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Zhou T, Ma N, Zhang YL, Chen XH, Luo X, Zhang M, Gao QJ, Zhao DW. Transcription factor FOXP4 inversely governs tumor suppressor genes and contributes to thyroid cancer progression. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23875. [PMID: 38293397 PMCID: PMC10826616 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective In recent decades, thyroid cancer (TC) has exhibited a rising incidence pattern. Elevated levels of the transcription factor FOXP4 have been strongly linked to the progression of diverse tumors; nevertheless, its specific role in thyroid cancer remains underexplored. The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the functions of FOXP4 and its associated target gene, FBXW7, in the context of thyroid cancer. Methods FOXP4 and FBXW7 expression levels in TC tissues and cell lines were assessed through immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analyses. The functional aspects of FOXP4, including its effects on cell proliferation, migration capabilities, cell cycle regulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), were investigated. Furthermore, the interaction between FOXP4 and FBXW7 was confirmed using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The impact of FBXW7 on FOXP4-mediated cellular phenotypes was subsequently examined. Additionally, the in vivo role of FOXP4 and FBXW7 in tumor growth was elucidated through the establishment of a murine tumor model. Results Elevated levels of FOXP4 were observed in papillary carcinoma tissues, and patients exhibiting high FBXW7 levels showed a more favorable prognosis. KTC-1 cells displayed a concomitant increase in FOXP4 expression and decrease in FBXW7 expression. FOXP4 overexpression in these cells enhanced cell proliferation, migration capabilities, and EMT. The interaction between the FOXP4 protein and the FBXW7 promoter was confirmed, and the effects of FOXP4 were mitigated upon overexpression of FBXW7. Furthermore, knockdown of FOXP4 led to decelerated growth of transplanted tumors and increased FBXW7 levels within the tumors. Conclusion The findings of the current study underscore the regulatory role of FOXP4 in the transcription of FBXW7 and establish a clear link between aberrations in FBXW7 expression and the manifestation of malignant phenotypes in highly aggressive TC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550001, Guizhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Ning Ma
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550001, Guizhou, China
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong-lin Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Xing-hong Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Guiqian International General Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xue Luo
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Mai Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550001, Guizhou, China
| | - Qing-jun Gao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Dai-wei Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550001, Guizhou, China
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Guiqian International General Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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De Martino M, Pellecchia S, Decaussin-Petrucci M, Testa D, Meireles Da Costa N, Pallante P, Chieffi P, Fusco A, Esposito F. Drug-induced inhibition of HMGA and EZH2 activity as a possible therapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:2552-2565. [PMID: 38165007 PMCID: PMC10936675 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2298027] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal neoplasms in humans, and just limited progresses have been made to extend patient survival and decrease ATC-associated mortality. Thus, the identification of novel therapeutic strategies for treating ATC is needed. Recently, our group has identified two proteins with oncogenic activity, namely HMGA1 and EZH2, with pivotal roles in ATC cancer progression. Therefore, we tested the ability of trabectedin, a HMGA1-targeting drug, and GSK126, an inhibitor of EZH2 enzymatic activity, to impair cell viability of four ATC-derived cell lines. In the present study, we first confirmed the overexpression of HMGA1 and EZH2 in all ATC-derived cell lines and tissues compared to the normal primary thyroid cells and tissues. Then, treatment of the ATC cell lines with trabectedin and GSK126 resulted in a drastic induction of apoptotic cell death, which increased when the ATC cell lines were treated with a combination of both drugs. Conversely, normal primary human thyroid cells did not show any significant reduction in their viability when exposed to the same drugs. Noteworthy, both drugs induced the deregulation of EZH2- and HMGA1-controlled genes. Altogether, these findings propose the combination of trabectedin and GSK126 as possible novel strategy for ATC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) “G. Salvatore”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) c/o, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Pellecchia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) “G. Salvatore”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) c/o, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Testa
- Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical and Emergency Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Nathalia Meireles Da Costa
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer - INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pierlorenzo Pallante
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) “G. Salvatore”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) c/o, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) “G. Salvatore”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) c/o, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer - INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale (IEOS) “G. Salvatore”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) c/o, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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Hilhorst R, van den Berg A, Boender P, van Wezel T, Kievits T, de Wijn R, Ruijtenbeek R, Corver WE, Morreau H. Differentiating Benign from Malignant Thyroid Tumors by Kinase Activity Profiling and Dabrafenib BRAF V600E Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4477. [PMID: 37760447 PMCID: PMC10527361 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) can be effectively treated by surgery followed by radioactive iodide therapy. However, a small subset of patients shows recurrence due to a loss of iodide transport, a phenotype frequently associated with BRAF V600E mutations. In theory, this should enable the use of existing targeted therapies specifically designed for BRAF V600E mutations. However, in practice, generic or specific drugs aimed at molecular targets identified by next generation sequencing (NGS) are not always beneficial. Detailed kinase profiling may provide additional information to help improve therapy success rates. In this study, we therefore investigated whether serine/threonine kinase (STK) activity profiling can accurately classify benign thyroid lesions and NMTC. We also determined whether dabrafenib (BRAF V600E-specific inhibitor), as well as sorafenib and regorafenib (RAF inhibitors), can differentiate BRAF V600E from non-BRAF V600E thyroid tumors. Using 21 benign and 34 malignant frozen thyroid tumor samples, we analyzed serine/threonine kinase activity using PamChip®peptide microarrays. An STK kinase activity classifier successfully differentiated malignant (26/34; 76%) from benign tumors (16/21; 76%). Of the kinases analyzed, PKC (theta) and PKD1 in particular, showed differential activity in benign and malignant tumors, while oncocytic neoplasia or Graves' disease contributed to erroneous classifications. Ex vivo BRAF V600E-specific dabrafenib kinase inhibition identified 6/92 analyzed peptides, capable of differentiating BRAF V600E-mutant from non-BRAF V600E papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs), an effect not seen with the generic inhibitors sorafenib and regorafenib. In conclusion, STK activity profiling differentiates benign from malignant thyroid tumors and generates unbiased hypotheses regarding differentially active kinases. This approach can serve as a model to select novel kinase inhibitors based on tissue analysis of recurrent thyroid and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riet Hilhorst
- PamGene International BV, 5211 HH ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (R.H.)
| | | | - Piet Boender
- PamGene International BV, 5211 HH ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (R.H.)
| | - Tom van Wezel
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands (H.M.)
| | - Tim Kievits
- PamGene International BV, 5211 HH ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (R.H.)
| | - Rik de Wijn
- PamGene International BV, 5211 HH ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (R.H.)
| | - Rob Ruijtenbeek
- PamGene International BV, 5211 HH ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (R.H.)
| | - Willem E. Corver
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands (H.M.)
| | - Hans Morreau
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands (H.M.)
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Shi L, Duan R, Jia Q, Wu W, Zhou J, Li S, Zhang H, Xue X. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Immune Status as a Potential Biomarker of Radioiodine Efficacy for Advanced Distant Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:871792. [PMID: 35924153 PMCID: PMC9339611 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.871792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeHost immunity influences the impact of cancer therapy but the effect of immune status in radioiodine (RAI)-treated differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) remains obscure. Here we investigated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity as a biomarker of response to RAI in patients with distant metastatic DTC (dmDTC).MethodsPatients with dmDTC receiving RAI were evaluated for serum IDO activity (kynurenine and kynurenine:tryptophan ratio) at baseline and 3 months after RAI. The optimal cut-off value for these biomarkers to predict response was established by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The relationship between disease outcomes, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and IDO activity levels was studied.ResultsHigher baseline kynurenine:tryptophan ratio (>2.46) was correlated with poorer RAI response as well as shorter median PFS (45 mo versus not reached, p=0.002) and OS (78 mo versus not reached, p=0.035). High baseline kynurenine:tryptophan ratio was also correlated with a reduced number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Higher post/pre-kynurenine ratio (>1.69) was associated with survival endpoints: shorter median PFS (48 mo versus not reached, p=0.002) and OS (68 mo versus not reached, p=0.010). Favorable baseline and favorable change corresponded with better PFS and OS.ConclusionsOur results suggest that RAI also alters IDO activity in dmDTC patients. IDO activity could predict progression and survival outcomes for advanced dmDTC patients. Serum IDO biomarker levels could be used to select dmDTC likely to benefit from RAI therapy, although further studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Duan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiong Jia
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianming Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Xue, ; Hao Zhang,
| | - Xue Xue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Xue, ; Hao Zhang,
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5
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Cao J, Zhu X, Sun Y, Li X, Yun C, Zhang W. The genetic duet of BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations predicts the poor curative effect of radioiodine therapy in papillary thyroid cancer. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:3470-3481. [PMID: 35501518 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05820-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations are well known to be associated with poor clinical outcomes of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Radioactive iodide (RAI)-refractory can be evaluated in advance of treatment, for which predictive biomarkers may be helpful. The present study is to analyze the correlation of both mutations with the curative effect of radioiodine therapy. METHODS A total of 126 patients who underwent RAI therapy from October 2016 to August 2019 were recruited. Treatment and follow-up were defined according to criteria used in the 2015 ATA guidelines. The RAI response of patients was assessed as excellent response (ER) and RAI-refractory at the end of follow-up. RESULTS When dividing the 126 patients into 4 groups, the no mutation, only BRAF V600E mutation, only TERT promoter mutation, and coexistence of two mutation groups were found in 15.8%, 68.3%, 2.4%, and 13.5% patients. RAI-refractory was found in 52.9% (9/17) patients with the coexisting BRAF and TERT mutations. In logistic regression analysis, M1, BRAF, and TERT mutation were confirmed to be independent factors predicting the RAI-refractory. Moreover, 35.3%, 41.2%, and 23.5% of patients in the BRAF and TERT mutation group were assessed as ER, SIR, and BIR respectively. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that the genetic duet of BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations was associated with a lower ER reached time. CONCLUSIONS We found that BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutation is significantly correlated with the poor curative effect of RAI therapy in PTC. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ChiCTR1800018760.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjia Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247 Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247 Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Yaru Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247 Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247 Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Canhua Yun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247 Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 247 Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250033, China.
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Comprehensive Analysis of the Prognosis and Drug Sensitivity of Differentiation-Related lncRNAs in Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051353. [PMID: 35267662 PMCID: PMC8909347 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Merging evidence has indicated that dedifferentiation is the main concern associated with radioactive iodine (RAI) refractoriness in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and the underlying mechanisms of PTC dedifferentiation remain unclear. This study systematically delineated the expression pattern, tumor immune microenvironment, drug sensitivity, and prognostic value of differentiation-related lncRNAs. It also demonstrated that DPH6-DT could be considered as a novel signature to indicate differentiation and promote TC progression via activating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Abstract Dedifferentiation is the main concern associated with radioactive iodine (RAI) refractoriness in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and the underlying mechanisms of PTC dedifferentiation remain unclear. The present work aimed to identify a useful signature to indicate dedifferentiation and further explore its role in prognosis and susceptibility to chemotherapy drugs. A total of five prognostic-related DR-lncRNAs were selected to establish a prognostic-predicting model, and corresponding risk scores were closely associated with the infiltration of immune cells and immune checkpoint blockade. Moreover, we built an integrated nomogram based on DR-lncRNAs and age that showed a strong ability to predict the 3- and 5-year overall survival. Interestingly, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the low-risk group was more sensitive to Bendamustine and TAS-6417 than the high-risk group. In addition, knockdown of DR-lncRNAs (DPH6-DT) strongly promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via PI3K-AKT signal pathway in vitro. Furthermore, DPH6-DT downregulation also increased the expression of vimentin and N-cadherin during epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This study firstly confirms that DR-lncRNAs play a vital role in the prognosis and immune cells infiltration in patients with PTC, as well as a predictor of the drugs’ chemosensitivity. Based on our results, DR-lncRNAs can serve as a promising prognostic biomarkers and treatment targets.
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Blood prognostic predictors of treatment response for patients with papillary thyroid cancer. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:226578. [PMID: 33015713 PMCID: PMC7578621 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a very common malignant disease with high morbidity. We needed some pretreatment indicators to help us predict prognosis and guide treatment. We conducted a study about some pretreatment prognostic indicators. Methods: This clinical study recruited 705 postoperative PTC patients (211 males, 494 females). Clinical data before radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment were collected. Patients’ response to therapy were classified into two categories: ‘Good Prognosis Group’ (GPG) and ‘Poor Prognosis Group’ (PPG), according to ‘2015 American Thyroid Association Guidelines’. Differences of indicators between different prognosis groups were compared. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by univariate/multiple binary logistic regression models. Difference of body mass index (BMI) changes before and after RAI treatment between different prognosis groups was also compared. Results: A total of 546 (77.45%) belonged to GPG, and 159 (22.55%) belonged to PPG. Platelet (PLT), neutrophil (NEUT), PLT subgroups, and combination of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and BMI (COR-BMI) were different between two prognosis groups. The significance of the difference between the two groups of BMI disappeared after the Bonferroni correction. PLT and PLT subgroups had detrimental effects on the risk of PPG; T stage had a positive effect on the risk of PPG. PLT subgroup showed a detrimental effect on the risk of PPG when we included additional covariates. Conclusions: We found that lower pretreatment PLT levels may indicate a poor prognosis for PTC. The relationship between platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and radiation sensitivity may be the key to this association.
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Nigro E, Orlandella FM, Polito R, Mariniello RM, Monaco ML, Mallardo M, De Stefano AE, Iervolino PLC, Salvatore G, Daniele A. Adiponectin and leptin exert antagonizing effects on proliferation and motility of papillary thyroid cancer cell lines. J Physiol Biochem 2021; 77:237-248. [PMID: 33587254 PMCID: PMC8121733 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-021-00789-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adiponectin (Acrp30) and leptin, adipokines produced and secreted mainly by the adipose tissue, are involved in human carcinogenesis. Thyroid carcinomas are frequent endocrine cancers, and several evidences suggest that they are correlated with obesity. In this study, we first analyzed the expression levels and prognostic values of Acrp30, leptin, and their receptors in thyroid cancer cells. Then, we investigated the role of Acrp30 and leptin in proliferation, migration, and invasion. We found that Acrp30 treatment alone inhibits cell proliferation and cell viability in a time and dose-dependent manner; leptin alone does not influence thyroid cancer cells (BCPAP and K1) proliferation, but the combined treatment reverts Acrp30-induced effects on cell proliferation. Additionally, through wound healing and Matrigel Matrix invasion assays, we unveiled that Acrp30 inhibits thyroid cancer cell motility, while leptin induces the opposite effect. Importantly, in the combined treatment, Acrp30 and leptin exert antagonizing effects on papillary thyroid cancer cells’ migration and invasion in both BCPAP and K1 cell lines. Highlights of these studies suggest that Acrp30 and leptin could represent therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the management of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersilia Nigro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via G. Vivaldi 42, 81100, Caserta, Italy.,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Rita Polito
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via G. Vivaldi 42, 81100, Caserta, Italy.,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaela Mariarosaria Mariniello
- CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope,", Via Medina 40, 80133, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Ludovica Monaco
- CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marta Mallardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via G. Vivaldi 42, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Anna Elisa De Stefano
- CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope,", Via Medina 40, 80133, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Lucia Chiara Iervolino
- CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II,", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuliana Salvatore
- CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy. .,IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Napoli, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope,", Via Medina 40, 80133, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Aurora Daniele
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania, "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via G. Vivaldi 42, 81100, Caserta, Italy. .,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Napoli, Italy.
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9
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Crezee T, Tesselaar MH, Nagarajah J, Corver WE, Morreau J, Pritchard C, Kimura S, Kuiper JG, van Engen-van Grunsven I, Smit JWA, Netea-Maier RT, Plantinga TS. Digoxin treatment reactivates in vivo radioactive iodide uptake and correlates with favorable clinical outcome in non-medullary thyroid cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:611-625. [PMID: 33534128 PMCID: PMC8213564 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00588-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) treatment is based on the ability of thyroid follicular cells to accumulate radioactive iodide (RAI). However, in a subset of NMTC patients tumor dedifferentiation occurs, leading to RAI resistance. Digoxin has been demonstrated to restore iodide uptake capacity in vitro in poorly differentiated and anaplastic NMTC cells, termed redifferentiation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo effects of digoxin in TPO-Cre/LSL-BrafV600E mice and digoxin-treated NMTC patients. METHODS Mice with thyroid cancer were subjected to 3D ultrasound for monitoring tumor growth and 124I PET/CT for measurement of intratumoral iodide uptake. Post-mortem analyses on tumor tissues comprised gene expression profiling and measurement of intratumoral autophagy activity. Through PALGA (Dutch Pathology Registry), archived tumor material was obtained from 11 non-anaplastic NMTC patients who were using digoxin. Clinical characteristics and tumor material of these patients were compared to 11 matched control NMTC patients never treated with digoxin. RESULTS We found that in mice, tumor growth was inhibited and 124I accumulation was sustainably increased after short-course digoxin treatment. Post-mortem analyses revealed that digoxin treatment increased autophagy activity and enhanced expression of thyroid-specific genes in mouse tumors compared to vehicle-treated mice. Digoxin-treated NMTC patients exhibited significantly higher autophagy activity and a higher differentiation status as compared to matched control NMTC patients, and were associated with favourable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS These in vivo data support the hypothesis that digoxin may represent a repositioned adjunctive treatment modality that suppresses tumor growth and improves RAI sensitivity in patients with RAI-refractory NMTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Crezee
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands.
| | - Marika H Tesselaar
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - James Nagarajah
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem E Corver
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Morreau
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Catrin Pritchard
- Department of Pathology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LEI7RH, UK
| | - Shioko Kimura
- Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | | | - Ilse van Engen-van Grunsven
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Jan W A Smit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Romana T Netea-Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo S Plantinga
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
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10
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Hou S, Xie X, Zhao J, Wu C, Li N, Meng Z, Cai C, Tan J. Downregulation of miR-146b-3p Inhibits Proliferation and Migration and Modulates the Expression and Location of Sodium/Iodide Symporter in Dedifferentiated Thyroid Cancer by Potentially Targeting MUC20. Front Oncol 2021; 10:566365. [PMID: 33489878 PMCID: PMC7821393 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.566365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The dedifferentiation of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is a challenging problem for radioactive iodine (131I) treatment, also known as radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC). The purpose of this study was to further explore the mechanism of the redifferentiation of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer. Ineffective and effective groups of 131I therapy were analyzed and compared in both our clinical and TCGA samples. Whole-exome sequencing, mutation analysis, transcriptome analysis, and in vitro functional experiments were conducted. FLG, FRG1, MUC6, MUC20, and PRUNE2 were overlapping mutation genes between our clinical cases, and the TCGA cases only appeared in the ineffective group. The expression of miR-146b-3p target MUC20 was explored. The expression levels of miR-146b-3p and MUC20 were significantly increased, and the inhibition of miR-146b-3p expression significantly inhibited proliferation and migration, promoted apoptosis, regulated the expression and location of thyroid differentiation-related genes, and sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells (WRO). Thus, miR-146b-3p potentially targets MUC20 participation in the formation of DTC dedifferentiation, resulting in resistance to 131I and the loss of the iodine uptake ability of DTC cancer foci, promoting refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. miR-146b-3p may be a potentially therapeutic target for the reapplication of 131I therapy in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Hou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaorui Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Cailan Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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11
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Shang H, Zhao J, Yao J, Wang H, Wang S, Dong J, Liao L. Nevirapine inhibits migration and invasion in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells. Thorac Cancer 2019; 10:2243-2252. [PMID: 31631580 PMCID: PMC6885442 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metastatic or recurrent thyroid cancer often behaves aggressively, and approximately two‐thirds of patients present with radioiodine resistance. Effective therapies to suppress thyroid cancer metastasis are urgently needed. Nevirapine has been proved to suppress tumor growth and induce differentiation in several tumor cells, but has not previously been evaluated in metastasis of thyroid cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nevirapine on migration and invasion in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cells. Methods Human dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cell line (WRO 82‐1) was subject to real‐time quantitative PCR, western blot and transwell migration/invasion assays. The liver metastasis in tumor xenografts of nude mice was subject to hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining. Results Nevirapine significantly repressed cell migration and invasion in WRO 82‐1 cells, and surprisingly significantly decreased liver metastatic tumor in the nude mouse model of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer compared with that of the control. Moreover, nevirapine significantly decreased the expression of IL‐6 mRNA and phosphorylation of JAK2 (Y1007+Y1008) and STAT3 (Tyr 705) in WRO 82‐1 cells compared with those in control cells. Conclusion Our findings suggest that nevirapine significantly repressed migration and invasion/metastasis in WRO 82‐1 cells and tumor xenografts, which may be related to inhibition of IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway. It promises great potential as a novel therapy for thyroid cancer, especially for those patients with metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Shang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junyu Zhao
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinming Yao
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Huanjun Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianjun Dong
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Liao
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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12
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Wei W, Hardin H, Luo QY. Targeting autophagy in thyroid cancers. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:R181-R194. [PMID: 30667364 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine malignancies. Although the prognosis for the majority of thyroid cancers is relatively good, patients with metastatic, radioiodine-refractory or anaplastic thyroid cancers have an unfavorable outcome. With the gradual understanding of the oncogenic events in thyroid cancers, molecularly targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is greatly changing the therapeutic landscape of radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancers (RR-DTCs), but intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, as well as adverse effects, may limit their clinical efficacy and use. In this setting, development of synergistic treatment options is of clinical significance, which may enhance the therapeutic effect of current TKIs and further overcome the resultant drug resistance. Autophagy is a critical cellular process involved not only in protecting cells and organisms from stressors but also in the maintenance and development of various kinds of cancers. Substantial studies have explored the complex role of autophagy in thyroid cancers. Specifically, autophagy plays important roles in mediating the drug resistance of small-molecular therapeutics, in regulating the dedifferentiation process of thyroid cancers and also in affecting the treatment outcome of radioiodine therapy. Exploring how autophagy intertwines in the development and dedifferentiation process of thyroid cancers is essential, which will enable a more profound understanding of the physiopathology of thyroid cancers. More importantly, these advances may fuel future development of autophagy-targeted therapeutic strategies for patients with thyroid cancers. Herein, we summarize the most recent evidence uncovering the role of autophagy in thyroid cancers and highlight future research perspectives in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Heather Hardin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Quan-Yong Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
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