. These areas include non-genomic effects on vascular tone, receptor cloning, molecular and cellular biology, signal transduction mechanisms and pharmacology of GPER, highlighting the roles of GPER and GPER-selective compounds in diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer and the obligatory role of GPER in propagating cardiovascular aging, arterial hypertension and heart failure through the stimulation of Nox expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Edward J Filardo
- Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Stephen J Lolait
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Eric R Prossnitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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14
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Stimulatory actions of IGF-I are mediated by IGF-IR cross-talk with GPER and DDR1 in mesothelioma and lung cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:52710-52728. [PMID: 27384677 PMCID: PMC5288143 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)/IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) system has been largely involved in the pathogenesis and development of various tumors. We have previously demonstrated that IGF-IR cooperates with the G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER) and the collagen receptor discoidin domain 1 (DDR1) that are implicated in cancer progression. Here, we provide novel evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms through which IGF-I/IGF-IR signaling triggers a functional cross-talk with GPER and DDR1 in both mesothelioma and lung cancer cells. In particular, we show that IGF-I activates the transduction network mediated by IGF-IR leading to the up-regulation of GPER and its main target genes CTGF and EGR1 as well as the induction of DDR1 target genes like MATN-2, FBN-1, NOTCH 1 and HES-1. Of note, certain DDR1-mediated effects upon IGF-I stimulation required both IGF-IR and GPER as determined knocking-down the expression of these receptors. The aforementioned findings were nicely recapitulated in important biological outcomes like IGF-I promoted chemotaxis and migration of both mesothelioma and lung cancer cells. Overall, our data suggest that IGF-I/IGF-IR system triggers stimulatory actions through both GPER and DDR1 in aggressive tumors as mesothelioma and lung tumors. Hence, this novel signaling pathway may represent a further target in setting innovative anticancer strategies.
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15
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De Francesco EM, Sims AH, Maggiolini M, Sotgia F, Lisanti MP, Clarke RB. GPER mediates the angiocrine actions induced by IGF1 through the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in the breast tumor microenvironment. Breast Cancer Res 2017; 19:129. [PMID: 29212519 PMCID: PMC5719673 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-017-0923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The G protein estrogen receptor GPER/GPR30 mediates estrogen action in breast cancer cells as well as in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are key components of microenvironment driving tumor progression. GPER is a transcriptional target of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and activates VEGF expression and angiogenesis in hypoxic breast tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, IGF1/IGF1R signaling, which has angiogenic effects, has been shown to activate GPER in breast cancer cells. METHODS We analyzed gene expression data from published studies representing almost 5000 breast cancer patients to investigate whether GPER and IGF1 signaling establish an angiocrine gene signature in breast cancer patients. Next, we used GPER-positive but estrogen receptor (ER)-negative primary CAF cells derived from patient breast tumours and SKBR3 breast cancer cells to investigate the role of GPER in the regulation of VEGF expression and angiogenesis triggered by IGF1. We performed gene expression and promoter studies, western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis, gene silencing strategies and endothelial tube formation assays to evaluate the involvement of the HIF-1α/GPER/VEGF signaling in the biological responses to IGF1. RESULTS We first determined that GPER is co-expressed with IGF1R and with the vessel marker CD34 in human breast tumors (n = 4972). Next, we determined that IGF1/IGF1R signaling engages the ERK1/2 and AKT transduction pathways to induce the expression of HIF-1α and its targets GPER and VEGF. We found that a functional cooperation between HIF-1α and GPER is essential for the transcriptional activation of VEGF induced by IGF1. Finally, using conditioned medium from CAFs and SKBR3 cells stimulated with IGF1, we established that HIF-1α and GPER are both required for VEGF-induced human vascular endothelial cell tube formation. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed new light on the essential role played by GPER in IGF1/IGF1R signaling that induces breast tumor angiogenesis. Targeting the multifaceted interactions between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment involving both GPCRs and growth factor receptors has potential in future combination anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina M De Francesco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Savinio, 87036, Rende, Italy. .,Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M204GJ, UK.
| | - Andrew H Sims
- Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, University of Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Savinio, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Federica Sotgia
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Michael P Lisanti
- Translational Medicine, School of Environment and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Robert B Clarke
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M204GJ, UK.
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16
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Jung SY, Rohan T, Strickler H, Bea J, Zhang ZF, Ho G, Crandall C. Genetic variants and traits related to insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin resistance and their interaction with lifestyles on postmenopausal colorectal cancer risk. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186296. [PMID: 29023587 PMCID: PMC5638514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants and traits in metabolic signaling pathways may interact with lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical activity, and exogenous estrogen (E), influencing postmenopausal colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but these interrelated pathways are not fully understood. In this case-cohort study, we examined 33 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)/ insulin resistance (IR) traits and signaling pathways, using data from 704 postmenopausal women in Women’s Health Initiative Observation ancillary studies. Stratifying by the lifestyle modifiers, we assessed the effects of IGF-I/IR traits (fasting total and free IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3, insulin, glucose, and homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance) on CRC risk as a mediator or influencing factor. Six SNPs in the INS, IGF-I, and IGFBP3 genes were associated with CRC risk, and those associations differed between non-obese/active and obese/inactive women and between E nonusers and users. Roughly 30% of the cancer risk due to the SNP was mediated by IGF-I/IR traits. Likewise, carriers of 11 SNPs in the IRS1 and AKT1/2 genes (signaling pathway–related genetic variants) had different associations with CRC risk between strata, and the proportion of the SNP–cancer association explained by traits varied from 30% to 50%. Our findings suggest that IGF-I/IR genetic variants interact with obesity, physical activity, and exogenous E, altering postmenopausal CRC risk, through IGF-I/IR traits, but also through different pathways. Unraveling gene–phenotype–lifestyle interactions will provide data on potential genetic targets in clinical trials for cancer prevention and intervention strategies to reduce CRC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Yon Jung
- Translational Sciences Section, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Rohan
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Howard Strickler
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Bea
- Medicine & Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Zuo-Feng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Gloria Ho
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Great Neck, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Crandall
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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17
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Belfiore A, Malaguarnera R, Vella V, Lawrence MC, Sciacca L, Frasca F, Morrione A, Vigneri R. Insulin Receptor Isoforms in Physiology and Disease: An Updated View. Endocr Rev 2017; 38:379-431. [PMID: 28973479 PMCID: PMC5629070 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) gene undergoes differential splicing that generates two IR isoforms, IR-A and IR-B. The physiological roles of IR isoforms are incompletely understood and appear to be determined by their different binding affinities for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), particularly for IGF-2. Predominant roles of IR-A in prenatal growth and development and of IR-B in metabolic regulation are well established. However, emerging evidence indicates that the differential expression of IR isoforms may also help explain the diversification of insulin and IGF signaling and actions in various organs and tissues by involving not only different ligand-binding affinities but also different membrane partitioning and trafficking and possibly different abilities to interact with a variety of molecular partners. Of note, dysregulation of the IR-A/IR-B ratio is associated with insulin resistance, aging, and increased proliferative activity of normal and neoplastic tissues and appears to sustain detrimental effects. This review discusses novel information that has generated remarkable progress in our understanding of the physiology of IR isoforms and their role in disease. We also focus on novel IR ligands and modulators that should now be considered as an important strategy for better and safer treatment of diabetes and cancer and possibly other IR-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- School of Human and Social Sciences, University Kore of Enna, via della Cooperazione, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Michael C. Lawrence
- Structural Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Laura Sciacca
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Frasca
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Department of Urology and Biology of Prostate Cancer Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
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18
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Interaction of insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin resistance-related genetic variants with lifestyle factors on postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 164:475-495. [PMID: 28478612 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetic variants and traits in metabolic signaling pathways may interact with obesity, physical activity, and exogenous estrogen (E), influencing postmenopausal breast cancer risk, but these inter-related pathways are incompletely understood. METHODS We used 75 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)/insulin resistance (IR) traits and signaling pathways, and data from 1003 postmenopausal women in Women's Health Initiative Observation ancillary studies. Stratifying via obesity and lifestyle modifiers, we assessed the role of IGF-I/IR traits (fasting IGF-I, IGF-binding protein 3, insulin, glucose, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance) in breast cancer risk as a mediator or influencing factor. RESULTS Seven SNPs in IGF-I and INS genes were associated with breast cancer risk. These associations differed between non-obese/active and obese/inactive women and between exogenous E non-users and users. The mediation effects of IGF-I/IR traits on the relationship between these SNPs and cancer differed between strata, but only roughly 35% of the cancer risk due to the SNPs was mediated by traits. Similarly, carriers of 20 SNPs in PIK3R1, AKT1/2, and MAPK1 genes (signaling pathways-genetic variants) had different associations with breast cancer between strata, and the proportion of the SNP-cancer relationship explained by traits varied 45-50% between the strata. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that IGF-I/IR genetic variants interact with obesity and lifestyle factors, altering cancer risk partially through pathways other than IGF-I/IR traits. Unraveling gene-phenotype-lifestyle interactions will provide data on potential genetic targets in clinical trials for cancer prevention and intervention strategies to reduce breast cancer risk.
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Vella V, Nicolosi ML, Giuliano S, Bellomo M, Belfiore A, Malaguarnera R. PPAR-γ Agonists As Antineoplastic Agents in Cancers with Dysregulated IGF Axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:31. [PMID: 28275367 PMCID: PMC5319972 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now widely accepted that insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are associated to increased cancer incidence and mortality. Moreover, cancer development and progression as well as cancer resistance to traditional anticancer therapies are often linked to a deregulation/overactivation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, which involves the autocrine/paracrine production of IGFs (IGF-I and IGF-II) and overexpression of their cognate receptors [IGF-I receptor, IGF-insulin receptor (IR), and IR]. Recently, new drugs targeting various IGF axis components have been developed. However, these drugs have several limitations including the occurrence of insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia, which, in turn, may affect cancer cell growth and survival. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed. In this regard, the pleiotropic effects of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonists may have promising applications in cancer prevention and therapy. Indeed, activation of PPAR-γ by thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or other agonists may inhibit cell growth and proliferation by lowering circulating insulin and affecting key pathways of the Insulin/IGF axis, such as PI3K/mTOR, MAPK, and GSK3-β/Wnt/β-catenin cascades, which regulate cancer cell survival, cell reprogramming, and differentiation. In light of these evidences, TZDs and other PPAR-γ agonists may be exploited as potential preventive and therapeutic agents in tumors addicted to the activation of IGF axis or occurring in hyperinsulinemic patients. Unfortunately, clinical trials using PPAR-γ agonists as antineoplastic agents have reached conflicting results, possibly because they have not selected tumors with overactivated insulin/IGF-I axis or occurring in hyperinsulinemic patients. In conclusion, the use of PPAR-γ agonists in combined therapies of IGF-driven malignancies looks promising but requires future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vella
- Scienze delle Attività Motorie e Sportive, University Kore, Enna, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Nicolosi
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Giuliano
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Bellomo
- Scienze delle Attività Motorie e Sportive, University Kore, Enna, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonino Belfiore,
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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20
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Malaguarnera R, Vella V, Nicolosi ML, Belfiore A. Insulin Resistance: Any Role in the Changing Epidemiology of Thyroid Cancer? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:314. [PMID: 29184536 PMCID: PMC5694441 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer (TC), namely of its papillary hystotype (PTC), has shown a steady increase worldwide, which has been attributed at least in part to the increasing diagnosis of early stage tumors. However, some evidence suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors can also play a role. Among the potential risk factors involved in the changing epidemiology of TC, particular attention has been drawn to insulin-resistance and related metabolic disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which have been also rapidly increasing worldwide due to widespread dietary and lifestyle changes. In accordance with this possibility, various epidemiological studies have indeed gathered substantial evidence that insulin resistance-related metabolic disorders might be associated with an increased TC risk either through hyperinsulinemia or by affecting other TC risk factors including iodine deficiency, elevated thyroid stimulating hormone, estrogen-dependent signaling, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and others. This review summarizes the current literature evaluating the relationship between metabolic disorders characterized by insulin resistance and the risk for TC as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. The potential implications of such association in TC prevention and therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Malaguarnera
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- School of Human and Social Sciences, “Kore” University of Enna, Enna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Veronica Vella, ; Antonino Belfiore,
| | - Maria Luisa Nicolosi
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Veronica Vella, ; Antonino Belfiore,
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21
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Matà R, Palladino C, Nicolosi ML, Lo Presti AR, Malaguarnera R, Ragusa M, Sciortino D, Morrione A, Maggiolini M, Vella V, Belfiore A. IGF-I induces upregulation of DDR1 collagen receptor in breast cancer cells by suppressing MIR-199a-5p through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Oncotarget 2016; 7:7683-700. [PMID: 26655502 PMCID: PMC4884947 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) is a collagen receptor tyrosine-kinase that contributes to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and enhances cancer progression. Our previous data indicate that, in breast cancer cells, DDR1 interacts with IGF-1R and positively modulates IGF-1R expression and biological responses, suggesting that the DDR1-IGF-IR cross-talk may play an important role in cancer. In this study, we set out to evaluate whether IGF-I stimulation may affect DDR1 expression. Indeed, in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) IGF-I induced significant increase of DDR1 protein expression, in a time and dose dependent manner. However, we did not observe parallel changes in DDR1 mRNA. DDR1 upregulation required the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway while the ERK1/2, the p70/mTOR and the PKC pathways were not involved. Moreover, we observed that DDR1 protein upregulation was induced by translational mechanisms involving miR-199a-5p suppression through PI3K/AKT activation. This effect was confirmed by both IGF-II produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts from human breast cancer and by stable transfection of breast cancer cells with a human IGF-II expression construct. Transfection with a constitutively active form of AKT was sufficient to decrease miR-199a-5p and upregulate DDR1. Accordingly, IGF-I-induced DDR1 upregulation was inhibited by transfection with pre-miR-199a-5p, which also impaired AKT activation and cell migration and proliferation in response to IGF-I. These results demonstrate that, in breast cancer cells, a novel pathway involving AKT/miR-199a-5p/DDR1 plays a role in modulating IGFs biological responses. Therefore, this signaling pathway may represent an important target for breast cancers with over-activation of the IGF-IR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Matà
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Chiara Palladino
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Nicolosi
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Lo Presti
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Biology, Genetics and BioInformatics Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Sciortino
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Department of Urology and Biology of Prostate Cancer Program, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- Motor Sciences, School of Human and Social Sciences, "Kore" University of Enna, Enna, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Bio-Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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22
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Xie BY, Lv QY, Ning CC, Yang BY, Shan WW, Cheng YL, Gu C, Luo XZ, Zhang ZB, Chen XJ, Xi XW, Feng YJ. TET1-GPER-PI3K/AKT pathway is involved in insulin-driven endometrial cancer cell proliferation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 482:857-862. [PMID: 27889612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.11.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Large amount of clinical evidence has demonstrated that insulin resistance is closely related to oncogenesis of endometrial cancer (EC). Despite recent studies showed the up-regulatory role of insulin in G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) expression, GPER expression was not decreased compared to control when insulin receptor was blocked even in insulin treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible mechanism by which insulin up-regulates GPER that drives EC cell proliferation. For this purpose, we first investigated the GPER expression in tissues of endometrial lesions, further explored the effect of GPER on EC cell proliferation in insulin resistance context. Then we analyzed the role of Ten-Eleven Translocation 1 (TET1) in insulin-induced GEPR expression and EC cell proliferation. The results showed that GPER was highly expressed in endometrial atypical hyperplasia and EC tissues. Mechanistically, insulin up-regulated TET1 expression and the latter played an important role in up-regulating GPER expression and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. TET1 mediated GPER up-regulation was another mechanism that insulin promotes EC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Ying Xie
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qiao-Ying Lv
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Ning
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Bing-Yi Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wei-Wei Shan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ya-Li Cheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chao Gu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xue-Zhen Luo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Xiao-Wei Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - You-Ji Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
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23
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GPER is involved in the stimulatory effects of aldosterone in breast cancer cells and breast tumor-derived endothelial cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:94-111. [PMID: 26646587 PMCID: PMC4807985 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldosterone induces relevant effects binding to the mineralcorticoid receptor (MR), which acts as a ligand-gated transcription factor. Alternate mechanisms can mediate the action of aldosterone such as the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), MAPK/ERK, transcription factors and ion channels. The G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER) has been involved in the stimulatory effects of estrogenic signalling in breast cancer. GPER has been also shown to contribute to certain responses to aldosterone, however the role played by GPER and the molecular mechanisms implicated remain to be fully understood. Here, we evaluated the involvement of GPER in the stimulatory action exerted by aldosterone in breast cancer cells and breast tumor derived endothelial cells (B-TEC). Competition assays, gene expression and silencing studies, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence experiments, cell proliferation and migration were performed in order to provide novel insights into the role of GPER in the aldosterone-activated signalling. Our results demonstrate that aldosterone triggers the EGFR/ERK transduction pathway in a MR- and GPER-dependent manner. Aldosterone does not bind to GPER, it however induces the direct interaction between MR and GPER as well as between GPER and EGFR. Next, we ascertain that the up-regulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger-1 (NHE-1) induced by aldosterone involves MR and GPER. Biologically, both MR and GPER contribute to the proliferation and migration of breast and endothelial cancer cells mediated by NHE-1 upon aldosterone exposure. Our data further extend the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms through which GPER may contribute to the stimulatory action elicited by aldosterone in breast cancer.
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24
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Rigiracciolo DC, Scarpelli A, Lappano R, Pisano A, Santolla MF, De Marco P, Cirillo F, Cappello AR, Dolce V, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, De Francesco EM. Copper activates HIF-1α/GPER/VEGF signalling in cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:34158-77. [PMID: 26415222 PMCID: PMC4741443 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper promotes tumor angiogenesis, nevertheless the mechanisms involved remain to be fully understood. We have recently demonstrated that the G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER) cooperates with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) toward the regulation of the pro-angiogenic factor VEGF. Here, we show that copper sulfate (CuSO4) induces the expression of HIF-1α as well as GPER and VEGF in breast and hepatic cancer cells through the activation of the EGFR/ERK/c-fos transduction pathway. Worthy, the copper chelating agent TEPA and the ROS scavenger NAC prevented the aforementioned stimulatory effects. We also ascertained that HIF-1α and GPER are required for the transcriptional activation of VEGF induced by CuSO4. In addition, in human endothelial cells, the conditioned medium from breast cancer cells treated with CuSO4 promoted cell migration and tube formation through HIF-1α and GPER. The present results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved by copper in triggering angiogenesis and tumor progression. Our data broaden the therapeutic potential of copper chelating agents against tumor angiogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Scarpelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Assunta Pisano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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25
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The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) in breast cancer: biology and treatment strategies. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:11711-11721. [PMID: 27444280 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5176-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Although patients are often diagnosed in the early and curable stages, the treatment of metastatic breast cancer remains a major clinical challenge. The combination of chemotherapy with new targeting agents, such as bevacizumab, is helpful in improving patient survival; however, novel treatment strategies are required to improve clinical outcomes. The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) is a tyrosine kinase cell surface receptor which is involved in the regulation of cell growth and metabolism. Previous studies have shown that activation of the IGF-IR signaling pathway promotes proliferation, survival, and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Additionally, overexpression of IGF-IR is associated with breast cancer cell resistance to anticancer therapies. Recently, IGF-IR has been introduced as a marker of stemness in breast cancer cells and there is also accumulating evidence that IGF-IR contributes to the establishment and maintenance of breast cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, pharmacological or molecular targeting of IGF-IR could be a promising strategy, in the treatment of patients with breast cancer, particularly in order to circumvent the therapeutic resistance and targeting breast cancer stem/progenitors. Currently, many strategies have been developed for targeting IGF-IR, some have entered clinical trials and some are in preclinical stages for breast cancer therapy. In this review, we will first discuss on the biology of IGF-IR in an attempt to find the role of this receptor in breast cancer and then discuss about therapeutic strategies to target this receptor.
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26
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Jacenik D, Cygankiewicz AI, Krajewska WM. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor as a modulator of neoplastic transformation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 429:10-8. [PMID: 27107933 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play a crucial role in the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological processes. These hormones act through specific receptors, most notably the canonical estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) and their truncated forms as well as the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Several studies have shown that GPER is expressed in many normal and cancer cells, including those of the breast, endometrium, ovary, testis and lung. Hormonal imbalance is one possible cause of cancer development. An accumulating body of evidence indicates that GPER is involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, it may act as a mediator of microRNA, and is believed to modulate the inflammation associated with neoplastic transformation. Furthermore, used in various treatment regimens anti-estrogens such as tamoxifen, raloxifen and fulvestrant (ICI 182.780), antagonists/modulators of canonical estrogen receptors, were found to be GPER agonists. This review presents the current knowledge about the potential role of GPER in neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Jacenik
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska St. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Adam I Cygankiewicz
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska St. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Wanda M Krajewska
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska St. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
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27
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De Marco P, Lappano R, De Francesco EM, Cirillo F, Pupo M, Avino S, Vivacqua A, Abonante S, Picard D, Maggiolini M. GPER signalling in both cancer-associated fibroblasts and breast cancer cells mediates a feedforward IL1β/IL1R1 response. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24354. [PMID: 27072893 PMCID: PMC4829876 DOI: 10.1038/srep24354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the malignant aggressiveness through secreted factors like IL1β, which may drive pro-tumorigenic inflammatory phenotypes mainly acting via the cognate receptor named IL1R1. Here, we demonstrate that signalling mediated by the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) triggers IL1β and IL1R1 expression in CAFs and breast cancer cells, respectively. Thereby, ligand-activation of GPER generates a feedforward loop coupling IL1β induction by CAFs to IL1R1 expression by cancer cells, promoting the up-regulation of IL1β/IL1R1 target genes such as PTGES, COX2, RAGE and ABCG2. This regulatory interaction between the two cell types induces migration and invasive features in breast cancer cells including fibroblastoid cytoarchitecture and F-actin reorganization. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines by GPER-integrated estrogen signals may be useful to target these stroma-cancer interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Marco Pupo
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva Switzerland
| | - Silvia Avino
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | | | - Didier Picard
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva Switzerland
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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28
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Lappano R, Rigiracciolo D, De Marco P, Avino S, Cappello AR, Rosano C, Maggiolini M, De Francesco EM. Recent Advances on the Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hypoxia-Mediated Signaling. AAPS JOURNAL 2016; 18:305-10. [PMID: 26865461 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-016-9881-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface proteins mainly involved in signal transmission; however, they play a role also in several pathophysiological conditions. Chemically heterogeneous molecules like peptides, hormones, lipids, and neurotransmitters activate second messengers and induce several biological responses by binding to these seven transmembrane receptors, which are coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins. Recently, additional molecular mechanisms have been involved in GPCR-mediated signaling, leading to an intricate network of transduction pathways. In this regard, it should be mentioned that diverse GPCR family members contribute to the adaptive cell responses to low oxygen tension, which is a distinguishing feature of several illnesses like neoplastic and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, the G protein estrogen receptor, namely G protein estrogen receptor (GPER)/GPR30, has been shown to contribute to relevant biological effects induced by hypoxia via the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in diverse cell contexts, including cancer. Likewise, GPER has been found to modulate the biological outcome of hypoxic/ischemic stress in both cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Here, we describe the role exerted by GPCR-mediated signaling in low oxygen conditions, discussing, in particular, the involvement of GPER by a hypoxic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Damiano Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Silvia Avino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Camillo Rosano
- UOS Proteomics IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST National Institute for Cancer Research, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy.
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29
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Li Z, Cheng L, Liang H, Duan W, Hu J, Zhi W, Yang J, Liu Z, Zhao M, Liu J. GPER inhibits diabetes-mediated RhoA activation to prevent vascular endothelial dysfunction. Eur J Cell Biol 2015; 95:100-13. [PMID: 26785611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of estrogen receptors on diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction is critical, but ambiguous. Individuals with diabetic vascular disease may require estrogen receptor-specific targeted therapy in the future. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has beneficial effects on vascular function. However, its fundamental mechanisms are unclear. The RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway contributes to diabetic vascular complications, whereas estrogen can suppress Rho-kinase function. Thus, we assumed that GPER inhibits diabetes-mediated RhoA activation to prevent vascular dysfunction. We further investigated the underlying mechanisms involved in this process. Vascular endothelial cells and ex vivo cultured ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6 mouse aortae were treated with high glucose (HG) alone or in combination with GPER agonist (G1). G1 treatment was also administered to OVX db/db mice for 8 weeks. An ex-vivo isovolumic myograph was used to analyze the endothelium-dependent vasodilation and endothelium-independent contraction of mouse aortae. Apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation were attenuated in G1-pretreated vascular endothelial cells. G1 significantly decreased the phosphorylation of inhibitory endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase residue threonine 495 (eNOS Thr495), inhibited RhoA expression, and increased NO production. Additionally, G1 rescued the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation and inhibited RhoA activation in the thoracic aorta of OVX db/db mice and ex-vivo cultured OVX C57BL/6 mouse aortae treated with HG. Estrogens acting via GPER could protect vascular endothelium, and GPER activation might elicit ERα-independent effect to inhibit RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway. Additionally, GPER activation might reduce vascular smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting RhoA activation. Thus, the results of the present study suggest a new therapeutic paradigm for end-stage vascular dysfunction by inhibiting RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway via GPER activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Lanzhou Command, PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongliang Liang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weixun Duan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Lanzhou Command, PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinbao Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenhua Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jincheng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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30
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Bartella V, De Francesco EM, Perri MG, Curcio R, Dolce V, Maggiolini M, Vivacqua A. The G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) is regulated by endothelin-1 mediated signaling in cancer cells. Cell Signal 2015; 28:61-71. [PMID: 26607335 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor involved in many diseases, including certain cardiovascular disorders and cancer. As previous studies have shown that the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) may regulate ET-1 dependent effects on the vascular system, we evaluated whether GPER could contribute to the effects elicited by ET-1 in breast cancer and hepatocarcinoma cells. Here, we demonstrate that ET-1 increases GPER expression through endothelin receptor A (ETAR) and endothelin receptor B (ETBR) along with the activation of PI3K/ERK/c-Fos/AP1 transduction pathway. In addition, we show that GPER is involved in important biological responses observed upon ET-1 exposure, as the migration of the aforementioned tumor cells and the formation of tube-like structures in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our data suggest that GPER may contribute to ET-1 action toward the progression of some types of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Bartella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Perri
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
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31
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Lappano R, Rosano C, Pisano A, Santolla MF, De Francesco EM, De Marco P, Dolce V, Ponassi M, Felli L, Cafeo G, Kohnke FH, Abonante S, Maggiolini M. A calixpyrrole derivative acts as an antagonist to GPER, a G-protein coupled receptor: mechanisms and models. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1237-46. [PMID: 26183213 PMCID: PMC4610237 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.021071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens regulate numerous pathophysiological processes, mainly by binding to and activating estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. Increasing amounts of evidence have recently demonstrated that G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30; also known as GPER) is also involved in diverse biological responses to estrogens both in normal and cancer cells. The classical ER and GPER share several features, including the ability to bind to identical compounds; nevertheless, some ligands exhibit opposed activity through these receptors. It is worth noting that, owing to the availability of selective agonists and antagonists of GPER for research, certain differential roles elicited by GPER compared with ER have been identified. Here, we provide evidence on the molecular mechanisms through which a calixpyrrole derivative acts as a GPER antagonist in different model systems, such as breast tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) obtained from breast cancer patients. Our data might open new perspectives toward the development of a further class of selective GPER ligands in order to better dissect the role exerted by this receptor in different pathophysiological conditions. Moreover, calixpyrrole derivatives could be considered in future anticancer strategies targeting GPER in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Camillo Rosano
- U.O.S. Biopolymers and Proteomics, IST-National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Assunta Pisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | | | - Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Marco Ponassi
- U.O.S. Biopolymers and Proteomics, IST-National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Lamberto Felli
- U.O.S. Biopolymers and Proteomics, IST-National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Grazia Cafeo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina 98166, Italy
| | | | | | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
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32
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Hara Y, Waters EM, McEwen BS, Morrison JH. Estrogen Effects on Cognitive and Synaptic Health Over the Lifecourse. Physiol Rev 2015; 95:785-807. [PMID: 26109339 PMCID: PMC4491541 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen facilitates higher cognitive functions by exerting effects on brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Estrogen induces spinogenesis and synaptogenesis in these two brain regions and also initiates a complex set of signal transduction pathways via estrogen receptors (ERs). Along with the classical genomic effects mediated by activation of ER α and ER β, there are membrane-bound ER α, ER β, and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) that can mediate rapid nongenomic effects. All key ERs present throughout the body are also present in synapses of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This review summarizes estrogen actions in the brain from the standpoint of their effects on synapse structure and function, noting also the synergistic role of progesterone. We first begin with a review of ER subtypes in the brain and how their abundance and distributions are altered with aging and estrogen loss (e.g., ovariectomy or menopause) in the rodent, monkey, and human brain. As there is much evidence that estrogen loss induced by menopause can exacerbate the effects of aging on cognitive functions, we then review the clinical trials of hormone replacement therapies and their effectiveness on cognitive symptoms experienced by women. Finally, we summarize studies carried out in nonhuman primate models of age- and menopause-related cognitive decline that are highly relevant for developing effective interventions for menopausal women. Together, we highlight a new understanding of how estrogen affects higher cognitive functions and synaptic health that go well beyond its effects on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hara
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth M Waters
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Bruce S McEwen
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - John H Morrison
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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Prossnitz ER, Arterburn JB. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCVII. G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor and Its Pharmacologic Modulators. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:505-40. [PMID: 26023144 PMCID: PMC4485017 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are critical mediators of multiple and diverse physiologic effects throughout the body in both sexes, including the reproductive, cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. As such, alterations in estrogen function play important roles in many diseases and pathophysiological conditions (including cancer), exemplified by the lower prevalence of many diseases in premenopausal women. Estrogens mediate their effects through multiple cellular receptors, including the nuclear receptor family (ERα and ERβ) and the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family (GPR30/G protein-coupled estrogen receptor [GPER]). Although both receptor families can initiate rapid cell signaling and transcriptional regulation, the nuclear receptors are traditionally associated with regulating gene expression, whereas GPCRs are recognized as mediating rapid cellular signaling. Estrogen-activated pathways are not only the target of multiple therapeutic agents (e.g., tamoxifen, fulvestrant, raloxifene, and aromatase inhibitors) but are also affected by a plethora of phyto- and xeno-estrogens (e.g., genistein, coumestrol, bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). Because of the existence of multiple estrogen receptors with overlapping ligand specificities, expression patterns, and signaling pathways, the roles of the individual receptors with respect to the diverse array of endogenous and exogenous ligands have been challenging to ascertain. The identification of GPER-selective ligands however has led to a much greater understanding of the roles of this receptor in normal physiology and disease as well as its interactions with the classic estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ and their signaling pathways. In this review, we describe the history and characterization of GPER over the past 15 years focusing on the pharmacology of steroidal and nonsteroidal compounds that have been employed to unravel the biology of this most recently recognized estrogen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Prossnitz
- Department of Internal Medicine (E.R.P.) and University of New Mexico Cancer Center (E.R.P., J.B.A.), The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico (J.B.A.)
| | - Jeffrey B Arterburn
- Department of Internal Medicine (E.R.P.) and University of New Mexico Cancer Center (E.R.P., J.B.A.), The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico (J.B.A.)
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Barton M, Prossnitz ER. Emerging roles of GPER in diabetes and atherosclerosis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2015; 26:185-92. [PMID: 25767029 PMCID: PMC4731095 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a 7-transmembrane receptor implicated in rapid estrogen signaling. Originally cloned from vascular endothelial cells, GPER plays a central role in the regulation of vascular tone and cell growth as well as lipid and glucose homeostasis. This review highlights our knowledge of the physiological and pathophysiological functions of GPER in the pancreas, peripheral and immune tissues, and the arterial vasculature. Recent findings on its roles in obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, including GPER-dependent regulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation, are presented. The therapeutic potential of targeting GPER-dependent pathways in chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease and diabetes and in the context of menopause is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Eric R Prossnitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA; UNM Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA.
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Farabaugh SM, Boone DN, Lee AV. Role of IGF1R in Breast Cancer Subtypes, Stemness, and Lineage Differentiation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:59. [PMID: 25964777 PMCID: PMC4408912 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling is fundamental for growth and survival. A large body of evidence (laboratory, epidemiological, and clinical) implicates the exploitation of this pathway in cancer. Up to 50% of breast tumors express the activated form of the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R). Breast cancers are categorized into subtypes based upon hormone and ERRB2 receptor expression and/or gene expression profiling. Even though IGF1R influences tumorigenic phenotypes and drug resistance across all breast cancer subtypes, it has specific expression and function in each. In some subtypes, IGF1R levels correlate with a favorable prognosis, while in others it is associated with recurrence and poor prognosis, suggesting different actions based upon cellular and molecular contexts. In this review, we examine IGF1R expression and function as it relates to breast cancer subtype and therapy-acquired resistance. Additionally, we discuss the role of IGF1R in stem cell maintenance and lineage differentiation and how these cell fate influences may alter the differentiation potential and cellular composition of breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M. Farabaugh
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David N. Boone
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian V. Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- *Correspondence: Adrian V. Lee, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room A412, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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De Marco P, Cirillo F, Vivacqua A, Malaguarnera R, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M. Novel Aspects Concerning the Functional Cross-Talk between the Insulin/IGF-I System and Estrogen Signaling in Cancer Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:30. [PMID: 25798130 PMCID: PMC4351617 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulin/IGF system plays an important role in cancer progression. Accordingly, elevated levels of circulating insulin have been associated with an increased cancer risk as well as with aggressive and metastatic cancer phenotypes. Numerous studies have documented that estrogens cooperate with the insulin/IGF system in multiple pathophysiological conditions. The biological responses to estrogens are mainly mediated by the estrogen receptors (ER)α and ERβ, which act as transcription factors; however, several studies have recently demonstrated that a member of the G protein-coupled receptors, named GPR30/G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER), is also involved in the estrogen signaling in normal and malignant cells as well as in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In this regard, novel mechanisms linking the action of estrogens through GPER with the insulin/IGF system have been recently demonstrated. This review recapitulates the relevant aspects of this functional cross-talk between the insulin/IGF and the estrogenic GPER transduction pathways, which occurs in various cell types and may account for cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Endocrinology, Department of Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonino Belfiore, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, Catanzaro 88100, Italy e-mail: ; Marcello Maggiolini, Università della Calabria, via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy e-mail:
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonino Belfiore, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, Catanzaro 88100, Italy e-mail: ; Marcello Maggiolini, Università della Calabria, via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy e-mail:
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