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Ali K, Nabeel M, Mohsin F, Iqtedar M, Islam M, Rasool MF, Hashmi FK, Hussain SA, Saeed H. Recent developments in targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs): a descriptive review of therapeutic strategies and emerging therapies. Med Oncol 2024; 41:112. [PMID: 38592510 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02347-z] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC), patient outcomes in terms of survival, recurrence, and disease progression remain suboptimal. A significant factor contributing to these challenges is the cellular heterogeneity within BC, particularly the presence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). These cells are thought to serve as the clonogenic nexus for new tumor growth, owing to their hierarchical organization within the tumor. This descriptive review focuses on the evolving strategies to target BCSCs, which have become a pivotal aspect of therapeutic development. We explore a variety of approaches, including targeting specific tumor surface markers (CD133 and CD44), transporters, heat shock proteins, and critical signaling pathways like Notch, Akt, Hedgehog, KLF4, and Wnt/β-catenin. Additionally, we discuss the modulation of the tumor microenvironment through the CXCR-12/CXCR4 axis, manipulation of pH levels, and targeting hypoxia-inducible factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, and CXCR1/2 receptors. Further, this review focuses on the roles of microRNA expression, strategies to induce apoptosis and differentiation in BCSCs, dietary interventions, dendritic cell vaccination, oncolytic viruses, nanotechnology, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. We particularly focused on studies reporting identification of BCSCs, their unique properties and the efficacy of various therapeutic modalities in targeting these cells. By dissecting these approaches, we aim to provide insights into the complex landscape of BC treatment and the potential pathways for improving patient outcomes through targeted BCSC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khubaib Ali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Akhtar Saeed College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bahria Town, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department Clinical Oncology Pharmacy, Cancer Care Hospital & Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nabeel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Akhtar Saeed College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bahria Town, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department Clinical Oncology Pharmacy, Cancer Care Hospital & Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Mohsin
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAM School of Life Sciences, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Iqtedar
- Department of Bio-Technology, Lahore College for Women University, Jail Road, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Islam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Furqan K Hashmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Hamid Saeed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Lu Y, Zhao X, Yuan M, Zhao M, Liu K, Zhang M, Qiu X, Yu X, Liu X, Wei D, Xie J, Cheng Z. KYNU Expression Promotes Cisplatin Resistance in Esophageal Cancer. J Cancer 2024; 15:2475-2485. [PMID: 38577600 PMCID: PMC10988315 DOI: 10.7150/jca.93229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy resistance is a barrier to effective cancer prognoses. Cisplatin (CDDP) resistance is a major challenge for esophageal cancer (EC) therapy. A deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of cisplatin resistance and improved targeting strategies are required in clinical settings. This study was performed to identify and characterize a marker of cisplatin resistance in EC cells. Method: KYSE140 and Eca-109 cells were subjected to escalating concentrations of cisplatin, resulting in the development of cisplatin-resistant KYSE140/CDDP and Eca-109/CDDP cell lines, respectively. RNA Sequencing (RNA-seq) was utilized to screen for the genes exhibiting differential expression between cisplatin-resistant and parental cells. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR was conducted to assess gene expression, and western blotting was employed to analyze protein levels. A sphere-formation assay was performed to validate tumor cell stemness. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) experiments were conducted to confirm the sensitivity of cells to cisplatin. We examined the relationship between target genes and the clinicopathological features of patients with EC. Furthermore, the expression of target genes in EC tissues was evaluated via western blotting and fluorescence probe in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: KYNU was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant EC cells (KYSE140/CDDP and Eca-109/CDDP cells) and in EC tissues compared to that in the respective parental cell lines (KYSE140 and Eca-109 cells) and non-carcinoma tissues. Downregulation of KYNU increased cell sensitivity to cisplatin and suppressed tumor stemness, whereas abnormal KYNU expression had the opposite effect. KYNU expression was correlated with the expression of tumor stemness-associated factors (SOX2, Nanog, and OCT4) and the tumor size. Conclusions: KYNU may promote drug resistance in EC by regulating cancer stemness, and could serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lu
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
- Department of pharmacy, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xianyang Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingliang Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of pharmacy, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kaisheng Liu
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qiu
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuechun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinliang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongping Wei
- Department of Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Inspection, Xuyi People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuyi Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongbin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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Jin H, Kim HJ. NK Cells Lose Their Cytotoxicity Function against Cancer Stem Cell-Rich Radiotherapy-Resistant Breast Cancer Cell Populations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9639. [PMID: 34502547 PMCID: PMC8431804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can be induced from differentiated cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment or in response to treatments and exhibit chemo- and radioresistance, leading to tumor recurrence and metastasis. We previously reported that triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells with acquired radioresistance exhibited more aggressive features due to an increased CSC population. Therefore, here, we isolated CSCs from radiotherapy-resistant (RT-R)-TNBC cells and investigated the effects of these CSCs on tumor progression and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Compared to MDA-MB-231 and RT-R-MDA-MB-231 cells, CD24-/low/CD44+ cells isolated from RT-R-MDA-MB-231 cells showed increased proliferation, migration and invasion abilities, and induced expression of tumor progression-related molecules. Moreover, similar to MDA-MB-231 cells, CD24-/low/CD44+ cells recruited NK cells but suppressed NK cell cytotoxicity by regulating ligands for NK cell activation. In an in vivo model, CD24-/low/CD44+ cell-injected mice showed enhanced tumor progression and lung metastasis via upregulation of tumor progression-related molecules and altered host immune responses. Specifically, NK cells were recruited into the peritumoral area tumor but lost their cytotoxicity due to the altered expression of activating and inhibitory ligands on tumors. These results suggest that CSCs may cause tumor evasion of immune cells, resulting in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hye Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 816 Beongil 15 Jinjudaero, Jinju 52727, Korea;
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Jiang B, Zhu H, Tang L, Gao T, Zhou Y, Gong F, Tan Y, Xie L, Wu X, Li Y. Apatinib Inhibits Stem Properties and Malignant Biological Behaviors of Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Blocking Wnt/β-catenin Signal Pathway Through Down-regulating LncRNA ROR. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1723-1734. [PMID: 33845750 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210412103849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells could influence tumor recurrence and metastasis. OBJECTIVE To develop a new effective treatment modality targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and to explore the role of Apatinib in BCSCs. METHODS BCSCs were isolated from MDA-MB-231 cells by immune magnetic beads method. BCSCs were treated with Apatinib, lentiviral plasmids (lncRNA ROR) and iCRT-3 (Wnt pathway inhibitors). Viability, colony numbers, sphere numbers, apoptosis, migration, invasion of BCSCs were detected by MTT, colony formation, tumor sphere, flow cytometry, wound-healing, transwell assays, respectively. The expressions of markers (ABCG2, CD44, CD90, and CD24), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-2, MMP-9), and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins (Wnt3a, Wnt5a, β-catenin) in breast cancer stem cells were determined by performing Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis. RESULTS Apatinib decreased the viability and colony numbers of BCSCs in a concentration-dependent manner, and it also reduced sphere numbers, suppressed migration, invasion and lncRNA ROR expression, and induced apoptosis of BCSCs. However, these results were partially reversed by lncRNA ROR overexpression. Apatinib suppressed stem property, EMT process and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in BCSCs, which was partially reversed by lncRNA ROR overexpression. Moreover, lncRNA ROR overexpression increased the colony and sphere numbers, and promoted the cell viability, apoptosis inhibition, migration and invasion of BCSCs, but these effects were partially reversed by iCRT-3. LncRNA ROR overexpression increased the stem property, EMT process and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which were partially counteracted by iCRT-3. CONCLUSION Apatinib inhibited stem property and malignant biological behaviors of BCSCs by blocking Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway through down-regulating lncRNA ROR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Liting Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Fuqiang Gong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Yeru Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Liming Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, No.69, Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421001. China
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Ma Z, Parris AB, Howard EW, Shi Y, Yang S, Jiang Y, Kong L, Yang X. Caloric restriction inhibits mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-ErbB2 transgenic mice through the suppression of ER and ErbB2 pathways and inhibition of epithelial cell stemness in premalignant mammary tissues. Carcinogenesis 2019; 39:1264-1273. [PMID: 30107476 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Caloric intake influences the onset of many diseases, including cancer. In particular, caloric restriction (CR) has been reported to suppress mammary tumorigenesis in various models. However, the underlying cancer preventive mechanisms have not been fully explored. To this end, we aimed to characterize the anticancer mechanisms of CR using MMTV-ErbB2 transgenic mice, a well-established spontaneous ErbB2-overexpressing mammary tumor model, by focusing on cellular and molecular changes in premalignant tissues. In MMTV-ErbB2 mice with 30% CR beginning at 8 weeks of age, mammary tumor development was dramatically inhibited, as exhibited by reduced tumor incidence and increased tumor latency. Morphogenic mammary gland analyses in 15- and 20-week-old mice indicated that CR significantly decreased mammary epithelial cell (MEC) density and proliferative index. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we analyzed the effects of CR on mammary stem/progenitor cells. Results from fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses showed that CR modified mammary tissue hierarchy dynamics, as evidenced by decreased luminal cells (CD24highCD49flow), putative mammary reconstituting unit subpopulation (CD24highCD49fhigh) and luminal progenitor cells (CD61highCD49fhigh). Mammosphere and colony-forming cell assays demonstrated that CR significantly inhibited mammary stem cell self-renewal and progenitor cell numbers. Molecular analyses indicated that CR concurrently inhibited estrogen receptor (ER) and ErbB2 signaling. These molecular changes were accompanied by decreased mRNA levels of ER-targeted genes and epidermal growth factor receptor/ErbB2 family members and ligands, suggesting ER-ErbB2 signaling cross-talk. Collectively, our data demonstrate that CR significantly impacts ER and ErbB2 signaling, which induces profound changes in MEC reprogramming, and mammary stem/progenitor cell inhibition is a critical mechanism of CR-mediated breast cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikun Ma
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Amanda B Parris
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Erin W Howard
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Yujie Shi
- Department of Pathology, Henan Province People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shihe Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yunbo Jiang
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lingfei Kong
- Department of Pathology, Henan Province People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaohe Yang
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Kannapolis, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Henan Province People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Zhang Z, Sun L, Zhang Y, Lu G, Li Y, Wei Z. Long non‐coding RNA FEZF1‐AS1 promotes breast cancer stemness and tumorigenesis via targeting miR‐30a/Nanog axis. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:8630-8638. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhang
- Department of AnesthesiologyHuaihe HospitalHenan UniversityKaifengChina
| | - Liwei Sun
- Department of AnesthesiologyHuaihe HospitalHenan UniversityKaifengChina
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Department of AnesthesiologyHuaihe HospitalHenan UniversityKaifengChina
| | - Guanming Lu
- Basic Medical SchoolHenan UniversityKaifengChina
| | - Yongqiang Li
- Basic Medical SchoolHenan UniversityKaifengChina
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Zhao Q, Parris AB, Howard EW, Zhao M, Ma Z, Guo Z, Xing Y, Yang X. FGFR inhibitor, AZD4547, impedes the stemness of mammary epithelial cells in the premalignant tissues of MMTV-ErbB2 transgenic mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11306. [PMID: 28900173 PMCID: PMC5595825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulates signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Currently, the anti-tumor properties of FGFR inhibitors are being tested in preclinical and clinical studies. Nevertheless, reports on FGFR inhibitor-mediated breast cancer prevention are sparse. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer benefits of AZD4547, an FGFR1-3 inhibitor, in ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer models. AZD4547 (1-5 µM) demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects, inhibition of stemness, and suppression of FGFR/RTK signaling in ErbB2-overexpressing human breast cancer cells. To study the in vivo effects of AZD4547 on mammary development, mammary epithelial cell (MEC) populations, and oncogenic signaling, MMTV-ErbB2 transgenic mice were administered AZD4547 (2-6 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks during the 'risk window' for mammary tumor development. AZD4547 significantly inhibited ductal branching and MEC proliferation in vivo, which corroborated the in vitro anti-proliferative properties. AZD4547 also depleted CD24/CD49f-sorted MEC populations, as well as the CD61highCD49fhigh tumor-initiating cell-enriched population. Importantly, AZD4547 impaired stem cell-like characteristics in primary MECs and spontaneous tumor cells. Moreover, AZD4547 downregulated RTK, mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in premalignant mammary tissues. Collectively, our data provide critical preclinical evidence for AZD4547 as a potential breast cancer preventative and therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Zhao
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.,Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Amanda B Parris
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin W Howard
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ming Zhao
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zhikun Ma
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.,College of Medicine, Henan University of Sciences and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
| | - Zhiying Guo
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ying Xing
- Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohe Yang
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA. .,College of Medicine, Henan University of Sciences and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China.
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Parris AB, Zhao Q, Howard EW, Zhao M, Ma Z, Yang X. Buformin inhibits the stemness of erbB-2-overexpressing breast cancer cells and premalignant mammary tissues of MMTV-erbB-2 transgenic mice. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2017; 36:28. [PMID: 28193239 PMCID: PMC5307817 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0498-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of Type II diabetes, has emerged as a promising anti-cancer agent. Other biguanide analogs, including buformin and phenformin, are suggested to have similar properties. Although buformin was shown to reduce mammary tumor burden in carcinogen models, the anti-cancer effects of buformin on different breast cancer subtypes and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of buformin on erbB-2-overexpressing breast cancer with in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS MTT, cell cycle, clonogenic/CFC, ALDEFLUOR, tumorsphere, and Western blot analyses were used to determine the effects of buformin on cell growth, stem cell populations, stem cell-like properties, and signaling pathways in SKBR3 and BT474 erbB-2-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines. A syngeneic tumor cell transplantation model inoculating MMTV-erbB-2 mice with 78617 mouse mammary tumor cells was used to study the effects of buformin (1.2 g buformin/kg chow) on tumor growth in vivo. MMTV-erbB-2 mice were also fed buformin for 10 weeks, followed by analysis of premalignant mammary tissues for changes in morphological development, mammary epithelial cell (MEC) populations, and signaling pathways. RESULTS Buformin significantly inhibited SKBR3 and BT474 cell growth, and in vivo activity was demonstrated by considerable growth inhibition of syngeneic tumors derived from MMTV-erbB-2 mice. In particular, buformin suppressed stem cell populations and self-renewal in vitro, which was associated with inhibited receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and mTOR signaling. Consistent with in vitro data, buformin suppressed mammary morphogenesis and reduced cell proliferation in MMTV-erbB-2 mice. Importantly, buformin decreased MEC populations enriched with mammary reconstitution units (MRUs) and tumor-initiating cells (TICs) from MMTV-erbB-2 mice, as supported by impaired clonogenic and mammosphere formation in primary MECs. We further demonstrated that buformin-mediated in vivo inhibition of MEC stemness is associated with suppressed activation of mTOR, RTK, ER, and β-catenin signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results provide evidence for buformin as an effective anti-cancer drug that selectively targets TICs, and present a novel prevention and/or treatment strategy for patients who are genetically predisposed to erbB-2-overexpressing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Parris
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, 500 Laureate Way, NRI 4301, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081 USA
| | - Qingxia Zhao
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, 500 Laureate Way, NRI 4301, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081 USA
| | - Erin W. Howard
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, 500 Laureate Way, NRI 4301, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081 USA
| | - Ming Zhao
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, 500 Laureate Way, NRI 4301, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081 USA
| | - Zhikun Ma
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, 500 Laureate Way, NRI 4301, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081 USA
- College of Medicine, Henan University of Sciences and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiaohe Yang
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, 500 Laureate Way, NRI 4301, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081 USA
- College of Medicine, Henan University of Sciences and Technology, Luoyang, China
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Rabionet M, Puig T, Ciurana J. Electrospinning Parameters Selection to Manufacture Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Three-dimensional Breast Cancer Cell Culture and Enrichment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2017.03.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Mi S, Du Z, Xu Y, Wu Z, Qian X, Zhang M, Sun W. Microfluidic co-culture system for cancer migratory analysis and anti-metastatic drugs screening. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35544. [PMID: 27762336 PMCID: PMC5071858 DOI: 10.1038/srep35544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour metastasis is an important reason for cancer death, and cancer cell migration is an important step in the process of tumour metastasis. Studying cancer cell migration is of great significance. Here, we present a novel microfluidic co-culture system and establish mild, moderate and severe cancer models by using HMEpiC and MDA-MB-231 cells to study cancer cell migration and anti-cancer drug screening. Using this device, we achieved high cell viability (over 90%) and a stable analysis of the migration ability of cancer cells. We observed that the density of the cancer cells determined the probability of the occurrence of metastatic cells and that the induction of normal cells affected the metastatic velocity of each cancer cell. We verified that the increase in the migration ability of MDA-MB-231 cells co-cultured with HMEpiC cells was relative to the increased secretion of IL-6 and that this was verified by an IL-6 inhibitor assay. This co-culture also led to decreased CK-14 secretion and morphological changes in HMEpiC cells. Finally, significant inhibition of paclitaxel and tamoxifen on cancer migration was observed. Taken together, our microfluidic device could be a useful tool for the quantitation of the migratory capability and anti-metastatic drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Mi
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
- Open FIESTA Center, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zhichang Du
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Zhengjie Wu
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Qian
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Manufacturing Division, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, P. R. China
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Tzanninis IG, Kotteas EA, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Kontogianni P, Fotopoulos G. Management and Outcomes in Metaplastic Breast Cancer. Clin Breast Cancer 2016; 16:437-443. [PMID: 27431460 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) constitutes a rare clinical entity with special clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. Resistance to systemic therapies, whether chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, is among its main characteristics, which in turn explains the poor prognosis and renders its management a challenge. Thus, the scope of the present review is to discuss the current therapeutic strategies for MBC in clinical practice and the corresponding outcomes and to suggest possible directions for future research. Potential novel targeted therapies could provide a hope for better outcomes but limited data are available owing to the rarity of MBC. As knowledge accumulates on the pathogenesis and genetic characteristics of MBC, emphasis should be given to the implementation of more targeted treatments, which will allow more efficient and individualized management of the disease.
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MESH Headings
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/mortality
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/mortality
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/therapy
- Carcinoma, Lobular/mortality
- Carcinoma, Lobular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Lobular/therapy
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Combined Modality Therapy/methods
- Disease-Free Survival
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Female
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Precision Medicine/methods
- Prognosis
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elias A Kotteas
- Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece; Oncology Unit, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Athens Medical School, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Panagiota Kontogianni
- First Propaedeutic Surgical Department, Athens Medical School, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Fotopoulos
- Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece; Oncology Unit, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Athens Medical School, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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