1
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Kalaba P, Sanchez de la Rosa C, Möller A, Alewood PF, Muttenthaler M. Targeting the Oxytocin Receptor for Breast Cancer Management: A Niche for Peptide Tracers. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1625-1640. [PMID: 38235665 PMCID: PMC10859963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women, and its management highly depends on early disease diagnosis and monitoring. This remains challenging due to breast cancer's heterogeneity and a scarcity of specific biomarkers that could predict responses to therapy and enable personalized treatment. This Perspective describes the diagnostic landscape for breast cancer management, molecular strategies targeting receptors overexpressed in tumors, the theranostic potential of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) as an emerging breast cancer target, and the development of OTR-specific optical and nuclear tracers to study, visualize, and treat tumors. A special focus is on the chemistry and pharmacology underpinning OTR tracer development, preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, challenges, and future directions. The use of peptide-based tracers targeting upregulated receptors in cancer is a highly promising strategy complementing current diagnostics and therapies and providing new opportunities to improve cancer management and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Kalaba
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andreas Möller
- QIMR
Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- The
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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2
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Hongo H, Kosaka T, Takayama KI, Baba Y, Yasumizu Y, Ueda K, Suzuki Y, Inoue S, Beltran H, Oya M. G-protein signaling of oxytocin receptor as a potential target for cabazitaxel-resistant prostate cancer. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae002. [PMID: 38250514 PMCID: PMC10799637 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Although the treatment armamentarium for patients with metastatic prostate cancer has improved recently, treatment options after progression on cabazitaxel (CBZ) are limited. To identify the mechanisms underlying CBZ resistance and therapeutic targets, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients with CBZ-resistant prostate cancer. Cells were clustered based on gene expression profiles. In silico screening was used to nominate candidate drugs for overcoming CBZ resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer. CTCs were divided into three to four clusters, reflecting intrapatient tumor heterogeneity in refractory prostate cancer. Pathway analysis revealed that clusters in two cases showed up-regulation of the oxytocin (OXT) receptor-signaling pathway. Spatial gene expression analysis of CBZ-resistant prostate cancer tissues confirmed the heterogeneous expression of OXT-signaling molecules. Cloperastine (CLO) had significant antitumor activity against CBZ-resistant prostate cancer cells. Mass spectrometric phosphoproteome analysis revealed the suppression of OXT signaling specific to CBZ-resistant models. These results support the potential of CLO as a candidate drug for overcoming CBZ-resistant prostate cancer via the inhibition of OXT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Hongo
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Takayama
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-001, Japan
| | - Yuto Baba
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yota Yasumizu
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Koji Ueda
- Cancer Proteomics Group, Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-001, Japan
- Division of Systems Medicine and Gene Therapy, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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3
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Li L, Wu J, Lyon CJ, Jiang L, Hu TY. Clinical Peptidomics: Advances in Instrumentation, Analyses, and Applications. BME FRONTIERS 2023; 4:0019. [PMID: 37849662 PMCID: PMC10521655 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive effort has been devoted to the discovery, development, and validation of biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and prognosis as well as rapid evaluation of the response to therapeutic interventions. Genomic and transcriptomic profiling are well-established means to identify disease-associated biomarkers. However, analysis of disease-associated peptidomes can also identify novel peptide biomarkers or signatures that provide sensitive and specific diagnostic and prognostic information for specific malignant, chronic, and infectious diseases. Growing evidence also suggests that peptidomic changes in liquid biopsies may more effectively detect changes in disease pathophysiology than other molecular methods. Knowledge gained from peptide-based diagnostic, therapeutic, and imaging approaches has led to promising new theranostic applications that can increase their bioavailability in target tissues at reduced doses to decrease side effects and improve treatment responses. However, despite major advances, multiple factors can still affect the utility of peptidomic data. This review summarizes several remaining challenges that affect peptide biomarker discovery and their use as diagnostics, with a focus on technological advances that can improve the detection, identification, and monitoring of peptide biomarkers for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin, China
| | - Christopher J. Lyon
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Tony Y. Hu
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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4
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Wang M, Guo X, Yang M, Zhang Y, Meng F, Chen Y, Chen M, Qiu T, Li J, Li Z, Zhang Q, Xu F, Zhang H, Wang W. Synergistic antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil and atosiban against microsatellite stable colorectal cancer through restoring GATA3. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115025. [PMID: 35367196 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Clinically, 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) is a first-line drug for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, chemoresistance to 5-Fu-based chemotherapy is a leading obstacle in achieving effective treatment for CRC, especially microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. Since the cytotoxicity of 5-Fu is negatively correlated with oxytocin receptor (OXTR) expression in MSS CRC cell lines, our current study aimed to investigate the synergistic antitumor activity of 5-Fu combined with atosiban, an antagonist of OXTR. Our results suggested that atosiban remarkably potentiated the inhibitory effect of 5-Fu on the growth of MSS-type CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, 5-Fu induced GATA3 in MSS CRC cells and tumors, which were eradicated by atosiban. Further investigation showed that atosiban strengthened the antitumor activity of 5-Fu through eradiation of 5-Fu-induced GATA3 in MSS-type CRC cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that atosiban potentiates the antitumor effect of 5-Fu by abolishing 5-Fu-induced GATA3, which provides a novel therapeutic strategy for MSS-type CRC via the combination of atosiban and 5-Fu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Wang
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xuqin Guo
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Man Yang
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yawen Zhang
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fanyi Meng
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yinshuang Chen
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mengxi Chen
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Tian Qiu
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Haiyang Zhang
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Weipeng Wang
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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5
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Li M, Josephs RD, Daireaux A, Choteau T, Westwood S, Martos G, Wielgosz RI, Li H. Structurally related peptide impurity identification and accurate quantification for synthetic oxytocin by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:1861-1870. [PMID: 33479819 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03154-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is an important peptide that is mainly used as a therapeutic drug to induce labor or strengthen uterine contractions, or to control bleeding after childbirth. OXT has also been reported as a biomarker linked to emotion, and as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis. The accurate purity characterization of OXT calibrators is critical for quality control of pharmaceuticals and the development of reference measurement systems for this analyte in laboratory medicine. OXT possesses the particular analytical measurement challenge of a disulfide bond. Accurate value assignment of the purity of oxytocin calibrators can be carried out by applying the mass balance approach or alternative approaches such as amino acid analysis, quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and nitrogen determination. In order to avoid biases, all these approaches require a correction for structurally related peptide impurities. Structurally related peptide impurities present in a synthetic OXT material have been identified and quantified by a newly developed and in-house-validated liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-hrMS) method. This method was adopted for the measurement of the study material used for an international comparison evaluating the competencies of laboratories to perform peptide characterization. Eighteen structurally related impurities were identified, confirmed, and accurately quantified in the OXT study material by using LC-hrMS. The study material contained a total mass fraction of 31.1 mg/g structurally related OXT impurities with an associated expanded uncertainty of 1.7 mg/g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Département de la Chimie, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312, Sèvres Cedex, France
- Division of Chemical Metrology & Analytical Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Ralf D Josephs
- Département de la Chimie, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312, Sèvres Cedex, France.
| | - Adeline Daireaux
- Département de la Chimie, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312, Sèvres Cedex, France
| | - Tiphaine Choteau
- Département de la Chimie, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312, Sèvres Cedex, France
| | - Steven Westwood
- Département de la Chimie, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312, Sèvres Cedex, France
| | - Gustavo Martos
- Département de la Chimie, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312, Sèvres Cedex, France
| | - Robert I Wielgosz
- Département de la Chimie, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312, Sèvres Cedex, France
| | - Hongmei Li
- Division of Chemical Metrology & Analytical Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, 100029, China
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6
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Stadler B, Whittaker MR, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. Oxytocin in the Male Reproductive Tract; The Therapeutic Potential of Oxytocin-Agonists and-Antagonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:565731. [PMID: 33193084 PMCID: PMC7642622 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.565731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the role of oxytocin and oxytocin-like agents (acting via the oxytocin receptor and belonging to the oxytocin-family) in the male reproductive tract is considered. Previous research (dating back over 60 years) is revised and connected with recently found aspects of the role oxytocin plays in male reproductive health. The local expression of oxytocin and its receptor in the male reproductive tract of different species is summarized. Colocalization and possible crosstalk to other agents and receptors and their resulting effects are discussed. The role of the newly reported oxytocin focused signaling pathways in the male reproductive tract, other than mediating contractility, is critically examined. The structure and effect of the most promising oxytocin-agonists and -antagonists are reviewed for their potential in treating male disorders with origins in the male reproductive tract such as prostate diseases and ejaculatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Stadler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael R. Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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7
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Gould ML, Nicholson HD. Changes in receptor location affect the ability of oxytocin to stimulate proliferative growth in prostate epithelial cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1166-1179. [PMID: 31034785 DOI: 10.1071/rd18362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In normal prostate cells, cell membrane receptors are located within signalling microdomains called caveolae. During cancer progression, caveolae are lost and sequestered receptors move out onto lipid rafts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a change in the localisation of receptors out of caveolae and onto the cell membrane increased cell proliferation invitro, and to determine whether this is related to changes in the cell signalling pathways. Normal human prostate epithelial cells (PrEC) and androgen-independent (PC3) cancer cells were cultured with 10nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The effects of oxytocin (OT) and gonadal steroids on proliferation were assessed using the MTS assay. Androgen receptor (AR) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression was identified by immunofluorescence and quantified by western blot. OTR and lipid raft staining was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Protein-protein interactions were detected and the cell signalling pathways identified. Treatment with OT did not affect the proliferation of PrEC. In PC3 cells, OT or androgen alone increased cell proliferation, but together had no effect. In normal cells, OTR localised to the membrane and AR localised to the nucleus, whereas in malignant cells both OTR and AR were identified in the cell membrane. Colocalisation of OTR and AR increased following treatment with androgens. Significantly fewer OTR/AR protein-protein interactions were seen in PrEC. With OT treatment, several cell signalling pathways were activated. Movement of OTR out of caveolae onto lipid rafts is accompanied by activation of alternative signal transduction pathways involved in stimulating increased cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Gould
- Anatomy Department, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; and Corresponding author.
| | - H D Nicholson
- Anatomy Department, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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8
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Liu H, Gruber CW, Alewood PF, Möller A, Muttenthaler M. The oxytocin receptor signalling system and breast cancer: a critical review. Oncogene 2020; 39:5917-5932. [PMID: 32782397 PMCID: PMC7483001 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is making up one-quarter of all new female cancer cases diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer surgeries, radiation therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapies and targeted therapies have made significant progress and play a dominant role in breast cancer patient management. However, many challenges remain, including resistance to systemic therapies, tumour recurrence and metastasis. The cyclic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) elicits a plethora of biological responses via the oxytocin receptor (OTR) in both the central and peripheral nervous system, including social bonding, stress, maternal behaviour, sexual activity, uterus contraction, milk ejection and cancer. As a typical member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, OTR represents also an intriguing target for cancer therapy. There is emerging evidence that OTR plays a role in breast cancer development and progression, and several breast cancer cell lines express OTR. However, despite supporting evidence that OT lowers breast cancer risks, its mechanistic role in breast cancer development and the related signalling pathways are not fully understood. Here, we review the current knowledge of the OT/OTR signalling system in healthy breast tissue as well as in breast cancer, and discuss OTR as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Liu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Harricharran T, Ogunwobi OO. Oxytocin and oxytocin receptor alterations, decreased survival, and increased chemoresistance in patients with pancreatic cancer. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:175-180. [PMID: 31919036 PMCID: PMC7265130 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OXT) and its receptor (OXTR) is associated with cancer. The present study was to investigate the correlation between the genetic expression alterations of OXT and OXTR and the outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). METHODS Information regarding OXT and OXTR genetic alterations and changes in gene expression were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and analyzed using the cBioPortal online tool. We assessed the correlation of overall survival and disease/progression-free months to either OXT or OXTR genetic alterations and changes in gene expression using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was conducted to assess the mRNA expression levels of OXT and OXTR in human PC cell lines. RESULTS Five percent of PC cases showed mRNA upregulation in the OXT gene. These PC cases also showed genetic alterations and changes in gene expression of OXTR. The median months of survival and disease-free survival were lower for PC cases with genetic alterations and changes in gene expression in the OXT and OXTR genes as compared to those without such alterations. qPCR data showed that OXT and OXTR mRNA expression were 1-fold and 10-fold higher, respectively in PANC-1 cell lines as compared to L3.6pl cell lines in direct negative correlation with responsiveness to gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that OXT and OXTR may potentially be important in PC progression, chemoresistance, and patient survival, and potentially could have prognostic and therapeutic implications in a subset of PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisheena Harricharran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA; The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA; The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, USA; Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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10
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Harricharran T, Ogunwobi OO. Emergence of neural regulatory mechanisms in carcinogenesis. World J Clin Oncol 2019; 10:279-282. [PMID: 31528543 PMCID: PMC6717703 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v10.i8.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data indicate that the nervous system plays an important role in carcinogenesis. However, more studies are required to help further elucidate the mechanisms involved in the neural regulation of carcinogenesis. Some recent findings describing the neural regulatory mechanisms of action in prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma are discussed, with a focus on the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory neuronal elements of the nervous system. Norepinephrine, which is released by the sympathetic nervous system and binds to the beta-adrenergic receptor, regulates cellular responses in both normal and tumor cells. It has also been shown that the destruction of sensory neurons can prevent or at least slow pancreatic cancer. Cortisol, the main stress hormone, is also discussed and how it could potentially be involved in hepatocellular carcinoma development. The importance of studying other signaling molecules in the nervous system, such as oxytocin and its receptor, the oxytocin receptor, and how they might be involved in carcinogenesis when aberrantly expressed is highlighted. This is an area of study which clearly needs further investigation. A clearer understanding of the detailed mechanisms of how the nervous system is involved in carcinogenesis could potentially aid in the identification of novel biomarkers and development of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisheena Harricharran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, New York, NY 10065, United States
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11
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Ogunwobi OO, Harricharran T, Huaman J, Galuza A, Odumuwagun O, Tan Y, Ma GX, Nguyen MT. Mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma progression. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:2279-2293. [PMID: 31148900 PMCID: PMC6529884 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i19.2279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a very poor prognosis. In the United States, there has been only minimal improvement in the prognosis for HCC patients over the past 15 years. Details of the molecular mechanisms and other mechanisms of HCC progression remain unclear. Consequently, there is an urgent need for better understanding of these mechanisms. HCC is often diagnosed at advanced stages, and most patients will therefore need systemic therapy, with sorafenib being the most common at the present time. However, sorafenib therapy only minimally enhances patient survival. This review provides a summary of some of the known mechanisms that either cause HCC or contribute to its progression. Included in this review are the roles of viral hepatitis, non-viral hepatitis, chronic alcohol intake, genetic predisposition and congenital abnormalities, toxic exposures, and autoimmune diseases of the liver. Well-established molecular mechanisms of HCC progression such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stromal interactions and the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, and senescence bypass are also discussed. Additionally, we discuss the roles of circulating tumor cells, immunomodulation, and neural regulation as potential new mechanisms of HCC progression. A better understanding of these mechanisms could have implications for the development of novel and more effective therapeutic and prognostic strategies, which are critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Trisheena Harricharran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Jeannette Huaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Anna Galuza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Oluwatoyin Odumuwagun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Yin Tan
- Center for Asian Health, School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Grace X Ma
- Center for Asian Health, School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Minhhuyen T Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
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12
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Flanagan JC, Mitchell JM. Augmenting Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions with Oxytocin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 6:132-142. [PMID: 31763133 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-019-00171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review The goal of this manuscript is to review the extant literature examining the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying the potential utility of intranasal oxytocin as a novel pharmacologic intervention for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and for the treatment of co-morbid PTSD and alcohol and substance use disorders. Recent findings Research indicates that intranasal oxytocin is a low-cost and easily accessible medication with an excellent safety profile. Oxytocin holds promise for facilitating more effective PTSD treatment, particularly when used in combination with evidence-supported psychotherapy interventions. There is still a significant need to identify the mechanisms of action underlying oxytocin treatment of PTSD, and to maximize methods of nasal spray delivery, examine dose-response outcomes, and clarify the characteristics of individuals and populations that are most likely to benefit from adjunctive oxytocin treatment. Summary Collectively, preclinical and human laboratory research suggest that oxytocin may be an effective mechanism by which treatment outcomes for PTSD and common comorbidities can be enhanced. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to address efficacy, identify predictors of treatment outcome, and to assess the use of intranasal oxytocin within appropriate PTSD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne C Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jennifer M Mitchell
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Song C, Chen H, Song C. Research status and progress of the RNA or protein biomarkers for prostate cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:2123-2136. [PMID: 30962694 PMCID: PMC6434918 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s194138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a kind of male malignancy. Recently, a large number of studies have reported many potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. In this literature review, we have collected a number of potential biomarkers for prostate cancer reported in the last 5 years. Among them, some are undergoing Phase III clinical trials, and others have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, most are still in the period of basic research. The review will contribute to future research to find the biomarkers to guide clinicians to make personalized treatment decisions for each prostate cancer patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjiao Song
- Medical Research Center, Shaoxing People's Hospital/Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China,
| | - Huan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microorganism Technology and Bioinformatics Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Institute of Microbiology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunyu Song
- Department of Anesthesia, The Second Clinical Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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14
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Liu F, Shangli Z, Hu Z. CAV2 promotes the growth of renal cell carcinoma through the EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:6209-6216. [PMID: 30288056 PMCID: PMC6163017 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s172803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caveolin-2 (CAV2) is reported to have an important role in cancer. The following study investigated the expression and function of CAV2 in kidney cancer in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis were used to determine CAV2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) in kidney cancer cell line OS-RC-2 and clinical specimens. The role of CAV2 in maintaining kidney cancer malignant phenotype was examined by wound healing assay, Matrigel invasion assays and mouse orthotopic xenograft model. Results Higher expression of CAV2 was found in renal cell carcinoma tissue compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, increased expression of CAV2 was associated with cancer progression. Also, silencing of CAV2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as the expression of EGFR, PI3K and p-Akt in OS-RC-2 cells in vitro, and OS-RC-2 xenograft growth in vivo. Conclusion Our results revealed that CAV2 promotes the growth of renal cell carcinoma through EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Liu
- The First People's Hospital of Ziyang, Sichuan, People's Republic of China,
| | - Zhi Shangli
- The First People's Hospital of Ziyang, Sichuan, People's Republic of China,
| | - Zhili Hu
- The Second Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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15
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Lerman B, Harricharran T, Ogunwobi OO. Oxytocin and cancer: An emerging link. World J Clin Oncol 2018; 9:74-82. [PMID: 30254962 PMCID: PMC6153127 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v9.i5.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin, which is released from the posterior pituitary gland, is involved in a number of physiological processes. Understanding of its effects is gradually increasing due to new research in this area. While mostly recognized as a reproductive system hormone, oxytocin also regulates other organ systems such as the brain and cardiovascular system. Recently, research has focused on unraveling its involvement in cancer, and emerging evidence suggests a potential role for oxytocin as a cancer biomarker. This review summarizes observations linking oxytocin and cancer, with a special emphasis on prostate cancer, where it may promote cell proliferation. Research suggests that oxytocin effects may depend on cell type, concentration of the hormone, its interactions with other hormones in the microenvironment, and the precise localization of its receptor on the cell membrane. Future research is needed to further elucidate the involvement of oxytocin in cancer, and whether it could be a clinical cancer biomarker or therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Lerman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Trisheena Harricharran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- the Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- the Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
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16
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Zhu Y, Tang L, Zhao S, Sun B, Cheng L, Tang Y, Luo Z, Lin Z, Zhu J, Zhu W, Zhao R, Lu B, Long H. CXCR4-mediated osteosarcoma growth and pulmonary metastasis is suppressed by MicroRNA-613. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:2412-2422. [PMID: 29845707 PMCID: PMC6113448 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy. Recently, studies showed chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) played a critical role in osteosarcoma. However, the regulation of CXCR4 is not fully understood. microRNAs are short, non‐coding RNAs that play an important roles in post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression in a variety of diseases including osteosarcoma. miR‐613 is a newly discovered miRNA and has been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in many cancers. In this study, we confirmed that both Stromal Cell‐Derived Factor (SDF‐1) and CXCR4 could be prognostic markers for osteosarcoma. Meanwhile this study found that SDF‐1/CXCR4 pathway regulated osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration and reduced apoptosis. Besides, we demonstrated that miR‐613 was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma patients. Elevated expression of miR‐613 directly suppressed CXCR4 expression and then decreased the proliferation, migration and induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, our study found that CXCR4 promoted the development of lung metastases and inhibition of CXCR4 by miR‐613 reduced lung metastases. These data indicated that CXCR4 mediated osteosarcoma cell growth and lung metastases and this effect can be suppressed by miR‐613 through directly downregulating CXCR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanhua Tang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shushan Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Buhua Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yifu Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongwei Luo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangyuan Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianxi Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weihong Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First People's hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Ruibo Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bangbao Lu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haitao Long
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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17
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Qu X, Zhao B, Hu M, Ji Z, Xu J, Xia W, Qu Y. Downregulation of TBC1 Domain Family Member 24 (BC1D24) Inhibits Breast Carcinoma Growth via IGF1R/PI3K/AKT Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:3987-3996. [PMID: 29893377 PMCID: PMC6029514 DOI: 10.12659/msm.906736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TBC1 domain family member 24 (TBC1D24) pathogenic mutations affect its binding to ARF6 and then result in severe impairment of neuronal development. However, there are no reports about the expression and function of TBC1D24 in cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of proliferation, migration, and invasion after silencing TBC1D24 expression in breast cancer MCF-7 cells, and to elucidate the potential mechanism of TBC1D24 in breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression of TBC1D24 in breast cancer tissues and the adjacent non-tumor tissues was determined by S-P immunohistochemistry. The malignant behavior, including proliferation, migration, and invasion ability, was determined after silencing TBC1D24 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The expression of IGF1R was determined after silencing TBC1D24. The expression of TBC1D24 and IGF1R was detected after transfecting miR-30a mimics or inhibitors. The effect of TBC1D24 on MCF-7 cells growth in vivo was evaluated by a tumor xenograft study. RESULTS TBC1D24 expression was elevated and was associated with poor outcome in breast carcinoma. TBC1D24 high expression was significantly correlated with unfavorable OS and RFS for breast cancer patients (p<0.05). Silencing TBC1D24 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of MCF-7 cells. TBC1D24 and IGF1R expression were decreased when transfected with miR-30a mimics. However, TBC1D24 and IGF1R expression were increased when transfected with miR-30a inhibitors (p<0.05). Knockdown of TBC1D24 inhibited the expression of IGF1R, PI3K, and p-AKT (p<0.05). Knockdown of TBC1D24 abolished tumorigenicity of MCF-7 cells. The average volume and weight of tumors was lower after silencing TBC1D24 expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Silencing TBC1D24 inhibited MCF-7 cells growth in vitro and in vivo. TBC1D24 promoted breast carcinoma growth through the IGF1R/PI3K/AKT pathway. TBC1D24 is a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiusheng Qu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Min Hu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Zhiwu Ji
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Weibin Xia
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yikun Qu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
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18
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Hu J, Meng Y, Zeng J, Zeng B, Jiang X. Ubiquitin E3 Ligase MARCH7 promotes proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells through VAV2-RAC1-CDC42 pathway. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:2312-2318. [PMID: 30008934 PMCID: PMC6036418 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin E3 Ligase MARCH7 is involved in T cell proliferation and neuronal development. In our previous study, we demonstrated MARCH7 promoted malignant behavior of ovarian cancer via the nuclear factor (NF)-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, the expression and function of MARCH7 in cervical cancer remains unknown. The present study aimed to unravel the expression and function of MARCH7 in cervical cancer to elucidate its potential role in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Results indicated that the expression of MARCH7 was abnormally high in cervical cancer tissues than normal cervical tissues. However, silencing the expression of MARCH7 in HeLa cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and invasion. Mechanistic investigations revealed that MARCH7 interacted with VAV2. Silencing the expression of MARCH7 in HeLa cells inhibited the VAV2-RAC1-CDC42 signaling pathway. Overall, the results of the present study identified MARCH7 as a candidate oncogene in cervical cancer, and a potential target for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Biao Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Xingwei Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
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19
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Yang Y, Zhou Y, Xiong X, Huang M, Ying X, Wang M. ALG3 Is Activated by Heat Shock Factor 2 and Promotes Breast Cancer Growth. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:3479-3487. [PMID: 29799832 PMCID: PMC5996847 DOI: 10.12659/msm.907461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research found that ALG3 is associated with cervical cancer, but the role of ALG3 in breast cancer was still unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression of ALG3 in breast carcinoma tissues was determined by immunochemistry. The ability of cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion was determined by CCK-8 assay, wound healing migration assay, and cell invasion assays, respectively. The binding between HSF2 and promoter of ALG3 was determined by ChIP assay. RESULTS There was an increased expression of ALG3 in breast cancer tissues compared to normal breast tissues (p<0.05). High expression of ALG3 was significantly correlated with poor OS (p<0.05). ALG3 expression was significantly increased in cancer samples with advanced stages (stage III/IV) compared with those in the early stages of disease (stage I/II) (p<0.05). The staining intensity of ALG3 was significantly correlated to the tumor grade (grades 2-3 versus 1, p<0.05). Silencing ALG3 or HSF2 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of MCF-7 cells. Silencing ALG3 retarded the growth of MCF-7 cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Silencing ALG3 inhibited MCF-7 cells growth in vitro and in vivo. HSF2 activated ALG3 and promoted the growth of breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongde Yang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yanlin Zhou
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Xin Xiong
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Man Huang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Xueyan Ying
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
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Bendels MH, Costrut AM, Schöffel N, Brüggmann D, Groneberg DA. Gendermetrics of cancer research: results from a global analysis on prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:19640-19649. [PMID: 29731971 PMCID: PMC5929414 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aims to elucidate the success concerning gender equality in cancer research in the last decade (from 2008 to 2017) with prostate cancer as the target parameter. RESULTS 31.7% of all authorships and 36.3% of the first, 32.5% of the co- and 22.6% of the last authorships were held by women. The corresponding female-to-male odds ratio is 1.26 (CI: 1.22-1.30) for first, 1.15 (CI: 1.12-1.18) for co- and 0.59 (CI: 0.57-0.62) for last authorships. The annual growth rates are 0.6% overall and 0.9% for first, 0.2% for co-authorships, and 2.8% for last authorships. Women are slightly underrepresented at prestigious authorships compared to men. The female underrepresentation accentuates in articles with many authors that attract the highest citation rates. Multi-author articles with male key authors are more frequently cited. Men publish more articles compared to women (61.8% male authors are responsible for 68.3% of the authorships) and are overrepresented at productivity levels of more than 1 article per author. Major regional differences were found with best female odds in Sweden, Brazil, and Austria. The prognosis for the next decade forecasts a harmonization of authorship odds. CONCLUSION Prostate cancer research is characterized by a career dichotomy with few women in academic leadership positions and many female early career researchers. This career dichotomy has been narrowed in the last decade and will likely be further reduced in the future. METHODS On the basis of the Gendermetrics Platform, a total of 26,234 articles related to prostate cancer research were analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H.K. Bendels
- Division of Computational Medicine, The Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alecsandru M. Costrut
- Division of Computational Medicine, The Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Norman Schöffel
- Division of Computational Medicine, The Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dörthe Brüggmann
- Division of Computational Medicine, The Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A. Groneberg
- Division of Computational Medicine, The Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Zeng B, Zhou M, Wu H, Xiong Z. SPP1 promotes ovarian cancer progression via Integrin β1/FAK/AKT signaling pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:1333-1343. [PMID: 29559792 PMCID: PMC5856063 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s154215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors in women. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) plays an important role in some cancer types. Therefore, the role of SPP1 in ovarian cancer was determined and the potential mechanism was elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of SPP1 in ovarian cancer was determined by immunohistochemistry in ovarian cancer tissues and normal ovarian tissues. Cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by cell counting kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, and Matrigel invasion assay in SKOV3 and A2780 cells. The protein expression of SPP1, integrin subunit β1 (Integrin β1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and phosphorylation protein kinase B (p-AKT) was detected by Western blotting in SKOV3 cells after silencing SPP1. The expression of SPP1 was determined in SKOV3 cells after transfecting with miR-181a mimics or inhibitors. The growth of SKOV3 cells in vivo was determined in a nude mouse model of ovarian cancer after silencing SPP1. RESULTS The expression of SPP1 was higher in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues than in normal ovarian tissues. Silencing SPP1 decreased the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Ectopic expression of SPP1 increased the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing SPP1 prevented ovarian cancer growth in mice. Silencing SPP1 inhibited Integrin β1/FAK/AKT pathway. In agreement, ectopically expressed SPP1 activated Integrin β1/FAK/AKT pathway. Also, SPP1 was regulated by miR-181a. CONCLUSION SPP1 is a biomarker for the prognosis of ovarian cancer. It is also oncogenic and a potential target for ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengai Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Effect of oxytocin on the survival of random skin flaps. Oncotarget 2017; 8:92955-92965. [PMID: 29190969 PMCID: PMC5696235 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Random flap transplantation is widely used to repair and rebuild skin soft tissue. However, such flaps exhibit poor survival. Plastic surgeons seek to improve flap survival. We explored whether oxytocin improved skin flap survival. Overlength random skin flaps (9 × 3 cm) were established on backs of 80 healthy male SD rats randomly divided into two groups. One group was injected daily with oxytocin (1 mg/kg; test group) and the other with normal saline (control group). On postoperative day 2, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. On postoperative day 7, the flap survival area was measured using transparent graph paper. Microvessel numbers were evaluated histologically by hematoxylin and eosin staining. VEGF expression was assessed immunohistochemically. Angiogenesis was evaluated via lead oxide–gelatin angiography and blood flow via laser Doppler flowmetry. In the test group compared with the control group, the flap survival rate and SOD activity were increased markedly, the MDA level was decreased, and according to hematoxylin and eosin staining, inflammation was significantly attenuated. In addition, the test group exhibited higher levels of VEGF and skin flap angiogenesis. Oxytocin improved flap survival rate by increasing microcirculation and angiogenesis and attenuating ischemia–reperfusion injury.
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