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Ebrahimnezhad M, Valizadeh A, Majidinia M, Tabnak P, Yousefi B. Unveiling the potential of FOXO3 in lung cancer: From molecular insights to therapeutic prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116833. [PMID: 38843589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116833] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer poses a significant challenge regarding molecular heterogeneity, as it encompasses a wide range of molecular alterations and cancer-related pathways. Recent discoveries made it feasible to thoroughly investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer, giving rise to the possibility of novel therapeutic strategies relying on molecularly targeted drugs. In this context, forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), a member of forkhead transcription factors, has emerged as a crucial protein commonly dysregulated in cancer cells. The regulation of the FOXO3 in reacting to external stimuli plays a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis as a component of the molecular machinery that determines whether cells will survive or dies. Indeed, various extrinsic cues regulate FOXO3, affecting its subcellular location and transcriptional activity. These regulations are mediated by diverse signaling pathways, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and protein interactions that eventually drive post-transcriptional modification of FOXO3. Nevertheless, while it is no doubt that FOXO3 is implicated in numerous aspects of lung cancer, it is unclear whether they act as tumor suppressors, promotors, or both based on the situation. However, FOXO3 serves as an intriguing possible target in lung cancer therapeutics while widely used anti-cancer chemo drugs can regulate it. In this review, we describe a summary of recent findings on molecular mechanisms of FOXO3 to clarify that targeting its activity might hold promise in lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ebrahimnezhad
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Amir Valizadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Peyman Tabnak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Joseph S, Zhang X, Droby G, Wu D, Bae-Jump V, Lyons S, Mordant A, Mills A, Herring L, Rushing B, Bowser J, Vaziri C. MAPK14 /p38α Shapes the Molecular Landscape of Endometrial Cancer and promotes Tumorigenic Characteristics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.25.600674. [PMID: 38979238 PMCID: PMC11230443 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.25.600674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The molecular underpinnings of H igh G rade E ndometrial C arcinoma (HGEC) metastatic growth and survival are poorly understood. Here we show that ascites-derived and primary tumor HGEC cell lines in 3D spheroid culture faithfully recapitulate key features of malignant peritoneal effusion and exhibit fundamentally distinct transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic landscapes when compared with conventional 2D monolayers. Using genetic screening platform we identify MAPK14 (which encodes the protein kinase p38α) as a specific requirement for HGEC in spheroid culture. MAPK14 /p38α has broad roles in programing the phosphoproteome, transcriptome and metabolome of HGEC spheroids, yet has negligible impact on monolayer cultures. MAPK14 promotes tumorigenicity in vivo and is specifically required to sustain a sub-population of spheroid cells that is enriched in cancer stemness markers. Therefore, spheroid growth of HGEC activates unique biological programs, including p38α signaling, that cannot be captured using 2D culture models and are highly relevant to malignant disease pathology.
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Yeo D, Yun YG, Shin SJ, Dashnyam K, Khurelbaatar A, Lee JH, Kim HW. Chaga mushroom extract suppresses oral cancer cell growth via inhibition of energy metabolism. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10616. [PMID: 38720012 PMCID: PMC11078932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer stands as a prevalent maligancy worldwide; however, its therapeutic potential is limited by undesired effects and complications. As a medicinal edible fungus, Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) exhibits anticancer effects across diverse cancers. Yet, the precise mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain unclear. We explored the detailed mechanisms underlying the anticancer action of Chaga mushroom extract in oral cancer cells (HSC-4). Following treatment with Chaga mushroom extracts, we analyzed cell viability, proliferation capacity, glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and apoptosis. Our findings revealed that the extract reduced cell viability and proliferation of HSC-4 cells while arresting their cell cycle via suppression of STAT3 activity. Regarding energy metabolism, Chaga mushroom extract inhibited glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential in HSC-4 cells, thereby triggering autophagy-mediated apoptotic cell death through activation of the p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our results indicate that Chaga mushroom extract impedes oral cancer cell progression, by inhibiting cell cycle and proliferation, suppressing cancer cell energy metabolism, and promoting autophagy-mediated apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that this extract is a promising supplementary medicine for the treatment of patients with oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghyeon Yeo
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, 119, Dandae-ro, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Four NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo Gyun Yun
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, 119, Dandae-ro, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Four NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Shin
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, 119, Dandae-ro, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Khandmaa Dashnyam
- Drug Research Institute, Mongolian University of Pharmaceutical Science, Ulaanbaatar, 18130, Mongolia
| | - Anand Khurelbaatar
- Drug Research Institute, Mongolian University of Pharmaceutical Science, Ulaanbaatar, 18130, Mongolia
| | - Jun Hee Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, 119, Dandae-ro, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Four NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, 119, Dandae-ro, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Four NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
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Sengupta P, Dutta A, Suseela YV, Roychowdhury T, Banerjee N, Dutta A, Halder S, Jana K, Mukherjee G, Chattopadhyay S, Govindaraju T, Chatterjee S. G-quadruplex structural dynamics at MAPK12 promoter dictates transcriptional switch to determine stemness in breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:33. [PMID: 38214819 PMCID: PMC11073236 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
P38γ (MAPK12) is predominantly expressed in triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) and induces stem cell (CSC) expansion resulting in decreased survival of the patients due to metastasis. Abundance of G-rich sequences at MAPK12 promoter implied the functional probability to reverse tumorigenesis, though the formation of G-Quadruplex (G4) structures at MAPK12 promoter is elusive. Here, we identified two evolutionary consensus adjacent G4 motifs upstream of the MAPK12 promoter, forming parallel G4 structures. They exist in an equilibria between G4 and duplex, regulated by the binding turnover of Sp1 and Nucleolin that bind to these G4 motifs and regulate MAPK12 transcriptional homeostasis. To underscore the gene-regulatory functions of G4 motifs, we employed CRISPR-Cas9 system to eliminate G4s from TNBC cells and synthesized a naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivative (TGS24) which shows high-affinity binding to MAPK12-G4 and inhibits MAPK12 transcription. Deletion of G4 motifs and NDI compound interfere with the recruitment of the transcription factors, inhibiting MAPK12 expression in cancer cells. The molecular basis of NDI-induced G4 transcriptional regulation was analysed by RNA-seq analyses, which revealed that MAPK12-G4 inhibits oncogenic RAS transformation and trans-activation of NANOG. MAPK12-G4 also reduces CD44High/CD24Low population in TNBC cells and downregulates internal stem cell markers, arresting the stemness properties of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Sengupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Anindya Dutta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Y V Suseela
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Tanaya Roychowdhury
- Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, IICB, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjan Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Ananya Dutta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Satyajit Halder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Kuladip Jana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Gopeswar Mukherjee
- Barasat Cancer Research and Welfare Centre, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Samit Chattopadhyay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, 403726, India
| | - Thimmaiah Govindaraju
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India.
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India.
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Phan T, Zhang XH, Rosen S, Melstrom LG. P38 kinase in gastrointestinal cancers. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1181-1189. [PMID: 37248432 PMCID: PMC10501902 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide with 4.2 million new cases and 3.2 million deaths estimated in 2020. Despite the advances in primary and adjuvant therapies, patients still develop distant metastases and require novel therapies. Mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are crucial signaling pathways that regulate many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stress responses and cancer development. p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (p38 MAPKs) includes four isoforms: p38α (MAPK14), p38β (MAPK11), p38γ (MAPK12), and p38δ (MAPK13). p38 MAPK was first identified as a stress response protein kinase that phosphorylates different transcriptional factors. Dysregulation of p38 pathways, in particular p38γ, are associated with cancer development, metastasis, autophagy and tumor microenvironment. In this article, we provide an overview of p38 and p38γ with respect to gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, targeting p38γ is also discussed as a potential therapy for gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Phan
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Xu Hannah Zhang
- Department of Hematology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Steven Rosen
- Department of Hematology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Laleh G Melstrom
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
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NT157 exerts antineoplastic activity by targeting JNK and AXL signaling in lung cancer cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17092. [PMID: 36224313 PMCID: PMC9556623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination therapies or multi-targeted drugs have been pointed out as an option to prevent the emergence of resistant clones, which could make long-term treatment more effective and translate into better clinical outcomes for cancer patients. The NT157 compound is a synthetic tyrphostin that leads to long-term inhibition of IGF1R/IRS1-2-, STAT3- and AXL-mediated signaling pathways. Given the importance of these signaling pathways for the development and progression of lung cancer, this disease becomes an interesting model for generating preclinical evidence on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic activity of NT157. In lung cancer cells, exposure to NT157 decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, cell viability, clonogenicity, cell cycle progression and migration, and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). In the molecular scenario, NT157 reduced expression of IRS1 and AXL and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, AKT, and 4EBP1. Besides, NT157 decreased expression of oncogenes BCL2, CCND1, MYB, and MYC and increased genes related to cellular stress and apoptosis, JUN, BBC3, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, FOS, and EGR1 (p < 0.05), favoring a tumor-suppressive cell signaling network in the context of lung cancer. Of note, JNK was identified as a key kinase for NT157-induced IRS1 and IRS2 phosphorylation, revealing a novel axis involved in the mechanism of action of the drug. NT157 also presented potentiating effects on EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, our preclinical findings highlight NT157 as a putative prototype of a multitarget drug that may contribute to the antineoplastic arsenal against lung cancer.
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7
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Kudaravalli S, den Hollander P, Mani SA. Role of p38 MAP kinase in cancer stem cells and metastasis. Oncogene 2022; 41:3177-3185. [PMID: 35501462 PMCID: PMC9166676 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance and metastatic progression are responsible for the majority of cancer mortalities. In particular, the development of resistance is a significant barrier to the efficacy of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) underlie treatment resistance and metastasis. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) is downstream of several CSC-specific signaling pathways, and it plays an important role in CSC development and maintenance and contributes to metastasis and chemoresistance. Therefore, the development of therapeutic approaches targeting p38 can sensitize tumors to chemotherapy and prevent metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriya Kudaravalli
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Petra den Hollander
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Tang Y, Yang X, Wang Q, Huang H, Wang Q, Jiang M, Yuan C, Huang Y, Chen Y. ING4 Promotes Stemness Enrichment of Human Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells Through Inhibiting DUSP4 Expression to Activate the p38 MAPK/type I IFN-Stimulated Gene Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:845097. [PMID: 35496267 PMCID: PMC9046557 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.845097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) recurs frequently due to high metastatic spread, resulting in a high mortality. Cancer stem cells play a critical role in initiating the tumor metastasis. Inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) is a member of the ING family, but its impact on cancer stem cells in RCC is still unknown. In this study, we found that ING4 significantly promoted the sphere-forming size and number of RCC cells under an ultralow-attachment culture condition in vitro, tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, and the expression of some stem-like or pluripotent biomarkers CD44, MYC, OCT4, and NANOG, indicating that ING4 increased the stemness enrichment of RCC cells. Mechanistically, the ING4-activated p38 MAPK pathway possibly upregulated the expression of type I IFN-stimulated genes to promote the formation of RCC stem cells. ING4 could inhibit the expression of DUSP4 to activate p38 MAPK. In addition, selective pharmacological p38 MAPK inhibitors could significantly inhibit stemness enrichment only in ING4-overexpressed RCC cells, suggesting that the p38 MAPK inhibitors might be effective in patients with high ING4 expression in RCC tissue. Taken together, our findings proposed that ING4 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic RCC, particularly RCC stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qinzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Min Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chunluan Yuan
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, China
| | - Yefei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yansu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Human Genetics and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yansu Chen,
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Kciuk M, Gielecińska A, Budzinska A, Mojzych M, Kontek R. Metastasis and MAPK Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073847. [PMID: 35409206 PMCID: PMC8998814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. In many cases, the treatment of the disease is limited due to the metastasis of cells to distant locations of the body through the blood and lymphatic drainage. Most of the anticancer therapeutic options focus mainly on the inhibition of tumor cell growth or the induction of cell death, and do not consider the molecular basis of metastasis. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive review focusing on cancer metastasis and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (ERK/JNK/P38 signaling) as a crucial modulator of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kciuk
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha St., 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (A.G.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Adrianna Gielecińska
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha St., 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (A.G.); (R.K.)
| | - Adrianna Budzinska
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biochemistry, Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Mariusz Mojzych
- Department of Chemistry, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 3 Maja 54, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland;
| | - Renata Kontek
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha St., 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (A.G.); (R.K.)
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Xu W, Liu R, Dai Y, Hong S, Dong H, Wang H. The Role of p38γ in Cancer: From review to outlook. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4036-4046. [PMID: 34671218 PMCID: PMC8495394 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
p38γ is a member of the p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (p38 MAPKs). It contains four subtypes in mammalian cells encoded by different genes including p38α (MAPK14), p38β (MAPK11), p38γ (MAPK12), and p38δ (MAPK13). Recent studies revealed that p38γ may exhibit a crucial role in tumorigenesis and cancer aggressiveness. Despite the large number of published literatures, further researches are demanded to clarify its role in cancer development, the tissue-specific function and associated novel treatment strategies. In this article, we provide the latest view on the connection between p38γ and malignant tumors, highlighting the function of p38γ. The clinical value of p38γ is also discussed, helping the translation into the remarkable therapeutic strategy in tumor diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Xu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Shaocheng Hong
- First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huke Dong
- First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
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11
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Cancer stem cell phosphatases. Biochem J 2021; 478:2899-2920. [PMID: 34319405 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210254] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the initiation and progression of human malignancies by enabling cancer tissue self-renewal capacity and constituting the therapy-resistant population of tumor cells. However, despite the exhausting characterization of CSC genetics, epigenetics, and kinase signaling, eradication of CSCs remains an unattainable goal in most human malignancies. While phosphatases contribute equally with kinases to cellular phosphoregulation, our understanding of phosphatases in CSCs lags severely behind our knowledge about other CSC signaling mechanisms. Many cancer-relevant phosphatases have recently become druggable, indicating that further understanding of the CSC phosphatases might provide novel therapeutic opportunities. This review summarizes the current knowledge about fundamental, but yet poorly understood involvement of phosphatases in the regulation of major CSC signaling pathways. We also review the functional roles of phosphatases in CSC self-renewal, cancer progression, and therapy resistance; focusing particularly on hematological cancers and glioblastoma. We further discuss the small molecule targeting of CSC phosphatases and their therapeutic potential in cancer combination therapies.
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12
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Onuma S, Manabe A, Yoshino Y, Matsunaga T, Asai T, Ikari A. Upregulation of Chemoresistance by Mg 2+ Deficiency through Elevation of ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 1 Expression in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051179. [PMID: 34066059 PMCID: PMC8150369 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several anticancer drugs including cisplatin (CDDP) induce hypomagnesemia. However, it remains fully uncertain whether Mg2+ deficiency affects chemosensitivity of cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of low Mg2+ concentration (LM) on proliferation and chemosensitivity using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Cell proliferation was reduced by continuous culture with LM accompanied with the elevation of G1 phase proportion. The amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stress makers such as phosphorylated-ataxia telangiectasia mutated and phosphorylated-p53 were increased by LM. Cell injury was dose-dependently increased by anticancer drugs such as CDDP and doxorubicin (DXR), which were suppressed by LM. Similar results were obtained by roscovitine, a cell cycle inhibitor. These results suggest that LM induces chemoresistance mediated by ROS production and G1 arrest. The mRNA and protein levels of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) were increased by LM and roscovitine. The LM-induced elevation of ABCB1 and nuclear p38 expression was suppressed by SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. PSC833, an ABCB1 inhibitor, and SB203580 rescued the sensitivity to anticancer drugs. In addition, cancer stemness properties were suppressed by SB203580. We suggest that Mg2+ deficiency reduces the chemotherapy sensitivity of A549 cells, although it suppresses cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Onuma
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (S.O.); (A.M.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Aya Manabe
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (S.O.); (A.M.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yuta Yoshino
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (S.O.); (A.M.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Toshiyuki Matsunaga
- Education Center of Green Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 502-8585, Japan;
| | - Tomohiro Asai
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan;
| | - Akira Ikari
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 501-1196, Japan; (S.O.); (A.M.); (Y.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-58-230-8124
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13
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Bányai L, Trexler M, Kerekes K, Csuka O, Patthy L. Use of signals of positive and negative selection to distinguish cancer genes and passenger genes. eLife 2021; 10:e59629. [PMID: 33427197 PMCID: PMC7877913 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A major goal of cancer genomics is to identify all genes that play critical roles in carcinogenesis. Most approaches focused on genes positively selected for mutations that drive carcinogenesis and neglected the role of negative selection. Some studies have actually concluded that negative selection has no role in cancer evolution. We have re-examined the role of negative selection in tumor evolution through the analysis of the patterns of somatic mutations affecting the coding sequences of human genes. Our analyses have confirmed that tumor suppressor genes are positively selected for inactivating mutations, oncogenes, however, were found to display signals of both negative selection for inactivating mutations and positive selection for activating mutations. Significantly, we have identified numerous human genes that show signs of strong negative selection during tumor evolution, suggesting that their functional integrity is essential for the growth and survival of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Bányai
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Maria Trexler
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Krisztina Kerekes
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Orsolya Csuka
- Department of Pathogenetics, National Institute of OncologyBudapestHungary
| | - László Patthy
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
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14
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Roy S, Roy S, Anuja K, Thakur S, Akhter Y, Padhi S, Banerjee B. p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase modulates cisplatin resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma cells. Arch Oral Biol 2020; 122:104981. [PMID: 33302041 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the role of p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in imparting cisplatin resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. DESIGN Laboratory generated cisplatin resistant HNSCC cells were treated with p38 inhibitor and were subjected to increasing dosage of cisplatin. Western blot, immunohistochemistry and RT PCR analysis were performed to investigate expression level of p-p38 and Cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in cisplatin resistant HNSCC cells with or without p38 inhibitor. Chemoresistance, wound healing capacity and Spheroids formation capacity were assessed following p38 inhibition in cisplatin resistant HNSCC cell lines. In addition, alkaline comet assay and γ-H2AX immunostaining were performed to evaluate the DNA damage response and repair abilities in cisplatin resistant HNSCC cells after p38 inhibition. RESULTS It was observed that following p38 inhibition, cisplatin resistant HNSCC cells exhibited significant reduction in expression of CSC markers, β-catenin, reduced migration potential and sphere forming ability along with increased apoptotic index demonstrating there was increased sensitivity towards Cisplatin. Molecular docking study identified several interface amino acid residues between p-p38 with CSC markers (Klf4 and CD44). p38 inhibited cisplatin resistant HNSCC cells also exhibited increased DNA damage as measured by Comet assay and γ-H2AX foci formation index. There was significant decrease in DNA repair as confirmed by reduced ERRC1 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that p38 MAPK inhibition can be a targeted approach to overcome resistance in HNSCC thereby escalating the effectiveness of chemotherapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shomereeta Roy
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Souvick Roy
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Kumari Anuja
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Shweta Thakur
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, Himachal Pradesh 176206, India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226025, India
| | - Swatishree Padhi
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Birendranath Banerjee
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India.
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15
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Small Heat Shock Proteins in Cancers: Functions and Therapeutic Potential for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186611. [PMID: 32927696 PMCID: PMC7555140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ubiquitous ATP-independent chaperones that play essential roles in response to cellular stresses and protein homeostasis. Investigations of sHSPs reveal that sHSPs are ubiquitously expressed in numerous types of tumors, and their expression is closely associated with cancer progression. sHSPs have been suggested to control a diverse range of cancer functions, including tumorigenesis, cell growth, apoptosis, metastasis, and chemoresistance, as well as regulation of cancer stem cell properties. Recent advances in the field indicate that some sHSPs have been validated as a powerful target in cancer therapy. In this review, we present and highlight current understanding, recent progress, and future challenges of sHSPs in cancer development and therapy.
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16
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Yao Y, Cui L, Ye J, Yang G, Lu G, Fang X, Zeng Z, Zhou J. Dioscin facilitates ROS-induced apoptosis via the p38-MAPK/HSP27-mediated pathways in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2883-2894. [PMID: 33061803 PMCID: PMC7545707 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.45710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the deadliest cancers both in China and worldwide. To date, the efficacy of lung SCC treatments is limited. Recent studies have elucidated the powerful anti-tumour role of dioscin in different human cancers. Here, our study aims to investigate the effect of dioscin on lung SCC and its underlying mechanism. First, we found that dioscin not only inhibited cell proliferation and cell migration and induced cell apoptosis in lung SCC cells but also suppressed tumour growth in tumour-bearing mice. Furthermore, we noted that the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was triggered by dioscin in lung SCC cells, leading to the phosphorylation of HSP27 through p38-MAPK and consequent cell apoptosis. The activation of p38-MAPK/HSP27 induced by the p38-MAPK activator Anisomycin enhanced the apoptosis of lung SCC cells, while the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and the p38-MAPK inhibitor SB203580 both attenuated dioscin-mediated cell apoptosis. Moreover, NAC suppressed the activation of p38-MAPK/HSP27 that induced by dioscin. In conclusion, these results confirm that dioscin facilitates ROS-induced apoptosis via the p38-MAPK/HSP27-mediated pathway in lung SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Yao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luyun Cui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiani Ye
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangdie Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Fang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zeng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Chen S, Lu S, Yao Y, Chen J, Yang G, Tu L, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Chen L. Downregulation of hsa_circ_0007580 inhibits non-small cell lung cancer tumorigenesis by reducing miR-545-3p sponging. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:14329-14340. [PMID: 32681720 PMCID: PMC7425484 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly malignant tumor. Many circular RNAs (circRNAs) are reportedly in regulating the progression of NSCLC. To identify potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis of circRNAs differentially expressed between NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Hsa_circ_0007580 was upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues, and the expression of its host gene (protein kinase Ca) correlated negatively with overall survival. Short-hairpin RNAs were used to knock down hsa_circ_0007580 in NSCLC cells, and gene and protein levels were measured with qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were evaluated with CCK-8 assays, Ki-67 staining, Transwell assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Knocking down hsa_circ_0007580 inhibited proliferation and invasion by NSCLC cells and induced their apoptosis. Dual luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-545-3p can bind to hsa_circ_0007580 (suggesting that hsa_circ_0007580 sponges miR-545-3p) and to protein kinase Ca (suggesting that miR-545-3p directly inhibits this gene). In a xenograft tumor model, downregulating hsa_circ_0007580 inhibited NSCLC tumorigenesis by inactivating p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Thus, silencing hsa_circ_0007580 notably inhibited NSCLC progression in vitro and in vivo, suggesting this circRNA could be a novel treatment target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuifang Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shan Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yinan Yao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Junjun Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Guangdie Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lingfang Tu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Zeying Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jianli Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lina Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
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18
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Li Y, Han R, Cao W. Plantamajoside modulates the proliferation, stemness, and apoptosis of lung carcinoma via restraining p38MAPK and AKT phosphorylation. Transl Cancer Res 2020; 9:3828-3841. [PMID: 35117750 PMCID: PMC8798556 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-1834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plantamajoside (PMS), an active anti-inflammatory component and antioxidant derived from Herba Plantaginis, has been reported to exert a suppressive effect in liver cancer in vivo. In this study, we tested the effects of PMS on the metastatic 95D cell line. METHODS 95D cells were characterized as most sensitive to PMS across several lung cancer cell lines. Cell viability within 24 h was tested with CCK-8. Different concentrations of PMS (0, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) and 5 µg/mL of cisplatin were established for later 24 h treatment. Relative mRNA and protein expression were assessed with PCR and Western blotting. Cell proliferation and stemness were indicated with colony and sphere formation. Cell metastasis was evaluated with wound healing and Transwell. Apoptotic cells and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated with flow cytometry. RESULTS CCK-8 assay showed PMS to inhibit the viability of 95D cells in a dose-dependent manner. PMS decreased colony formation and inhibited stemness in 95D cells. Invasion and migration were also inhibited. Moreover, PMS induced cell apoptosis, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. All of these effects were dose dependent. Interestingly, PMS treatment reduced the protein expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-AKT but not that of p38 MAPK and AKT. CONCLUSIONS PMS inhibited proliferation, stemness, and migration, and initiated apoptosis in 95D cells, possibly through p38 MAPK and AKT dephosphorylation and mitochondria dysfunction. These findings support the promise of PMS as a prodrug in lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710038, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, BaoJi Hi-Tech People Hospital, Baoji 721000, China
| | - Ruiyang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Vascular Surgery, 521 Hospital of the Chinese Weapons Institutes of Health, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710038, China
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19
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Molecular Chaperones in Cancer Stem Cells: Determinants of Stemness and Potential Targets for Antitumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040892. [PMID: 32268506 PMCID: PMC7226806 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a great challenge in the fight against cancer because these self-renewing tumorigenic cell fractions are thought to be responsible for metastasis dissemination and cases of tumor recurrence. In comparison with non-stem cancer cells, CSCs are known to be more resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Elucidation of mechanisms and factors that promote the emergence and existence of CSCs and their high resistance to cytotoxic treatments would help to develop effective CSC-targeting therapeutics. The present review is dedicated to the implication of molecular chaperones (protein regulators of polypeptide chain folding) in both the formation/maintenance of the CSC phenotype and cytoprotective machinery allowing CSCs to survive after drug or radiation exposure and evade immune attack. The major cellular chaperones, namely heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, HSP40, HSP27), glucose-regulated proteins (GRP94, GRP78, GRP75), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1), peptidyl-prolyl isomerases, protein disulfide isomerases, calreticulin, and also a transcription heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) initiating HSP gene expression are here considered as determinants of the cancer cell stemness and potential targets for a therapeutic attack on CSCs. Various approaches and agents are discussed that may be used for inhibiting the chaperone-dependent development/manifestations of cancer cell stemness.
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20
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Wu VT, Kiriazov B, Koch KE, Gu VW, Beck AC, Borcherding N, Li T, Addo P, Wehrspan ZJ, Zhang W, Braun TA, Brown BJ, Band V, Band H, Kulak MV, Weigel RJ. A TFAP2C Gene Signature Is Predictive of Outcome in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 18:46-56. [PMID: 31619506 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The AP-2γ transcription factor, encoded by the TFAP2C gene, regulates the expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) and other genes associated with hormone response in luminal breast cancer. Little is known about the role of AP-2γ in other breast cancer subtypes. A subset of HER2+ breast cancers with amplification of the TFAP2C gene locus becomes addicted to AP-2γ. Herein, we sought to define AP-2γ gene targets in HER2+ breast cancer and identify genes accounting for physiologic effects of growth and invasiveness regulated by AP-2γ. Comparing HER2+ cell lines that demonstrated differential response to growth and invasiveness with knockdown of TFAP2C, we identified a set of 68 differentially expressed target genes. CDH5 and CDKN1A were among the genes differentially regulated by AP-2γ and that contributed to growth and invasiveness. Pathway analysis implicated the MAPK13/p38δ and retinoic acid regulatory nodes, which were confirmed to display divergent responses in different HER2+ cancer lines. To confirm the clinical relevance of the genes identified, the AP-2γ gene signature was found to be highly predictive of outcome in patients with HER2+ breast cancer. We conclude that AP-2γ regulates a set of genes in HER2+ breast cancer that drive cancer growth and invasiveness. The AP-2γ gene signature predicts outcome of patients with HER2+ breast cancer and pathway analysis predicts that subsets of patients will respond to drugs that target the MAPK or retinoic acid pathways. IMPLICATIONS: A set of genes regulated by AP-2γ in HER2+ breast cancer that drive proliferation and invasion were identified and provided a gene signature that is predictive of outcome in HER2+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent T Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Boris Kiriazov
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kelsey E Koch
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Vivian W Gu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Anna C Beck
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Tiandao Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Peter Addo
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Terry A Braun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Bartley J Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Vimla Band
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Hamid Band
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Ronald J Weigel
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. .,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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21
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Dual-Targeting AKT2 and ERK in cancer stem-like cells in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2019; 10:5645-5659. [PMID: 31608140 PMCID: PMC6771463 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma remains one of the most difficult pediatric solid tumors to treat. In particular, the refractory and relapsing neuroblastomas are highly heterogeneous with diverse molecular profiles. We previously demonstrated that AKT2 plays critical roles in the regulation of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Here we hypothesize that targeting AKT2 could block the signal transduction pathways enhanced in chemo- and/or radiation-resistant neuroblastoma cancer stem-like cells. We found cell proliferation and survival signaling pathways AKT2/mTOR and MAPK were enhanced in cisplatin (CDDP)- and radiation-resistant neuroblastoma cells. Blocking these two pathways with specific inhibitors, CCT128930 (AKT2 inhibitor) and PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) decreased cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and cell migration in these resistant cells. We further demonstrated that the resistant cells had a higher sphere-forming capacity with increased expression of stem cell markers CD133, SOX2, ALDH, Nestin, Oct4, and Nanog. Importantly, the tumorsphere formation, which is a surrogate assay for self-renewal, was sensitive to the inhibitors of AKT2 and MAPK. Taken together, our findings suggest that CDDP- and radiation-resistant cancer stem-like neuroblastoma cells might serve as a useful tool to improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance. This may aid in the development of more effective novel treatment strategies and better clinical outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma.
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22
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Bian Y, Teper Y, Mathews Griner LA, Aiken TJ, Shukla V, Guha R, Shinn P, Xin HW, Pflicke H, Powers AS, Li D, Jiang JK, Patel P, Rogers SA, Aubé J, Ferrer M, Thomas CJ, Rudloff U. Target Deconvolution of a Multikinase Inhibitor with Antimetastatic Properties Identifies TAOK3 as a Key Contributor to a Cancer Stem Cell-Like Phenotype. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:2097-2110. [PMID: 31395684 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains an incurable condition. Its progression is driven, in part, by subsets of cancer cells that evade the cytotoxic effects of conventional chemotherapies. These cells are often low-cycling, multidrug resistant, and adopt a stem cell-like phenotype consistent with the concept of cancer stem cells (CSC). To identify drugs impacting on tumor-promoting CSCs, we performed a differential high-throughput drug screen in pancreatic cancer cells cultured in traditional (2D) monolayers versus three-dimensional (3D) spheroids which replicate key elements of the CSC model. Among the agents capable of killing cells cultured in both formats was a 1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-amine-based inhibitor of IL2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK; NCGC00188382, inhibitor #1) that effectively mediated growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in vitro, and suppressed cancer progression and metastasis formation in vivo An examination of this agent's polypharmacology via in vitro and in situ phosphoproteomic profiling demonstrated an activity profile enriched for mediators involved in DNA damage repair. Included was a strong inhibitory potential versus the thousand-and-one amino acid kinase 3 (TAOK3), CDK7, and aurora B kinases. We found that cells grown under CSC-enriching spheroid conditions are selectively dependent on TAOK3 signaling. Loss of TAOK3 decreases colony formation, expression of stem cell markers, and sensitizes spheroids to the genotoxic effect of gemcitabine, whereas overexpression of TAOK3 increases stem cell traits including tumor initiation and metastasis formation. By inactivating multiple components of the cell-cycle machinery in concert with the downregulation of key CSC signatures, inhibitor #1 defines a distinctive strategy for targeting pancreatic cancer cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansong Bian
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yaroslav Teper
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lesley A Mathews Griner
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Taylor J Aiken
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Vivek Shukla
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rajarshi Guha
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Paul Shinn
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Holger Pflicke
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Astin S Powers
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dandan Li
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jian-Kang Jiang
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Paresma Patel
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Steven A Rogers
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Marc Ferrer
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland.
| | - Udo Rudloff
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Ouyang X, Zhu Z, Yang C, Wang L, Ding G, Jiang F. Epinephrine increases malignancy of breast cancer through p38 MAPK signaling pathway in depressive disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2019; 12:1932-1946. [PMID: 31934016 PMCID: PMC6949628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To uncover the possible mechanism and the effects of epinephrine on tumor growth in depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS A chronic mild stress (CMS) model was employed to test the change of serum epinephrine levels in mice with depression. Tumor tissues and cell lines were analyzed to identify the molecular and cellular events influenced by depression in vitro. RESULTS The level of epinephrine was up-regulated in CMS mice serum. We found that β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) were expressed on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and that epinephrine enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. Treatment of epinephrine increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in cells and enhanced the growth of tumor in vivo. These two effects were significantly attenuated by propranolol (a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that activation of epinephrine-induced p38 MAPK signaling pathway enhances the malignancy of breast cancer in depressive disorders. More effective psychological intervention might improve prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Ouyang
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhen Zhu
- Shanghai UniversityShanghai 200444, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Chongming BranchShanghai 202150, China
| | - Li Wang
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Chongming BranchShanghai 202150, China
| | - Gang Ding
- Shanghai International Medical CenterShanghai 201318, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Chongming BranchShanghai 202150, China
- Xinhua Translational Institute for Cancer PainShanghai 202150, China
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Xu XH, Zhang SJ, Hu QB, Song XY, Pan W. Retracted: Effects of microRNA-494 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of medulloblastoma cells by mediating c-myc through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:2594-2606. [PMID: 30304554 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent brain tumor that occurs during childhood and originates from cerebellar granule cell precursors. Based on recent studies, the differential expression of several microRNAs is involved in MB, while the role of microRNA-494 (miR-494) in MB remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the regulative role of miR-494 in MB cells via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway by mediating c-myc. In the current study, MB cells were collected and transfected with miR-494 mimic, miR-494 inhibitor, siRNA- c-myc, and miR-494 inhibitor + siRNA-c-myc. The expressions of miR-494, c-myc, p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), interleukin-6 (IL-6), metadherin (MTDH), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and survivin were determined. Cell proliferation, cell-cycle distribution, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated. The results revealed that there was a poor expression of miR-494 and high expression of c-myc in MB tissues. C-myc was determined as the target gene of miR-494. In response to miR-494 mimic, MB cells were found to have increased Bax and PTEN expressions, as well as cell number in G1 phase and cell apoptosis and decreased c-myc, p38 MAPK, Bcl-2, MTDH, IL-6, and survivin expression and cell number count in the S phase, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the upregulation of miR-494 results in the suppression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while it promotes apoptosis of MB cells through the negative mediation of c-myc, which in turn inactivates the p38 MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Heng Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Si-Jin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi-Bo Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xing-Yu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Poe C, Youngblood C, Hodge K, Kemp K. Treatment of established TH2 cells with 4μ8c, an inhibitor of IRE1α, blocks IL-5 but not IL-4 secretion. BMC Immunol 2019; 20:3. [PMID: 30630412 PMCID: PMC6327572 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-018-0283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell activation induces ER stress and upregulates Inositol Requiring Enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α), an activator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Inhibition of IRE1α RNase activity in activated CD4+ splenocytes from naïve mice, via treatment of the cells with the commercially available drug 4μ8c upon activation, results in the reduction of the secretion of proteins IL-5, IL-4, and IL-13. Prior to this work, it was unknown if 4μ8c could inhibit TH2 cytokines in established TH2 cells, cells that are crucial in promoting disease in severe asthma. RESULTS Treatment of a mouse T helper (TH)2 cell line and differentiated human TH2 cells with 4μ8c resulted in inhibition of IL-5, but not IL-4, as measured by ELISA. The reduced cytokine expression was not due to differences in mRNA stability or mRNA levels; it appears to be due to a defect in secretion, as the cells produce cytokines IL-5 as measured by flow cytometry and western blot. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the inhibition of IL-5 was due to post-translational processes. IL-5 promotes chronic, inflammatory asthma, and 4μ8c blocks its expression in T cells in vitro. Future studies will determine if 4μ8c treatment can ameliorate the effects of the cytokine IL-5 in a disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Poe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Northeastern State University, 3100 New Orleans Street, Broken Arrow, OK, 74014, USA
| | - Cheyanne Youngblood
- Department of Natural Sciences, Northeastern State University, 3100 New Orleans Street, Broken Arrow, OK, 74014, USA
| | - Karissa Hodge
- Department of Natural Sciences, Northeastern State University, 3100 New Orleans Street, Broken Arrow, OK, 74014, USA
| | - Kyeorda Kemp
- Department of Natural Sciences, Northeastern State University, 3100 New Orleans Street, Broken Arrow, OK, 74014, USA. .,Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, 586 Pioneer Drive, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.
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Roy S, Roy S, Kar M, Padhi S, Saha A, Anuja K, Banerjee B. Role of p38 MAPK in disease relapse and therapeutic resistance by maintenance of cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2018; 47:492-501. [PMID: 29575240 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate the role of p38 MAPK in maintenance of cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype, therapy resistance, and DNA damage repair and response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS In this study, 104 HNSCC patients were included. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and qPCR analysis were performed to investigate the expression level of p-p38 and CSC markers in cut margin and tumor area of HNSCC patients. The expression level of p-p38 and CSC markers was also evaluated in HNSCC cells with or without p38 inhibitor. Chemoresistance, wound healing capacity, and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) formation capacity were evaluated in HNSCC-derived cell lines with or without p38 inhibitor. In addition, DNA damage response and repair capacities were also evaluated in HNSCC cells after p38 inhibition using alkaline comet assay and γ-H2 AX immunostaining. RESULT We observed that recurrence could be associated with upregulated status of p-p38 and p38α gene in cut margin area of HNSCC patients as compared to tumor region. p38-inhibited cells showed significantly reduced expression of CSC markers, chemosensitivity toward cisplatin, reduced migration potential, and sphere-forming ability along with increased apoptotic population after treatment with increasing concentration of cisplatin. p38-inhibited cells also exhibited significantly increased comet olive tail moment and accumulation of γ-H2 AX, demonstrating increased DNA damage. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that p38 MAPK activation may play a role in therapeutic resistance and disease relapse in HNSCC by maintenance of CSCs phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shomereeta Roy
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Souvick Roy
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Madhabananda Kar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Swatishree Padhi
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Arka Saha
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Kumari Anuja
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Birendranath Banerjee
- Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Abstract
The MYC proto-oncogene is a gene product that coordinates the transcriptional regulation of a multitude of genes that are essential to cellular programs required for normal as well as neoplastic cellular growth and proliferation, including cell cycle, self-renewal, survival, cell growth, metabolism, protein and ribosomal biogenesis, and differentiation. Here, we propose that MYC regulates these programs in a manner that is coordinated with a global influence on the host immune response. MYC had been presumed to contribute to tumorigenesis through tumor cell-intrinsic influences. More recently, MYC expression in tumor cells has been shown to regulate the tumor microenvironment through effects on both innate and adaptive immune effector cells and immune regulatory cytokines. Then, MYC was shown to regulate the expression of the immune checkpoint gene products CD47 and programmed death-ligand 1. Similarly, other oncogenes, which are known to modulate MYC, have been shown to regulate immune checkpoints. Hence, MYC may generally prevent highly proliferative cells from eliciting an immune response. MYC-driven neoplastic cells have coopted this mechanism to bypass immune detection. Thus, MYC inactivation can restore the immune response against a tumor. MYC-induced tumors may be particularly sensitive to immuno-oncology therapeutic interventions.
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