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Duong TM, Araujo Rincon M, Myneni N, Burleson M. Genetic alterations in MED12 promote castration-resistant prostate cancer through modulation of GLI3 signaling. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 12:63-70. [PMID: 37520466 PMCID: PMC10382901 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2023.47346.1828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a disease that depends on androgenic stimulation and is thus commonly treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT is highly successful initially; however, patients inevitably relapse at which point the cancer grows independently of androgens and is termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC develops through various mechanisms, one of these being crosstalk of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway with other signaling pathways. Congruently, prior work has shown that androgen deprivation induces SHH signaling, which subsequently promotes activation of AR-dependent gene expression to promote cell growth. Mechanistically, this crosstalk involves a physical interaction between AR and components of SHH signaling, specifically proteins of the GLI transcription factor family. These findings thus suggest that activation of SHH signaling could promote the recurrence of cell growth in the absence of androgens to ultimately lead to progression towards CRPC. In this study, we have investigated this mechanism in a subset of prostate cancer that harbors genetic alterations within the Mediator subunit 12 (MED12). We found that loss of MED12 promotes the expression of GLI3 target genes which subsequently drives excessive cell growth in the absence of androgens. Thus, we conclude that genetic alterations within MED12 promote CRPC through hyperactivated GLI3 dependent sonic hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Minh Duong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Nishanth Myneni
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Marieke Burleson
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
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2
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Trnski D, Sabol M, Tomić S, Štefanac I, Mrčela M, Musani V, Rinčić N, Kurtović M, Petrić T, Levanat S, Ozretić P. SHH-N non-canonically sustains androgen receptor activity in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14880. [PMID: 34290270 PMCID: PMC8295376 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93971-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in men worldwide. Localized disease can be successfully treated, but advanced cases are more problematic. After initial effectiveness of androgen deprivation therapy, resistance quickly occurs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling in sustaining androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer cells. We found various modes of HH-GLI signaling activation in prostate cancer cells depending on androgen availability. When androgen was not deprived, we found evidence of non-canonical SMO signaling through the SRC kinase. After short-term androgen deprivation canonical HH-GLI signaling was activated, but we found little evidence of canonical HH-GLI signaling activity in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. We show that in androgen-independent cells the pathway ligand, SHH-N, non-canonically binds to the androgen receptor through its cholesterol modification. Inhibition of this interaction leads to androgen receptor signaling downregulation. This implies that SHH-N activates the androgen receptor and sustains androgen-independence. Targeting this interaction might prove to be a valuable strategy for advanced prostate cancer treatment. Also, other non-canonical aspects of this signaling pathway should be investigated in more detail and considered when developing potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Trnski
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Tomić
- Laboratory for Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Modelling, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivan Štefanac
- Primary Health Care Center Osijek, Park kralja Petra Krešimira IV 6, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Milanka Mrčela
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vesna Musani
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Rinčić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tina Petrić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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3
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Cannabinoid receptor type 2 ligands: an analysis of granted patents since 2010. Pharm Pat Anal 2021; 10:111-163. [DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is a key element of the endocannabinoid (EC) system. EC/CB2R signaling has significant therapeutic potential in major pathologies affecting humans such as allergies, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation or ocular diseases. CB2R agonism exerts anti-inflammatory and tissue protective effects in preclinical animal models of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, lung and neurodegenerative disorders. Existing ligands can be subdivided into endocannabinoids, cannabinoid-like and synthetic CB2R ligands that possess various degrees of potency on and selectivity against the cannabinoid receptor type 1. This review is an account of granted CB2R ligand patents from 2010 up to the present, which were surveyed using Derwent Innovation®.
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4
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Yan Y, Qian H, Cao Y, Zhu T. Nuclear factor-κB inhibitor Bay11-7082 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting Gli1 expression. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:301. [PMID: 33732377 PMCID: PMC7905653 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12562] [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: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway is involved in gastric carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of the NF-κB inhibitor, Bay11-7082, on gastric cancer (GC) and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. The MTT assay was performed to assess the effects of Bay11-7082 on the proliferation of HGC27 and MKN45 gastric cancer cells. In addition, the Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to determine cell migration and invasion, respectively. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of the target genes. The results demonstrated that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Bay11-7082 in HGC27 cells was 24.88, 6.72 and 4.23 nM at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Furthermore, the IC50 of Bay11-7082 in MKN45 cells was 29.11, 11.22 and 5.88 nM at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Treatment with Bay11-7082 significantly suppressed the cell migratory and invasive abilities compared with the control group. Notably, Bay11-7082 suppressed GLI Family Zinc Finger 1 (Gli1) mRNA and protein expression levels. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that Bay11-7082 inhibited GC cell proliferation, at least in part through inhibition of Gli1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu 215600, P.R. China
| | - Heya Qian
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu 215600, P.R. China
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu 215600, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu 215600, P.R. China
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5
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Singh SK, Gordetsky JB, Bae S, Acosta EP, Lillard JW, Singh R. Selective Targeting of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway by PBM Nanoparticles in Docetaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:E1976. [PMID: 32867229 PMCID: PMC7563377 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An abnormality in hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) to a more aggressive and therapy-resistant disease. Our assessments of human PCa tissues have shown an overexpression of the Hh pathway molecules, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI-1), and sonic hedgehog (SHH). The effect of the natural compound thymoquinone (TQ) in controlling the expression of Hh signaling molecules in PCa was investigated in this study. We generated planetary ball-milled nanoparticles (PBM-NPs) made with a natural polysaccharide, containing TQ, and coated with an RNA aptamer, A10, which binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). We prepared docetaxel-resistant C4-2B-R and LNCaP-R cells with a high expression of Hh, showing the integration of drug resistance and Hh signaling. Compared to free TQ, A10-TQ-PBM-NPs were more effective in controlling the Hh pathway. Our findings reveal an effective treatment strategy to inhibit the Hh signaling pathway, thereby suppressing PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA; (S.K.S.); (J.W.L.J.)
| | - Jennifer B. Gordetsky
- Departments of Pathology and Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Sejong Bae
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA;
| | - Edward P. Acosta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - James W. Lillard
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA; (S.K.S.); (J.W.L.J.)
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA; (S.K.S.); (J.W.L.J.)
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6
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Tan Y, Hu Y, Xiao Q, Tang Y, Chen H, He J, Chen L, Jiang K, Wang Z, Yuan Y, Ding K. Silencing of brain-expressed X-linked 2 (BEX2) promotes colorectal cancer metastasis through the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:228-238. [PMID: 31929751 PMCID: PMC6949152 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.38431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing, and cancer metastasis is one of the major causes of poor outcomes. BEX2 has been reported to be involved in tumor development in several types of cancer, but its role in metastatic colorectal cancer remains largely undefined. Herein, we demonstrated that BEX2 knockout resulted in enhanced migratory and metastatic potential in colorectal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, and re-expression of BEX2 in knockout cells could reverse the enhanced migratory capacity. RNA-Seq results indicated that the hedgehog signaling pathway was activated after BEX2 knockout; moreover, the hedgehog signaling inhibitors, GANT61 and GDC-0449 could reverse the migratory enhancement of BEX2-/- colorectal cancer cells. We also demonstrated that the nuclear translocation of Zic2 after BEX2 silencing could activate the hedgehog signaling pathway, while Zic2 knockdown abrogated the migratory enhancement of BEX2-/- cells and inhibited the hedgehog signaling pathway. In summary, our findings suggest that BEX2 negatively modulates the hedgehog signaling pathway by retaining Zic2 in the cytoplasm in colorectal cancer cells, thereby inhibiting migration and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Tan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Yeting Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Jinjie He
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Liubo Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Zhanhuai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Province, China), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
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7
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Civenni G, Albino D, Shinde D, Vázquez R, Merulla J, Kokanovic A, Mapelli SN, Carbone GM, Catapano CV. Transcriptional Reprogramming and Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Targeting Prostate Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2019; 9:385. [PMID: 31143708 PMCID: PMC6521702 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second cause of cancer-related deaths in western countries. Despite the progress in the treatment of localized prostate cancer, there is still lack of effective therapies for the advanced forms of the disease. Most patients with advanced prostate cancer become resistant to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which remains the main therapeutic option in this setting, and progress to lethal metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Current therapies for prostate cancer preferentially target proliferating, partially differentiated, and AR-dependent cancer cells that constitute the bulk of the tumor mass. However, the subpopulation of tumor-initiating or tumor-propagating stem-like cancer cells is virtually resistant to the standard treatments causing tumor relapse at the primary or metastatic sites. Understanding the pathways controlling the establishment, expansion and maintenance of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation is an important step toward the development of more effective treatment for prostate cancer, which might enable ablation or exhaustion of CSCs and prevent treatment resistance and disease recurrence. In this review, we focus on the impact of transcriptional regulators on phenotypic reprogramming of prostate CSCs and provide examples supporting the possibility of inhibiting maintenance and expansion of the CSC pool in human prostate cancer along with the currently available methodological approaches. Transcription factors are key elements for instructing specific transcriptional programs and inducing CSC-associated phenotypic changes implicated in disease progression and treatment resistance. Recent studies have shown that interfering with these processes causes exhaustion of CSCs with loss of self-renewal and tumorigenic capability in prostate cancer models. Targeting key transcriptional regulators in prostate CSCs is a valid therapeutic strategy waiting to be tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlo V. Catapano
- Institute of Oncology (IOR), Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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8
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Zhu M, Wang H, Wang C, Fang Y, Zhu T, Zhao W, Dong X, Zhang X. L-4, a Well-Tolerated and Orally Active Inhibitor of Hedgehog Pathway, Exhibited Potent Anti-tumor Effects Against Medulloblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:89. [PMID: 30846937 PMCID: PMC6393386 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) pathway had been proved to be a promising therapeutic intervention in cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC), medulloblastoma (MB), and so on. Two drugs (Vismodegib, Sonidegib) were approved to treat BCC and more inhibitors are in clinical investigation. However, the adverse effects and drug resistance restricted the use of Hh inhibitors. In the present study, 61 synthesized compounds containing central backbone of phthalazine or dimethylpyridazine were screened as candidates of new Hh signaling inhibitors by performing dual luciferase reporter assay. Among the compounds, L-4 exhibited an IC50 value of 2.33 nM in the Shh-Light II assay. L-4 strongly inhibited the Hh pathway in vitro and blocked the Hh pathway by antagonizing the smoothened receptor (Smo). Remarkably, L-4 could significantly suppress the Hh pathway activity provoked by Smo mutant (D473H) which showed strong resistant properties to existing drugs such as Vismodegib. Orally administered L-4 exhibited prominent dose-dependent anti-tumor efficacy in vivo in Ptch+/-; p53-/- MB allograft model. Furthermore, L-4 showed good tolerance in acute toxicity test using ICR mice. These evidences indicated that L-4 was a potent, well-tolerated, orally active inhibitor of Hedgehog pathway, and might be a promising candidate in development of Hh-targeted anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfei Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfen Fang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Oyagawa CRM, de la Harpe SM, Saroz Y, Glass M, Vernall AJ, Grimsey NL. Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Signalling Bias Elicited by 2,4,6-Trisubstituted 1,3,5-Triazines. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1202. [PMID: 30524271 PMCID: PMC6256112 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is predominantly distributed in immune tissues and cells and is a promising therapeutic target for modulating inflammation. In this study we designed and synthesised a series of 2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazines with piperazinylalkyl or 1,2-diethoxyethane (PEG2) chains as CB2 agonists, all of which were predicted to be considerably more polar than typical cannabinoid ligands. In this series, we found that triazines containing an adamantanyl group were conducive to CB2 binding whereas those with a cyclopentyl group were not. Although the covalent attachment of a PEG2 linker to the adamantyl triazines resulted in a decrease in binding affinity, some of the ligands produced very interesting hCB2 signalling profiles. Six compounds with notable hCB2 orthosteric binding were functionally characterised in three pathways; internalisation, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and ERK phosphorylation (pERK). These were predominantly confirmed to be hCB2 agonists, and upon comparison to a reference ligand (CP 55,940), four compounds exhibited signalling bias. Triazines 14 (UOSD017) and 15 were biased towards internalisation over cAMP and pERK, and 7 was biased away from pERK activation relative to cAMP and internalisation. Intriguingly, the triazine with an amino-PEG2-piperazinyl linker (13 [UOSD008]) was identified to be a mixed agonist/inverse agonist, exhibiting apparent neutral antagonism in the internalisation pathway, transient inverse agonism in the cAMP pathway and weak partial agonism in the pERK pathway. Both the cAMP and pERK signalling were pertussis toxin (PTX) sensitive, implying that 13 is acting as both a weak agonist and inverse agonist at CB2 via Gαi/o. Compound 10 (UOSD015) acted as a balanced high intrinsic efficacy agonist with the potential to produce greater hCB2-mediated efficacy than reference ligand CP 55,940. As 10 includes a Boc-protected PEG2 moiety it is also a promising candidate for further modification, for example with a secondary reporter or fluorophore. The highest affinity compound in this set of relatively polar hCB2 ligands was compound 16, which acted as a slightly partial balanced agonist in comparison with CP 55,940. The ligands characterised here may therefore exhibit unique functional properties in vivo and have the potential to be valuable in the future development of CB2-directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R. M. Oyagawa
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Yurii Saroz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Natasha Lillia Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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10
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Li Q, Alsaidan OA, Rai S, Wu M, Shen H, Beharry Z, Almada LL, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Wang L, Cai H. Stromal Gli signaling regulates the activity and differentiation of prostate stem and progenitor cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:10547-10560. [PMID: 29773652 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between cells in the stroma and epithelium facilitate prostate stem cell activity and tissue regeneration capacity. Numerous molecular signal transduction pathways, including the induction of sonic hedgehog (Shh) to activate the Gli transcription factors, are known to mediate the cross-talk of these two cellular compartments. However, the details of how these signaling pathways regulate prostate stem and progenitor cell activity remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that, although cell-autonomous epithelial Shh-Gli signaling is essential to determine the expression levels of basal cell markers and the renewal potential of epithelial stem and progenitor cells, stromal Gli signaling regulates prostate stem and progenitor cell activity by increasing the number and size of prostate spheroids in vitro Blockade of stromal Gli signaling also inhibited prostate tissue regeneration in vivo The inhibition of stromal Gli signaling suppressed the differentiation of basal and progenitor cells to luminal cells and limited prostate tubule secretory capability. Additionally, stromal cells were able to compensate for the deficiency of epithelial Shh signaling in prostate tissue regeneration. Mechanistically, suppression of Gli signaling increased the signaling factor transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in stromal cells. Elevation of exogenous TGFβ1 levels inhibited prostate spheroid formation, suggesting that a stromal Gli-TGFβ signaling axis regulates the activity of epithelial progenitor cells. Our study illustrates that Gli signaling regulates epithelial stem cell activity and renewal potential in both epithelial and stromal compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianjin Li
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Omar A Alsaidan
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Sumit Rai
- the Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Meng Wu
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Huifeng Shen
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Zanna Beharry
- the Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida 33965, and
| | - Luciana L Almada
- the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Martin E Fernandez-Zapico
- the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Lianchun Wang
- the Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Houjian Cai
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602,
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11
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Yang H, Hu L, Liu Z, Qin Y, Li R, Zhang G, Zhao B, Bi C, Lei Y, Bai Y. Inhibition of Gli1-mediated prostate cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting the mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:7970-7976. [PMID: 29250185 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic activation of the canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway is involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality in males worldwide. However, the role of the non-canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway in prostate cancer remains generally unexplored. In the present study, it was identified that Gli (glioma-associated oncogene)1 and Gli2 were highly expressed at the protein level in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145, but not in the androgen-dependent cancer cell line LNCaP. Silencing of Gli1 using small interfering RNA markedly decreased PC3 cell viability and liquid colony formation in vitro. The Gli1/2-specific inhibitor GANT61 markedly decreased cell viability by inducing cell apoptosis in PC3 and DU145 cells. GANT61 also alleviated liquid colony formation efficiency in PC3 and DU145 cells, suggesting that the activity of Gli1 is required for prostate cancer cell survival. To explore further the upstream signaling pathway involved in the regulation of Gli1 expression, it was identified that tumor necrosis factor α-triggered mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) activation was required for Gli1 expression. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of S6K1 activation markedly decreased Gli1 and its downstream target gene mRNA expression. In addition, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 markedly decreased in vitro PC3 cell proliferation. The results of the present study indicate that the non-canonical Hedgehog pathway (mTOR/S6K1/Gli1) contributes to the development and progression of prostate cancer and that Gli1 is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Libing Hu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Yang Qin
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Ruiqian Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Guoying Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Chengwei Bi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Yonghong Lei
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
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12
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Human carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem cells promote ovarian cancer chemotherapy resistance via a BMP4/HH signaling loop. Oncotarget 2017; 7:6916-32. [PMID: 26755648 PMCID: PMC4872758 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is critical to cancer growth and therapy resistance. We previously characterized human ovarian carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). CA-MSCs are multi-potent cells that can differentiate into tumor microenvironment components including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and adipocytes. We previously reported CA-MSCs, compared to normal MSCs, express high levels of BMP proteins and promote tumor growth by increasing numbers of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). We demonstrate here that ovarian tumor cell-secreted Hedgehog (HH) induces CA-MSC BMP4 expression. CA-MSC-derived BMP4 reciprocally increases ovarian tumor cell HH expression indicating a positive feedback loop. Interruption of this loop with a HH pathway inhibitor or BMP4 blocking antibody decreases CA-MSC-derived BMP4 and tumor-derived HH preventing enrichment of CSCs and reversing chemotherapy resistance. The impact of HH inhibition was only seen in CA-MSC-containing tumors, indicating the importance of a humanized stroma. These results are reciprocal to findings in pancreatic and bladder cancer, suggesting HH signaling effects are tumor tissue specific warranting careful investigation in each tumor type. Collectively, we define a critical positive feedback loop between CA-MSC-derived BMP4 and ovarian tumor cell-secreted HH and present evidence for the further investigation of HH as a clinical target in ovarian cancer.
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13
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Inhibition of Hedgehog-Signaling Driven Genes in Prostate Cancer Cells by Sutherlandia frutescens Extract. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145507. [PMID: 26710108 PMCID: PMC4694108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sutherlandia frutescens (L) R. Br. (Sutherlandia) is a South African botanical that is traditionally used to treat a variety of health conditions, infections and diseases, including cancer. We hypothesized Sutherlandia might act through Gli/ Hedgehog (Hh)-signaling in prostate cancer cells and used RNA-Seq transcription profiling to profile gene expression in TRAMPC2 murine prostate cancer cells with or without Sutherlandia extracts. We found 50% of Hh-responsive genes can be repressed by Sutherlandia ethanol extract, including the canonical Hh-responsive genes Gli1 and Ptch1 as well as newly distinguished Hh-responsive genes Hsd11b1 and Penk.
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14
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Callahan BP, Wang C. Hedgehog Cholesterolysis: Specialized Gatekeeper to Oncogenic Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2037-53. [PMID: 26473928 PMCID: PMC4695875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Discussions of therapeutic suppression of hedgehog (Hh) signaling almost exclusively focus on receptor antagonism; however, hedgehog's biosynthesis represents a unique and potentially targetable aspect of this oncogenic signaling pathway. Here, we review a key biosynthetic step called cholesterolysis from the perspectives of structure/function and small molecule inhibition. Cholesterolysis, also called cholesteroylation, generates cholesterol-modified Hh ligand via autoprocessing of a hedgehog precursor protein. Post-translational modification by cholesterol appears to be restricted to proteins in the hedgehog family. The transformation is essential for Hh biological activity and upstream of signaling events. Despite its decisive role in generating ligand, cholesterolysis remains conspicuously unexplored as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Callahan
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Biology Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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15
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Lin H, Jackson GA, Lu Y, Drenkhahn SK, Brownstein KJ, Starkey NJ, Lamberson WR, Fritsche KL, Mossine VV, Besch-Williford CL, Folk WR, Zhang Y, Lubahn DB. Inhibition of Gli/hedgehog signaling in prostate cancer cells by "cancer bush" Sutherlandia frutescens extract. Cell Biol Int 2015; 40:131-42. [PMID: 26377232 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sutherlandia frutescens is a medicinal plant, traditionally used to treat various types of human diseases, including cancer. Previous studies of several botanicals link suppression of prostate cancer growth with inhibition of the Gli/hedgehog (Gli/Hh) signaling pathway. Here we hypothesized the anti-cancer effect of S. frutescens was linked to its inhibition of the Gli/Hh signaling in prostate cancer. We found a dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition in human prostate cancer cells, PC3 and LNCaP, and mouse prostate cancer cell, TRAMP-C2, treated with S. frutescens methanol extract (SLE). We also observed a dose-dependent inhibition of the Gli-reporter activity in Shh Light II and TRAMP-C2QGli cells treated with SLE. In addition, SLE can inhibit Gli/Hh signaling by blocking Gli1 and Ptched1 gene expression in the presence of a Gli/Hh signaling agonist (SAG). A diet supplemented with S. frutescens suppressed the formation of poorly differentiated carcinoma in prostates of TRAMP mice. Finally, we found Sutherlandioside D was the most potent compound in the crude extract that could suppress Gli-reporter in Shh Light II cells. Together, this suggests that the S. frutescens extract may exert anti-cancer effect by targeting Gli/Hh signaling, and Sutherlandioside D is one of the active compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Glenn A Jackson
- MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,Department of Veterinary Technology, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Curtis, Nebraska, 69025, USA
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Sara K Drenkhahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Korey J Brownstein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164, USA
| | - Nicholas J Starkey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - William R Lamberson
- MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Kevin L Fritsche
- MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Valeri V Mossine
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Cynthia L Besch-Williford
- MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - William R Folk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Physiology & Embryo Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Dennis B Lubahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA.,MU Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
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16
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Clark AD, Oldenbroek M, Boyer TG. Mediator kinase module and human tumorigenesis. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 50:393-426. [PMID: 26182352 DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2015.1064854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mediator is a conserved multi-subunit signal processor through which regulatory informatiosn conveyed by gene-specific transcription factors is transduced to RNA Polymerase II (Pol II). In humans, MED13, MED12, CDK8 and Cyclin C (CycC) comprise a four-subunit "kinase" module that exists in variable association with a 26-subunit Mediator core. Genetic and biochemical studies have established the Mediator kinase module as a major ingress of developmental and oncogenic signaling through Mediator, and much of its function in signal-dependent gene regulation derives from its resident CDK8 kinase activity. For example, CDK8-targeted substrate phosphorylation impacts transcription factor half-life, Pol II activity and chromatin chemistry and functional status. Recent structural and biochemical studies have revealed a precise network of physical and functional subunit interactions required for proper kinase module activity. Accordingly, pathologic change in this activity through altered expression or mutation of constituent kinase module subunits can have profound consequences for altered signaling and tumor formation. Herein, we review the structural organization, biological function and oncogenic potential of the Mediator kinase module. We focus principally on tumor-associated alterations in kinase module subunits for which mechanistic relationships as opposed to strictly correlative associations are established. These considerations point to an emerging picture of the Mediator kinase module as an oncogenic unit, one in which pathogenic activation/deactivation through component change drives tumor formation through perturbation of signal-dependent gene regulation. It follows that therapeutic strategies to combat CDK8-driven tumors will involve targeted modulation of CDK8 activity or pharmacologic manipulation of dysregulated CDK8-dependent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Clark
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , San Antonio , TX , USA
| | - Marieke Oldenbroek
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , San Antonio , TX , USA
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- a Department of Molecular Medicine , Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , San Antonio , TX , USA
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17
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Deubiquitination of Ci/Gli by Usp7/HAUSP Regulates Hedgehog Signaling. Dev Cell 2015; 34:58-72. [PMID: 26120032 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays essential roles in animal development and tissue homeostasis, and its misregulation causes congenital diseases and cancers. Regulation of the ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated proteolysis of Ci/Gli transcription factors is central to Hh signaling, but whether deubiquitinase is involved in this process remains unknown. Here, we show that Hh stimulates the binding of a ubiquitin-specific protease Usp7 to Ci, which positively regulates Hh signaling activity through inhibiting Ci ubiquitination and degradation mediated by both Slimb-Cul1 and Hib-Cul3 E3 ligases. Furthermore, we find that Usp7 forms a complex with GMP-synthetase (GMPS) to promote Hh pathway activity. Finally, we show that the mammalian counterpart of Usp7, HAUSP, positively regulates Hh signaling by modulating Gli ubiquitination and stability. Our findings reveal a conserved mechanism by which Ci/Gli is stabilized by a deubiquitination enzyme and identify Usp7/HUASP as a critical regulator of Hh signaling and potential therapeutic target for Hh-related cancers.
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18
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Owen TS, Ngoje G, Lageman TJ, Bordeau BM, Belfort M, Callahan BP. Förster resonance energy transfer-based cholesterolysis assay identifies a novel hedgehog inhibitor. Anal Biochem 2015; 488:1-5. [PMID: 26095399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) proteins function in cell/cell signaling processes linked to human embryo development and the progression of several types of cancer. Here, we describe an optical assay of hedgehog cholesterolysis, a unique autoprocessing event critical for Hh function. The assay uses a recombinant Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-active Hh precursor whose cholesterolysis can be monitored continuously in multi-well plates (dynamic range=4, Z'=0.7), offering advantages in throughput over conventional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) assays. Application of the optical assay in a pilot small molecule screen produced a novel cholesterolysis inhibitor (apparent IC50=5×10(-6)M) that appears to inactivate hedgehog covalently by a substitution nucleophilic aromatic (SNAr) mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Owen
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - George Ngoje
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Travis J Lageman
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Brandon M Bordeau
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Marlene Belfort
- Department of Biological Sciences and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Brian P Callahan
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
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19
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Owen TS, Xie XJ, Laraway B, Ngoje G, Wang C, Callahan BP. Active site targeting of hedgehog precursor protein with phenylarsine oxide. Chembiochem 2014; 16:55-8. [PMID: 25418613 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201402421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog proteins, signaling molecules implicated in human embryo development and cancer, can be inhibited at the stage of autoprocessing by the trivalent arsenical phenyl arsine oxide (PhAs(III) ). The interaction (apparent Ki , 4 × 10(-7) M) is characterized by an optical binding assay and by NMR spectroscopy. PhAs(III) appears to be the first validated inhibitor of hedgehog autoprocessing, which is unique to hedgehog proteins and essential for biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Owen
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, New York (USA)
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20
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Petrova R, Joyner AL. Roles for Hedgehog signaling in adult organ homeostasis and repair. Development 2014; 141:3445-57. [PMID: 25183867 DOI: 10.1242/dev.083691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) pathway is well known for its mitogenic and morphogenic functions during development, and HH signaling continues in discrete populations of cells within many adult mammalian tissues. Growing evidence indicates that HH regulates diverse quiescent stem cell populations, but the exact roles that HH signaling plays in adult organ homeostasis and regeneration remain poorly understood. Here, we review recently identified functions of HH in modulating the behavior of tissue-specific adult stem and progenitor cells during homeostasis, regeneration and disease. We conclude that HH signaling is a key factor in the regulation of adult tissue homeostasis and repair, acting via multiple different routes to regulate distinct cellular outcomes, including maintenance of plasticity, in a context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralitsa Petrova
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA BCMB Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alexandra L Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA BCMB Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
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21
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Shtivelman E, Beer TM, Evans CP. Molecular pathways and targets in prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2014; 5:7217-59. [PMID: 25277175 PMCID: PMC4202120 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer co-opts a unique set of cellular pathways in its initiation and progression. The heterogeneity of prostate cancers is evident at earlier stages, and has led to rigorous efforts to stratify the localized prostate cancers, so that progression to advanced stages could be predicted based upon salient features of the early disease. The deregulated androgen receptor signaling is undeniably most important in the progression of the majority of prostate tumors. It is perhaps because of the primacy of the androgen receptor governed transcriptional program in prostate epithelium cells that once this program is corrupted, the consequences of the ensuing changes in activity are pleotropic and could contribute to malignancy in multiple ways. Following localized surgical and radiation therapies, 20-40% of patients will relapse and progress, and will be treated with androgen deprivation therapies. The successful development of the new agents that inhibit androgen signaling has changed the progression free survival in hormone resistant disease, but this has not changed the almost ubiquitous development of truly resistant phenotypes in advanced prostate cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular pathways involved in localized and metastatic prostate cancer, with an emphasis on the clinical implications of the new knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomasz M. Beer
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
| | - Christopher P. Evans
- Department of Urology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
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22
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Wozney JL, Antonarakis ES. Growth factor and signaling pathways and their relevance to prostate cancer therapeutics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2014; 33:581-94. [PMID: 24402967 PMCID: PMC4090293 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-013-9475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Treatments that target the androgen axis represent an effective strategy for patients with advanced prostate cancer, but the disease remains incurable and new therapeutic approaches are necessary. Significant advances have recently occurred in our understanding of the growth factor and signaling pathways that are active in prostate cancer. In conjunction with this, many new targeted therapies with sound preclinical rationale have entered clinical development and are being tested in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Some of the most relevant pathways currently being exploited for therapeutic gain are HGF/c-Met signaling, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, Hedgehog signaling, the endothelin axis, Src kinase signaling, the IGF pathway, and angiogenesis. Here, we summarize the biological basis for the use of selected targeted agents and the results from available clinical trials of these drugs in men with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn L. Wozney
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuel S. Antonarakis
- Prostate Cancer Research Program, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, CRB1-1 M45, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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23
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Belle VA, McDermott N, Meunier A, Marignol L. NUMB inhibition of NOTCH signalling as a therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Nat Rev Urol 2014; 11:499-507. [PMID: 25134838 PMCID: PMC5240474 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2014.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is among the most prevalent life-threatening cancers diagnosed in the male population today. Various methods have been exploited in an attempt to treat this disease but these treatments, alongside preventative tactics, have been insufficient to control mortality rates and have usually resulted in detrimental adverse events. An opportunity to devise more-specific and potentially more-effective approaches for the eradication of prostate tumours can be found by targeting specific biological pathways. NUMB (protein numb homologue), a key regulator of cell fate, represents an attractive, actionable target in prostate cancer. NUMB participates in the observed deregulation of NOTCH (neurogenic locus notch homologue protein) signalling in prostate tumours, and the NUMB-NOTCH interaction regulates cell fate. NUMB has potential both as a target for control of prostate tumorigenesis and as a biomarker for identification of patients with prostate cancer who are likely to benefit from NOTCH inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niamh McDermott
- Radiation and Urologic Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity and Prostate Molecular Oncology Research Group, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Armelle Meunier
- Radiation and Urologic Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity and Prostate Molecular Oncology Research Group, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Laure Marignol
- Radiation and Urologic Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity and Prostate Molecular Oncology Research Group, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
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24
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Nye MD, Almada LL, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Marks DL, Elsawa SF, Vrabel A, Tolosa EJ, Ellenrieder V, Fernandez-Zapico ME. The transcription factor GLI1 interacts with SMAD proteins to modulate transforming growth factor β-induced gene expression in a p300/CREB-binding protein-associated factor (PCAF)-dependent manner. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:15495-506. [PMID: 24739390 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.545194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological role of the transcription factor GLI1 in the regulation of tumor growth is well established; however, the molecular events modulating this phenomenon remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate a novel mechanism underlying the role of GLI1 as an effector of TGFβ signaling in the regulation of gene expression in cancer cells. TGFβ stimulates GLI1 activity in cancer cells and requires its transcriptional activity to induce BCL2 expression. Analysis of the mechanism regulating this interplay identified a new transcriptional complex including GLI1 and the TGFβ-regulated transcription factor, SMAD4. We demonstrate that SMAD4 physically interacts with GLI1 for concerted regulation of gene expression and cellular survival. Activation of the TGFβ pathway induces GLI1-SMAD4 complex binding to the BCL2 promoter whereas disruption of the complex through SMAD4 RNAi depletion impairs GLI1-mediated transcription of BCL2 and cellular survival. Further characterization demonstrated that SMAD2 and the histone acetyltransferase, PCAF, participate in this regulatory mechanism. Both proteins bind to the BCL2 promoter and are required for TGFβ- and GLI1-stimulated gene expression. Moreover, SMAD2/4 RNAi experiments showed that these factors are required for the recruitment of GLI1 to the BCL2 promoter. Finally, we determined whether this novel GLI1 transcriptional pathway could regulate other TGFβ targets. We found that two additional TGFβ-stimulated genes, INTERLEUKIN-7 and CYCLIN D1, are dependent upon the intact GLI1-SMAD-PCAF complex for transcriptional activation. Collectively, these results define a novel epigenetic mechanism that uses the transcription factor GLI1 and its associated complex as a central effector to regulate gene expression in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D Nye
- From the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Luciana L Almada
- From the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- From the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - David L Marks
- From the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Sherine F Elsawa
- the Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, Illinois 60115
| | - Anne Vrabel
- From the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Ezequiel J Tolosa
- From the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- the Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany, and
| | - Martin E Fernandez-Zapico
- From the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
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Gonnissen A, Isebaert S, Haustermans K. Hedgehog signaling in prostate cancer and its therapeutic implication. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:13979-4007. [PMID: 23880852 PMCID: PMC3742228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140713979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is implicated in the development and progression of several tumor types, including prostate cancer, which is still the most common non-skin malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men in industrialized countries worldwide. Several studies have indicated that the Hh pathway plays a crucial role in the development as well as in the progression of this disease to more aggressive and even therapy-resistant disease states. Moreover, preclinical data have shown that inhibition of Hh signaling has the potential to reduce prostate cancer invasiveness and metastatic potential. Clinical trials investigating the benefit of Hh inhibitors in patients with prostate cancer have recently been initiated. However, acquired drug resistance has already been observed in other tumor types after long-term Hh inhibition. Therefore, combining Hh inhibitors with ionizing radiation, chemotherapy or other molecular targeted agents could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will highlight the role of Hh signaling in the development and progression of prostate cancer and summarize the different therapeutic applications of Hedgehog inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Gonnissen
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, & Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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