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Zhang S, Yang R, Ouyang Y, Shen Y, Hu L, Xu C. Cancer stem cells: a target for overcoming therapeutic resistance and relapse. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333. [PMID: 38164743 PMCID: PMC10845928 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells in cancers that are thought to initiate tumorous transformation and promote metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Growing evidence has revealed the existence of CSCs in various types of cancers and suggested that CSCs differentiate into diverse lineage cells that contribute to tumor progression. We may be able to overcome the limitations of cancer treatment with a comprehensive understanding of the biological features and mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in CSCs. This review provides an overview of the properties, biomarkers, and mechanisms of resistance shown by CSCs. Recent findings on metabolic features, especially fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis in CSCs, are highlighted, along with promising targeting strategies. Targeting CSCs is a potential treatment plan to conquer cancer and prevent resistance and relapse in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610042, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Chengdu Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yujie Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Lanlin Hu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. "DEPHENCE" system-a novel regimen of therapy that is urgently needed in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer-a focus on anti-cancer stem cell and anti-tumor microenvironment targeted therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1201497. [PMID: 37448521 PMCID: PMC10338102 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous type, is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The lack of screening programs and the scarcity of symptomatology result in the late diagnosis in about 75% of affected women. Despite very demanding and aggressive surgical treatment, multiple-line chemotherapy regimens and both approved and clinically tested targeted therapies, the overall survival of patients is still unsatisfactory and disappointing. Research studies have recently brought some more understanding of the molecular diversity of the ovarian cancer, its unique intraperitoneal biology, the role of cancer stem cells, and the complexity of tumor microenvironment. There is a growing body of evidence that individualization of the treatment adjusted to the molecular and biochemical signature of the tumor as well as to the medical status of the patient should replace or supplement the foregoing therapy. In this review, we have proposed the principles of the novel regimen of the therapy that we called the "DEPHENCE" system, and we have extensively discussed the results of the studies focused on the ovarian cancer stem cells, other components of cancer metastatic niche, and, finally, clinical trials targeting these two environments. Through this, we have tried to present the evolving landscape of treatment options and put flesh on the experimental approach to attack the high-grade serous ovarian cancer multidirectionally, corresponding to the "DEPHENCE" system postulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother's Health Center-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
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3
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Wong C, Mulero MC, Barth EI, Wang K, Shang X, Tikle S, Rice C, Gately D, Howell SB. Exploiting the Receptor-Binding Domains of R-Spondin 1 to Target Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containin G-Coupled Protein Receptor 5-Expressing Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 385:95-105. [PMID: 36849411 PMCID: PMC10108443 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001495] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor (LGR5) and LGR6 mark epithelial stem cells in normal tissues and tumors. They are expressed by stem cells in the ovarian surface and fallopian tube epithelia from which ovarian cancer arises. High-grade serous ovarian cancer is unique in expressing unusually high levels of LGR5 and LGR6 mRNA. R-spondins are the natural ligands for LGR5 and LGR6 to which they bind with nanomolar affinity. To target stem cells in ovarian cancer, we used the sortase reaction to site-specifically conjugate the potent cytotoxin monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease sensitive linker to the two furin-like domains of RSPO1 (Fu1-Fu2) that mediate its binding to LGR5 and LGR6 and their co-receptors Zinc And Ring Finger 3 and Ring Finger Protein 43 via a protease-cleavable linker. An immunoglobulin Fc domain added to the N-terminal end served to dimerize the receptor-binding domains so that each molecule carries two MMAE. The resulting molecule, FcF2-MMAE, demonstrated: 1) selective LGR5-dependent low nanomolar cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells in vitro; 2) selectivity that was dependent on binding to both the LGR receptors and ubiquitin ligase co-receptors; 3) favorable stability and plasma pharmacokinetic properties when administered intravenously with an elimination half-life of 29.7 hours; 4) selective inhibition of LGR5-rich as opposed to isogenic LGR5-poor tumors in vivo; and, 5) therapeutic efficacy in three aggressive wild-type human ovarian cancer xenograft models. These results demonstrate the successful use of the Fu1-Fu2 domain of RSPO1 as a drug carrier and the ability of FcF2-MMAE to target cells in tumors that express stem cell markers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: FcF2-MMAE is a novel cancer therapeutic that exploits the high-affinity binding domains of RSPO1 to target monomethyl auristatin E to tumor stem cells that express LGR5. FcF2-MMAE has low nanomolar LGR5-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro, favorable pharmacokinetics, and differential efficacy in an isogenic LGR5-poor versus LGR5-rich ovarian cancer xenograft model when given on a weekly schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Wong
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Maria Carmen Mulero
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Erika I Barth
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Katherine Wang
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Xiying Shang
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Sanika Tikle
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Catherine Rice
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Dennis Gately
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen B Howell
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
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4
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Bubin R, Uljanovs R, Strumfa I. Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087030. [PMID: 37108193 PMCID: PMC10138709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in leukaemia triggered active research on stemness in neoplastic tissues. CSCs represent a subpopulation of malignant cells, defined by unique properties: a dedifferentiated state, self-renewal, pluripotency, an inherent resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, the presence of certain epigenetic alterations, as well as a higher tumorigenicity in comparison with the general population of cancer cells. A combination of these features highlights CSCs as a high-priority target during cancer treatment. The presence of CSCs has been confirmed in multiple malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an entity that is well known for its dismal prognosis. As the aggressive course of pancreatic carcinoma is partly attributable to treatment resistance, CSCs could contribute to adverse outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current information regarding the markers and molecular features of CSCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the therapeutic options to remove them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Bubin
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Romans Uljanovs
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilze Strumfa
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. Cancer Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer-A Source of Tumor Success and a Challenging Target for Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052496. [PMID: 35269636 PMCID: PMC8910575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal neoplasm of the female genital organs. Despite indisputable progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the problems of chemo-resistance and recurrent disease are the main obstacles for successful therapy. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of a specific cell population of cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to show the most contemporary knowledge concerning the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and their impact on chemo-resistance and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, as well as to present the treatment options targeted exclusively on the OCSCs. The review presents data concerning the role of cancer stem cells in general and then concentrates on OCSCs. The surface and intracellular OCSCs markers and their meaning both for cancer biology and clinical prognosis, signaling pathways specifically activated in OCSCs, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of OCSCs function including the recent studies on the non-coding RNA regulation, cooperation between OCSCs and the tumor microenvironment (ovarian cancer niche) including very specific environment such as ascites fluid, the role of shear stress, autophagy and metabolic changes for the function of OCSCs, and finally mechanisms of OCSCs escape from immune surveillance, are described and discussed extensively. The possibilities of anti-OCSCs therapy both in experimental settings and in clinical trials are presented, including the recent II phase clinical trials and immunotherapy. OCSCs are a unique population of cancer cells showing a great plasticity, self-renewal potential and resistance against anti-cancer treatment. They are responsible for the progression and recurrence of the tumor. Several completed and ongoing clinical trials have tested different anti-OCSCs drugs which, however, have shown unsatisfactory efficacy in most cases. We propose a novel approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother’s Health Center—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska Str., 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland;
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Koushyar S, Meniel VS, Phesse TJ, Pearson HB. Exploring the Wnt Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:309. [PMID: 35204808 PMCID: PMC8869457 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway is emerging as a frequent event during prostate cancer that can facilitate tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that targeting the Wnt pathway to treat prostate cancer may be efficacious. However, the functional consequence of activating the Wnt pathway during the different stages of prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Preclinical work investigating the efficacy of targeting Wnt signaling for the treatment of prostate cancer, both in primary and metastatic lesions, and improving our molecular understanding of treatment responses is crucial to identifying effective treatment strategies and biomarkers that help guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. In this review, we outline the type of genetic alterations that lead to activated Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, highlight the range of laboratory models used to study the role of Wnt genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into how the Wnt cascade facilitates prostate cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koushyar
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Valerie S. Meniel
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Toby J. Phesse
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
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7
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Cheng YY, Yang X, Gao X, Song SX, Yang MF, Xie FM. LGR6 promotes glioblastoma malignancy and chemoresistance by activating the Akt signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1364. [PMID: 34659510 PMCID: PMC8515564 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance is the primary cause of the poor outcome of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapy. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 6 (LGR6) is involved in the growth and proliferation of several types of cancer, including gastric cancer and ovarian cancer. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of LGR6 in GBM malignancy and chemoresistance. Cell counting kit-8 and Matrigel®-Transwell assays were conducted to assess GBM cell viability and invasion. The effect of LGR6 on cell cycle progression and activation of Akt signaling was analyzed by performing propidium iodide staining and western blotting, respectively. The results demonstrated that LGR6, a microRNA-1236-3p target candidate, promoted GBM cell viability and invasion, and mediated temozolomide sensitivity in SHG-44 and U251 GBM cells. In addition, LGR6 triggered the activation of the Akt signaling pathway during GBM progression. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that LGR6 promoted GBM malignancy and chemoresistance, at least in part, by activating the Akt signaling pathway. The results may aid with the identification of a novel therapeutic target and strategy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Tai'an Central Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tai'an Central Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, P.R. China
| | - Si Xin Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 270000, P.R. China
| | - Ming Feng Yang
- Institute of Basic Medicine of Shangdong, First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 270000, P.R. China
| | - Fang Min Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 270000, P.R. China
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Ter Steege EJ, Bakker ERM. The role of R-spondin proteins in cancer biology. Oncogene 2021; 40:6469-6478. [PMID: 34663878 PMCID: PMC8616751 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
R-spondin (RSPO) proteins constitute a family of four secreted glycoproteins (RSPO1-4) that have appeared as multipotent signaling ligands. The best-known molecular function of RSPOs lie within their capacity to agonize the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As RSPOs act upon cognate receptors LGR4/5/6 that are typically expressed by stem cells and progenitor cells, RSPO proteins importantly potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling especially within these proliferative stem cell compartments. Since multiple organs express LGR4/5/6 receptors and RSPO ligands within their stem cell niches, RSPOs can exert an influential role in stem cell regulation throughout the body. Inherently, over the last decade a multitude of reports implicated the deregulation of RSPOs in cancer development. First, RSPO2 and RSPO3 gene fusions with concomitant enhanced expression have been identified in colon cancer patients, and proposed as an alternative driver of Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivation that earmarks cancer in the colorectal tract. Moreover, the causal oncogenic capacity of RSPO3 overactivation has been demonstrated in the mouse intestine. As a paradigm organ in this field, most of current knowledge about RSPOs in cancer is derived from studies in the intestinal tract. However, RSPO gene fusions as well as enhanced RSPO expression have been reported in multiple additional cancer types, affecting different organs that involve divergent stem cell hierarchies. Importantly, the emerging oncogenic role of RSPO and its potential clinical utility as a therapeutic target have been recognized and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings. This review provides a survey of current knowledge on the role of RSPOs in cancer biology, addressing the different organs implicated, and of efforts made to explore intervention opportunities in cancer cases with RSPO overrepresentation, including the potential utilization of RSPO as novel therapeutic target itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline J Ter Steege
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elvira R M Bakker
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Nowicki A, Kulus M, Wieczorkiewicz M, Pieńkowski W, Stefańska K, Skupin-Mrugalska P, Bryl R, Mozdziak P, Kempisty B, Piotrowska-Kempisty H. Ovarian Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells-Cellular and Molecular Characteristics, Signaling Pathways, and Usefulness as a Diagnostic Tool in Medicine and Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164178. [PMID: 34439332 PMCID: PMC8394875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ovarian cancer is still a high-risk, metastatic disease, often diagnosed at a late stage. Difficulties in its treatment are associated with high resistance to chemotherapy and recurrence. Responsible for the malignant features of cancer are considered to be cancer stem cells (CSCs), which generate new cells by modifying various signaling pathways. Signaling pathways are crucial for the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and self-renewal of CSCs. New therapies based on the use of inhibitors that block CSC growth and proliferation signals are being investigated. The current histological classification of ovarian tumors, their epidemiology, and the recent knowledge of ovarian CSCs, with particular emphasis on their molecular basis, are important considerations. Abstract Despite the increasing development of medicine, ovarian cancer is still a high-risk, metastatic disease that is often diagnosed at a late stage. In addition, difficulties in its treatment are associated with high resistance to chemotherapy and frequent relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), recently attracting significant scientific interest, are considered to be responsible for the malignant features of tumors. CSCs, as the driving force behind tumor development, generate new cells by modifying different signaling pathways. Moreover, investigations on different types of tumors have shown that signaling pathways are key to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation, metastasis, and self-renewal of CSCs. Based on these established issues, new therapies are being investigated based on the use of inhibitors to block CSC growth and proliferation signals. Many reports indicate that CSC markers play a key role in cancer metastasis, with hopes placed in their targeting to block this process and eliminate relapses. Current histological classification of ovarian tumors, their epidemiology, and the most recent knowledge of ovarian CSCs, with particular emphasis on their molecular background, are important aspects for consideration. Furthermore, the importance of signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, development, and metastasis, is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Nowicki
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-631 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Kulus
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (M.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Maria Wieczorkiewicz
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Pieńkowski
- Division of Perinatology and Women’s Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Stefańska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Paulina Skupin-Mrugalska
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-780 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Rut Bryl
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (M.K.); (B.K.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-631 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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10
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Yu S, Mulero MC, Chen W, Shang X, Tian S, Watanabe J, Watanabe A, Vorberg T, Wong C, Gately D, Howell SB. Therapeutic Targeting of Tumor Cells Rich in LGR Stem Cell Receptors. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:376-384. [PMID: 33492953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
LGR5 and LGR6 mark epithelial stem cells in many niches including the ovarian surface and fallopian tube epithelia from which ovarian cancer arises. Human ovarian cancers express these receptors at high levels and express one of their ligands, RSPO1, at levels uniquely higher than all other tumor types except mesothelioma. Reasoning that these receptors are also important to tumor stem cells, arming the LGR binding domain of RSPO1 with a cytotoxin may permit depletion of the tumor stem cells. The Fu1-Fu2 receptor binding domain of RSPO1 (R1FF), containing a sortase recognition sequence at the C-terminal end, was produced in bacteria and a single molecule of MMAE was attached to each R1FF through a val-cit-PAB linker using the sortase reaction, thus producing a homogeneous population of armed molecules. R1FF-MMAE demonstrated (1) selective LGR-dependent binding, uptake, and cytotoxicity; (2) low nM cytotoxicity to multiple types of human tumor cell lines in vitro; (3) favorable plasma pharmacokinetic properties when administered iv with an elimination half-life of 27.8 h; (4) favorable absorption from the peritoneal cavity; and (5) therapeutic activity in aggressive xenograft models of ovarian cancer in the absence of any weight loss or other adverse events. These results demonstrate that the Fu1-Fu2 domain of RSPO1 can be exploited to deliver a potent cytotoxin to tumor cells that express the LGR4-6 family of stem cell receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songman Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Maria Carmen Mulero
- UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California 92093-0819, United States
| | - Wannan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Fu North Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Xiying Shang
- UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California 92093-0819, United States
| | - Songyu Tian
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Joji Watanabe
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Tottori University Hospital, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8504, Japan
| | - Arisa Watanabe
- Akasaki Medical Office, 1920-74 Akasaki, Kotoura, Tohaku, Tottori 689-2501, Japan
| | - Tim Vorberg
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Metastases, Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clara Wong
- UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California 92093-0819, United States
| | - Dennis Gately
- UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California 92093-0819, United States
| | - Stephen B Howell
- UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California 92093-0819, United States
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11
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Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Characterization and Role in Tumorigenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1330:151-169. [PMID: 34339036 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73359-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a heterogenous disease with variable clinicopathological and molecular mechanisms being responsible for tumorigenesis. Despite substantial technological improvement, lack of early diagnosis contributes to its highest mortality. Ovarian cancer is considered to be the most lethal female gynaecological cancer across the world. Conventional treatment modules with platinum- and Taxane-based chemotherapy can cause an initial satisfactory improvement in ovarian cancer patients. However, approximately 75-80% patients of advanced stage ovarian cancer, experience relapse and nearly 40% have overall poor survival rate. It has been observed that a subpopulation of cells referred as cancer stem cells (CSCs), having self renewal property, escape the conventional chemotherapy because of their quiescent nature. Later, these CSCs following its interaction with microenvironment and release of various inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases, induce invasion and propagation to distant organs of the body mainly peritoneal cavity. These CSCs can be enriched by their specific surface markers such as CD44, CD117, CD133 and intracellular enzyme such as aldehyde dehydrogenase. This tumorigenicity is further aggravated by the epithelial to mesenchymal transition of CSCs and neovascularisation via epigenetic reprogramming and over-expression of various signalling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, Hedgehog, etc. to name a few. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of various cellular events involving interaction between cancer cells and cancer stem cells as well as its surrounding micro environmental components would be of unmet need to achieve the ultimate goal of better management of ovarian cancer patients. This chapter deals with the impact of ovarian cancer stem cells in tumorigenesis which would help in the implementation of basic research into the clinical field in the form of translational research in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer patients through amelioration of diagnosis and impoverishment of therapeutic resistance.
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12
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Raslan AA, Yoon JK. WNT Signaling in Lung Repair and Regeneration. Mol Cells 2020; 43:774-783. [PMID: 32807748 PMCID: PMC7528681 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lung has a vital function in gas exchange between the blood and the external atmosphere. It also has a critical role in the immune defense against external pathogens and environmental factors. While the lung is classified as a relatively quiescent organ with little homeostatic turnover, it shows robust regenerative capacity in response to injury, mediated by the resident stem/progenitor cells. During regeneration, regionally distinct epithelial cell populations with specific functions are generated from several different types of stem/progenitor cells localized within four histologically distinguished regions: trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. WNT signaling is one of the key signaling pathways involved in regulating many types of stem/progenitor cells in various organs. In addition to its developmental role in the embryonic and fetal lung, WNT signaling is critical for lung homeostasis and regeneration. In this minireview, we summarize and discuss recent advances in the understanding of the role of WNT signaling in lung regeneration with an emphasis on stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A. Raslan
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 35, Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Jeong Kyo Yoon
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 35, Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
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13
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Kong Y, Ou X, Li X, Zeng Y, Gao G, Lyu N, Liu P. LGR6 Promotes Tumor Proliferation and Metastasis through Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 18:351-359. [PMID: 32775619 PMCID: PMC7403884 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Leucine-rich-repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 6 (LGR6) has been identified as the stem cell marker in multiple normal tissues and malignancies. Previous studies implicated paradoxical functions of LGR6 as a tumor-suppressor gene or oncogene given to the specific context. To explore the exact role of LGR6 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that never has been studied before, in this study, we assessed LGR6 expression levels by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. LGR6 stable expressing/silenced cells were established, and functional assays on tumor proliferation, as well as metastasis, were conducted both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we found that LGR6 was overexpressed in TNBC, which correlated with poor disease-free and overall survivals. Functional assays both in vitro and in vivo showed that LGR6 promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis. LGR6 also increased the ability of tumor spheroid formation. Underlying mechanism exploration further revealed that the oncogenic role of LGR6 might be associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, our findings first proved that LGR6 acts as an oncogene in (TNBC), indicating that LGR6 might be a potential therapeutic target for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Kong
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xueqi Ou
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Guanfeng Gao
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ning Lyu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 East Dongfeng Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
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14
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Characteristics of CD133-Sustained Chemoresistant Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Human Ovarian Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186467. [PMID: 32899775 PMCID: PMC7554888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be the origin of ovarian cancer (OC) development, recurrence, and chemoresistance. We investigated changes in expression levels of the CSC biomarker, cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133), from primary OC cell lines to induction of CSC-spheres in an attempt to explore the mechanisms related to modulation of stemness, drug resistance, and tumorigenesis in CSCs, thus facilitating the search for new therapeutics for OC. The effect of CD133 overexpression on the induction of CSC properties was evaluated by sphere-forming assays, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, cell viability assays, and in vivo xenograft experiments. Moreover, the potential signaling molecules that participate in CD133 maintenance of stemness were screened by RNA-sequencing. CD133 expression was upregulated during OCSC induction and chemotherapeutic drug treatment over time, which increased the expressions of stemness-related markers (SOX2, OCT4, and Nanog). CD133 overexpression also promoted tumorigenesis in NOD/SCID mice. Several signalings were controlled by CD133 spheres, including extracellular matrix receptor interactions, chemokine signaling, and Wnt signaling, all of which promote cell survival and cell cycle progression. Our findings suggest that CD133 possesses the ability to maintain functional stemness and tumorigenesis of OCSCs by promoting cell survival signaling and may serve as a potential target for stem cell-targeted therapy of OC.
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15
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Böckers M, Paul NW, Efferth T. Bisphenolic compounds alter gene expression in MCF-7 cells through interaction with estrogen receptor α. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 399:115030. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Zuber E, Schweitzer D, Allen D, Parte S, Kakar SS. Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer and Potential Therapies. PROCEEDINGS OF STEM CELL RESEARCH AND ONCOGENESIS 2020; 8:e1001. [PMID: 32776013 PMCID: PMC7413600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zuber
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY40202
| | - Diana Schweitzer
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY40202
| | - Dominick Allen
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY40202
| | - Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE-68198-5870
| | - Sham S. Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY40202
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202
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17
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Chai T, Shen Z, Zhang Z, Chen S, Gao L, Zhang P, Lin W, Kang M, Lin J. LGR6 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23121. [PMID: 31917882 PMCID: PMC7171331 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine-rich repeat-coupled receptor 6 (LGR6) is a marker of the skin, nails, and other types of adult tissue stem cells and has been widely found to be related to the development and progression of a variety of cancer types. The clinical significance and biological function of LGR6 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been determined. METHODS The expression of LGR6 at the transcriptional level was analyzed by searching the TCGA and UCSC data sets. Immunohistochemistry, WB, and q-PCR were used to detect the expression of LGR6 in ESCC and adjacent normal tissues. LGR6 PPI networks and KEGG pathways were used to analyze the potential biological functions of LGR6. RESULTS The expression of LGR6 in ESCC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues and was negatively correlated with the differentiation degree of ESCC and the prognosis of the patients but not closely correlated with the TNM stage of ESCC. PPI networks showed that LGR6 had a close interaction with RSPO1, RSPO2, RSPO3, and RSPO4. KEGG pathway analysis showed that LGR6 activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by binding with RSPO ligands to promote the progression of ESCC. CONCLUSION LGR6 can serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Chai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Department of anesthesiology, Xinyi People's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenyang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Sui Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingqiang Kang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiangbo Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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18
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Nguyen VHL, Hough R, Bernaudo S, Peng C. Wnt/β-catenin signalling in ovarian cancer: Insights into its hyperactivation and function in tumorigenesis. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:122. [PMID: 31829231 PMCID: PMC6905042 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0596-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest female malignancy. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays critical roles in regulating embryonic development and physiological processes. This pathway is tightly regulated to ensure its proper activity. In the absence of Wnt ligands, β-catenin is degraded by a destruction complex. When the pathway is stimulated by a Wnt ligand, β-catenin dissociates from the destruction complex and translocates into the nucleus where it interacts with TCF/LEF transcription factors to regulate target gene expression. Aberrant activation of this pathway, which leads to the hyperactivity of β-catenin, has been reported in ovarian cancer. Specifically, mutations of CTNNB1, AXIN, or APC, have been observed in the endometrioid and mucinous subtypes of EOC. In addition, upregulation of the ligands, abnormal activation of the receptors or intracellular mediators, disruption of the β-catenin destruction complex, inhibition of the association of β-catenin/E-cadherin on the cell membrane, and aberrant promotion of the β-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity, have all been reported in EOC, especially in the high grade serous subtype. Furthermore, several non-coding RNAs have been shown to regulate EOC development, in part, through the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to promote cancer stem cell self-renewal, metastasis, and chemoresistance in all subtypes of EOC. Emerging evidence also suggests that the pathway induces ovarian tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays critical roles in EOC development and is a strong candidate for the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Hough
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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19
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Keyvani V, Farshchian M, Esmaeili SA, Yari H, Moghbeli M, Nezhad SRK, Abbaszadegan MR. Ovarian cancer stem cells and targeted therapy. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:120. [PMID: 31810474 PMCID: PMC6896744 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0588-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer has the highest ratio of mortality among gynecologic malignancies. Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatment options for ovarian cancer. However, tumor relapse in patients with advanced tumor stage is still a therapeutic challenge for its clinical management. Main body Therefore, it is required to clarify the molecular biology and mechanisms which are involved in chemo resistance to improve the survival rate of ovarian cancer patients. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a sub population of tumor cells which are related to drug resistance and tumor relapse. Conclusion In the present review, we summarized the recent findings about the role of CSCs in tumor relapse and drug resistance among ovarian cancer patients. Moreover, we focused on the targeted and combinational therapeutic methods against the ovarian CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahideh Keyvani
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hadi Yari
- Human Genetics Division, Medical Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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20
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Ruan X, Liu A, Zhong M, Wei J, Zhang W, Rong Y, Liu W, Li M, Qing X, Chen G, Li R, Liao Y, Liu Q, Zhang X, Ren D, Wang Y. Silencing LGR6 Attenuates Stemness and Chemoresistance via Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2019; 14:94-106. [PMID: 31193124 PMCID: PMC6517611 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich-repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors (LGRs) have been widely found to be implicated with development and progression in multiple cancer types. However, the clinical significance and biological functions of LGR6 in ovarian cancer remains unclear. In this study, LGR6 expression was mainly examined by immunohistochemistry. Functional assays in vitro and animal experiments in vivo were carried out to explore the effect of LGR6 on cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics and chemotherapeutic responses in ovarian cancer cells. Luciferase assays and GSEA were used to discern the underlying mechanisms contributing to the roles of LGR6 in ovarian cancer. Here, we reported that LGR6 was upregulated in ovarian cancer, which positively correlated with poor chemotherapeutic response and progression survival in ovarian cancer patients. Loss-of-function assays showed that downregulating LGR6 abrogated the CSC-like phenotype and chemoresistance in vitro. More importantly, silencing LGR6 improved the chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin in vivo. Mechanistic investigation further revealed that silencing LGR6 inhibited stemness and chemoresistance by repressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Collectively, our results uncover a novel mechanism contributing to LGR6-induced chemotherapeutic resistance in ovarian cancer, providing the evidence for LGR6 as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aibin Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People’s Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meigong Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangmen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangmen 529030, China
| | - Jihong Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weijian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingrou Rong
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanmin Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Li
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingrong Qing
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaowen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ronggang Li
- Department of Pathology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuehua Liao
- Department of Pathology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiongru Liu
- Department of Pathology, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Clinical Experimental Center, Jiangmen Key Laboratory of Clinical Biobanks and Translational Research, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Antitumor Active Substance Research and Development, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, China
| | - Dong Ren
- Clinical Experimental Center, Jiangmen Key Laboratory of Clinical Biobanks and Translational Research, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen 529030, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, People’s Republic of China
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21
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Lgr5 Does Not Vary Throughout the Menstrual Cycle in Endometriotic Human Eutopic Endometrium. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010022. [PMID: 30577586 PMCID: PMC6337520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010022] [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: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is characterized by the abnormal presence of endometrium outside of the uterus, resulting in pelvic pain and infertility. The leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) has been postulated to be a marker of stem cells in the endometrium. However, LGR5+ cells have a macrophage-like phenotype in this tissue, so it is unclear what role LGR5+ cells actually play in the endometrium. Macrophages serve an important function in the endometrium to maintain fertility, while LGR5+ cells generally have a role in tumor progression and are involved in invasion in some cancers. We sought to determine whether LGR5+ cells vary across the menstrual cycle in women with endometriosis and whether there are implications for LGR5 in the aggressiveness of endometriosis and reproductive outcomes. We performed immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and primary culture in vitro experiments on eutopic and ectopic endometrium from healthy and endometriosis patients and observed that neither LGR5+ cells nor LGR5 expression varied throughout the cycle. Interestingly, we observed that LGR5+ cell percentage overexpressing CD163 (anti-inflammatory marker) was higher in healthy endometrium, suggesting that in endometriosis, endometrium presents a more pro-inflammatory phenotype that likely leads to poor obstetric outcomes. We also observed higher levels of LGR5+ cells in ectopic lesions compared to eutopic endometrium and specifically in deep infiltrating endometriosis, indicating that LGR5 could be involved in progression and aggressiveness of the disease.
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22
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Liu Q, Zhao Y, Xing H, Li L, Li R, Dai J, Li Q, Fang S. The role of R-spondin 1 through activating Wnt/β-catenin in the growth, survival and migration of ovarian cancer cells. Gene 2018; 689:124-130. [PMID: 30572097 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.11.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin has been shown to promote progression in various cancers, including ovarian cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in Wnt/β-catenin activation are not well elucidated. In the work, we identify that R-spondin 1 is an upstream regulator in Wnt/β-catenin pathway to promote growth, survival and migration in ovarian cancer cells. We observe the upregulation of transcript and protein levels of R-spondin 1 in ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues compared to normal counterparts. R-spondin 1 upregulation via genetic (overexpression) and pharmacological (recombinant protein) approaches facilitates growth and migration of normal ovarian cells. R-spondin 1 downregulation via siRNA knockdown decreases proliferation and migration, and induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. In addition, recombinant R-spondin 1 protects ovarian cancer cell against chemotherapy whereas R-spondin 1 knockdown sensitizes ovarian cancer cell response to chemotherapy. Importantly, increased β-catenin activities and mRNA expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin-targeted genes are detected in normal ovarian cells overexpressing R-spondin 1. In contrast, R-spondin 1 inhibition suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ovarian cancer cells. We further identify that R-spondin 1 regulates ovarian cancer biological activities via activating Wnt/β-catenin. Our work is the first to highlight the critical roles of R-spondin 1 in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance. Our work also provides a proper understanding on the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Hui Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Rongxia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jie Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China.
| | - Shanshan Fang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China.
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Can Stemness and Chemoresistance Be Therapeutically Targeted via Signaling Pathways in Ovarian Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10080241. [PMID: 30042330 PMCID: PMC6116003 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10080241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Poor overall survival, particularly for patients with high grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer, is often attributed to late stage at diagnosis and relapse following chemotherapy. HGS ovarian cancer is a heterogenous disease in that few genes are consistently mutated between patients. Additionally, HGS ovarian cancer is characterized by high genomic instability. For these reasons, personalized approaches may be necessary for effective treatment and cure. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tumor metastasis and chemoresistance are essential to improve survival rates. One favored model for tumor metastasis and chemoresistance is the cancer stem cell (CSC) model. CSCs are cells with enhanced self-renewal properties that are enriched following chemotherapy. Elimination of this cell population is thought to be a mechanism to increase therapeutic response. Therefore, accurate identification of stem cell populations that are most clinically relevant is necessary. While many CSC identifiers (ALDH, OCT4, CD133, and side population) have been established, it is still not clear which population(s) will be most beneficial to target in patients. Therefore, there is a critical need to characterize CSCs with reliable markers and find their weaknesses that will make the CSCs amenable to therapy. Many signaling pathways are implicated for their roles in CSC initiation and maintenance. Therapeutically targeting pathways needed for CSC initiation or maintenance may be an effective way of treating HGS ovarian cancer patients. In conclusion, the prognosis for HGS ovarian cancer may be improved by combining CSC phenotyping with targeted therapies for pathways involved in CSC maintenance.
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