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Yang Q, Liang Y, Shi Y, Shang J, Huang X. The ALKBH5/SOX4 axis promotes liver cancer stem cell properties via activating the SHH signaling pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15499-15510. [PMID: 37646828 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05309-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), featured with high prevalence and poor prognosis, is the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. As a subgroup of liver cancer cells capable of differentiation, tumorigenesis and self-renewal, liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) serve as one of the reasons leading to HCC progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, in-depth exploration of novel molecular biomarkers related to LSCSs is of great necessity. In our study, we found that human AlkB homolog H5 (ALKBH5) expression was enriched in LCSCs, which could foster proliferation, invasion and migration of the HCC cells. Mechanically, ALKBH5 positively mediated the expression of SOX4 via demethylation, and SOX4 promoted SHH expression at the transcriptional level to activate sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway. Furthermore, exosomes derived from CD133+ HCC cells could transmit ALKBH5 into THP-1 cells, which might be associated with M2 polarization of macrophages. In summary, the ALKBH5/SOX4 axis plays a significant role in exacerbating LCSC properties via activating SHH signaling pathway, and ALKBH5 could be a critical effector related to macrophage M2 polarization. These findings might provide a promising new biomarker for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyan Yang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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2
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Shi Y, Guo Q, Jing F, Shang X, Zhou C, Jing F. Ubenimex suppresses glycolysis mediated by CD13/Hedgehog signaling to enhance the effect of cisplatin in liver cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2823-2836. [PMID: 37969369 PMCID: PMC10643970 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver cancer ranks third in fatalities among all cancer-related deaths. As a traditional chemotherapy drug, the application of cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin, CDDP) for the treatment of liver cancer is greatly limited by its side effects and high drug resistance. Therefore, we are in urgent need of a more effective and less toxic CDDP therapeutic regimen. Our research aimed to clarify the possible mechanism of ubenimex in enhancing the effect of CDDP on liver cancer. Methods The underlying mechanism was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transwell assay, wound healing assay and western blot assay. Results The data indicated that ubenimex suppressed the expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins by decreasing the expression levels of cluster of differentiation 13 (CD13), while overexpression of CD13 could restore the activity of glycolysis. The glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose enhanced the antiproliferative effect of ubenimex and CDDP. In addition, the inhibition of the activity levels of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway members was accompanied by a decrease in CD13 expression, which was reversed following CD13 overexpression. Moreover, ubenimex inhibited the production of lactic acid and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as well as the expression of key proteins involved in glycolysis, which was similar to the effects caused by the Hh inhibitor cyclopamine. However, the effects of ubenimex were mediated by targeting CD13, while cyclopamine exhibited no effects on CD13, suggesting that Hh signaling occurred in the downstream of CD13. The inhibition of glycolysis by cyclopamine was reduced following CD13 overexpression, which further indicated that ubenimex targeted the CD13/Hh pathway to inhibit glycolysis. Finally, wound healing and transwell assays and cell proliferation and apoptosis analysis demonstrated that ubenimex inhibited glycolysis by alleviating the CD13/Hh pathway, which in turn enhanced the effects of CDDP on inhibiting the progression of liver cancer. Conclusions Ubenimex inhibits glycolysis by targeting the CD13/Hh pathway, thus playing an anti-tumor role together with CDDP. This study demonstrated the adjuvant effect of ubenimex from the perspective of Hh signal-dependent glycolysis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyan Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qie Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanjing Jing
- Department of Lymphoma, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiuling Shang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changkai Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanbo Jing
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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3
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Zhang J, Sun S, Liu J, Zhang L, Guo D, Zhang N, Zhao J, Kong D, Xu T, Wang X, Xu W, Li X, Jiang Y. Discovery of a Novel Ubenimex Derivative as a First-in-Class Dual CD13/Proteasome Inhibitor for the Treatment of Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:6343. [PMID: 37687169 PMCID: PMC10489073 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The CD13 inhibitor ubenimex is used as an adjuvant drug with chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer due to its function as an immunoenhancer, but it has limitations in its cytotoxic efficacy. The proteasome inhibitor ixazomib is a landmark drug in the treatment of multiple myeloma with a high anti-cancer activity. Herein, we conjugated the pharmacophore of ubenimex and the boric acid of ixazomib to obtain a dual CD13 and proteasome inhibitor 7 (BC-05). BC-05 exhibited potent inhibitory activity on both human CD13 (IC50 = 0.13 μM) and the 20S proteasome (IC50 = 1.39 μM). Although BC-05 displayed lower anti-proliferative activity than that of ixazomib in vitro, an advantage was established in the in vivo anti-cancer efficacy and prolongation of survival time, which may be due to its anti-metastatic and immune-stimulating activity. A pharmacokinetic study revealed that BC-05 is a potentially orally active agent with an F% value of 24.9%. Moreover, BC-05 showed more favorable safety profiles than those of ixazomib in preliminary toxicity studies. Overall, the results indicate that BC-05 is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.)
| | - Simin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China (X.L.)
| | - Jinyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China (X.L.)
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China (X.L.)
| | - Di Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.)
| | - Naixin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Tongqiang Xu
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xuejian Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.)
| | - Wenfang Xu
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China (X.L.)
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yuqi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China (X.L.)
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
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Julson JR, Quinn CH, Bownes LV, Hutchins SC, Stewart JE, Aye J, Yoon KJ, Beierle EA. Inhibition of PIM Kinases Promotes Neuroblastoma Cell Differentiation to a Neuronal Phenotype. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:1155-1163. [PMID: 36907773 PMCID: PMC10198809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma arises from aberrancies in neural stem cell differentiation. PIM kinases contribute to cancer formation, but their precise role in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis is poorly understood. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of PIM kinase inhibition on neuroblastoma differentiation. METHODS Versteeg database query assessed the correlation between PIM gene expression and the expression of neuronal stemness markers and relapse free survival. PIM kinases were inhibited with AZD1208. Viability, proliferation, motility were measured in established neuroblastoma cells lines and high-risk neuroblastoma patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). qPCR and flow cytometry detected changes in neuronal stemness marker expression after AZD1208 treatment. RESULTS Database query showed increased levels of PIM1, PIM2, or PIM3 gene expression were associated with higher risk of recurrent or progressive neuroblastoma. Increased levels of PIM1 were associated with lower relapse free survival rates. Higher levels of PIM1 correlated with lower levels of neuronal stemness markers OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. Treatment with AZD1208 resulted in increased expression of neuronal stemness markers. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of PIM kinases differentiated neuroblastoma cancer cells toward a neuronal phenotype. Differentiation is a key component of preventing neuroblastoma relapse or recurrence and PIM kinase inhibition provides a potential new therapeutic strategy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet R Julson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Colin H Quinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Laura V Bownes
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Sara C Hutchins
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Jerry E Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Jamie Aye
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Karina J Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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Gao X, Lu C, Liu Z, Lin Y, Huang J, Lu L, Li S, Huang X, Tang M, Huang S, He Z, She X, Liang R, Ye J. RBM38 Reverses Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Combining and Promoting lncRNA-GAS5. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112897. [PMID: 37296859 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-threatening human malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Patients with HCC are often diagnosed at an advanced stage with a poor prognosis. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor used as the first-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC. However, acquired resistance to sorafenib in HCC leads to tumor aggression and limits the drug's survival benefits; the underlying molecular mechanisms for this resistance remain unclear. METHODS This study aimed to examine the role of the tumor suppressor RBM38 in HCC, and its potential to reverse sorafenib resistance. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying the binding of RBM38 and the lncRNA GAS5 were examined. The potential involvement of RBM38 in sorafenib resistance was examined using both in vitro and in vivo models. Functional assays were performed to assess whether RBM38: binds to and promotes the stability of the lncRNA GAS5; reverses the resistance of HCC to sorafenib in vitro; and suppresses the tumorigenicity of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells in vivo. RESULTS RBM38 expression was lower in HCC cells. The IC50 value of sorafenib was significantly lower in cells with RBM38 overexpression than in control cells. RBM38 overexpression improved sorafenib sensitivity in ectopic transplanted tumors and suppressed the growth rate of tumor cells. RBM38 could bind to and stabilize GAS5 in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. In addition, functional assays revealed that RBM38 reversed sorafenib resistance both in vivo and in vitro in a GAS5-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS RBM38 is a novel therapeutic target that can reverse sorafenib resistance in HCC by combining and promoting the lncRNA GAS5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ziyu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Julu Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shuanghang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minchao Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shilin Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ziqin He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaomin She
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rong Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jiazhou Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China
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6
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Wang C, Chen Q, Luo H, Chen R. Role and mechanism of PIM family in the immune microenvironment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:76. [PMID: 36871027 PMCID: PMC9985240 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02947-5] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a more common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This study aims to explore the prognostic value of PIM kinase family in DLBCL and its relationship with the immune microenvironment, to provide a certain reference for the prognosis and treatment of DLBCL. METHODS The prognostic value of PIM kinase family in DLBCL from the data set GSE10846 was verified through survival analysis and cox regression analysis. Mutations in PIM kinase family and its relationship with immune cell infiltration were explored with online cBioPortal, TIMER database, and single-gene GSEA analysis. Finally, the expression of PIM kinase family in tissues from DLBCL clinical samples was validated through immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The proteins of PIM kinase family were highly expressed in DLBCL patients, which are good prognostic factors for DLBCL patients. Then, PIM1-3 proteins were positively correlated with the immune infiltration of B cells, whose types of mutations also showed different degrees of correlation with B cells. PIM kinase family proteins also showed a high correlation with PDL1. In addition, PIM kinase family was also associated with the commonly mutated genes in DLBCL, such as MYD88, MYC, and BTK. CONCLUSION PIM kinase family may be a potential therapeutic target for DLBCL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changying Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, China
| | - Qitian Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, China
| | - Haichao Luo
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, China.
| | - Ran Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, 441000, China.
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7
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Redox-Regulation in Cancer Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102413. [PMID: 36289675 PMCID: PMC9598867 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subset of slowly dividing cells with tumor-initiating ability. They can self-renew and differentiate into all the distinct cell populations within a tumor. CSCs are naturally resistant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. CSCs, thus, can repopulate a tumor after therapy and are responsible for recurrence of disease. Stemness manifests itself through, among other things, the expression of stem cell markers, the ability to induce sphere formation and tumor growth in vivo, and resistance to chemotherapeutics and irradiation. Stemness is maintained by keeping levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) low, which is achieved by enhanced activity of antioxidant pathways. Here, cellular sources of ROS, antioxidant pathways employed by CSCs, and underlying mechanisms to overcome resistance are discussed.
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de la Cruz-Ojeda P, Schmid T, Boix L, Moreno M, Sapena V, Praena-Fernández JM, Castell FJ, Falcón-Pérez JM, Reig M, Brüne B, Gómez-Bravo MA, Giráldez Á, Bruix J, Ferrer MT, Muntané J. miR-200c-3p, miR-222-5p, and miR-512-3p Constitute a Biomarker Signature of Sorafenib Effectiveness in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172673. [PMID: 36078082 PMCID: PMC9454520 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sorafenib constitutes a suitable treatment alternative for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in whom atezolizumab + bevacizumab therapy is contraindicated. The aim of the study was the identification of a miRNA signature in liquid biopsy related to sorafenib response. Methods: miRNAs were profiled in hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and tested in animal models, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and plasma from HCC patients. Results: Sorafenib altered the expression of 11 miRNAs in HepG2 cells. miR-200c-3p and miR-27a-3p exerted an anti-tumoral activity by decreasing cell migration and invasion, whereas miR-122-5p, miR-148b-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-222-5p, and miR-512-3p exerted pro-tumoral properties by increasing cell proliferation, migration, or invasion, or decreasing apoptosis. Sorafenib induced a change in EVs population with an increased number of larger EVs, and promoted an accumulation of miR-27a-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-148b-3p, miR-193b-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-375 into exosomes. In HCC patients, circulating miR-200c-3p baseline levels were associated with increased survival, whereas high levels of miR-222-5p and miR-512-3p after 1 month of sorafenib treatment were related to poor prognosis. The RNA sequencing revealed that miR-200c-3p was related to the regulation of cell growth and death, whereas miR-222-5p and miR-512-3p were related to metabolic control. Conclusions: The study showed that Sorafenib regulates a specific miRNA signature in which miR-200c-3p, miR-222-5p, and miR-512-3p bear prognostic value and contribute to treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia de la Cruz-Ojeda
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University “Virgen del Rocío”/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
| | - Tobias Schmid
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Loreto Boix
- Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuela Moreno
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University “Virgen del Rocío”/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Víctor Sapena
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco J. Castell
- Department of Radiology, Hospital University “Virgen del Rocío”/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Falcón-Pérez
- Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Exosomes Lab, CIC bioGUNE, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - María Reig
- Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Miguel A. Gómez-Bravo
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University “Virgen del Rocío”/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Álvaro Giráldez
- Unit for the Clinical Management of Digestive Diseases, Hospital University “Virgen del Rocío”/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María T. Ferrer
- Unit for the Clinical Management of Digestive Diseases, Hospital University “Virgen del Rocío”/CSIC/University of Seville/IBIS, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Muntané
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University “Virgen del Rocío”/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-955-923-122; Fax: +34-955-923-002
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Julson JR, Marayati R, Beierle EA, Stafman LL. The Role of PIM Kinases in Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3565. [PMID: 35892829 PMCID: PMC9332273 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PIM kinases have been identified as potential therapeutic targets in several malignancies. Here, we provide an in-depth review of PIM kinases, including their structure, expression, activity, regulation, and role in pediatric carcinogenesis. Also included is a brief summary of the currently available pharmaceutical agents targeting PIM kinases and existing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rae Julson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (J.R.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Raoud Marayati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (J.R.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Elizabeth Ann Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (J.R.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Laura Lee Stafman
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA;
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10
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PIM kinases mediate resistance to cisplatin chemotherapy in hepatoblastoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5984. [PMID: 33727604 PMCID: PMC7966748 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing incidence, treatment for hepatoblastoma has not changed significantly over the past 20 years. Chemotherapeutic strategies continue to rely on cisplatin, as it remains the most active single agent against hepatoblastoma. However, chemoresistance remains a significant challenge with 54–80% of patients developing resistance to chemotherapy after 4–5 cycles of treatment. Stem cell-like cancer cells (SCLCCs) are a subset of cells thought to play a role in chemoresistance and disease recurrence. We have previously demonstrated that Proviral Integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases, specifically PIM3, play a role in hepatoblastoma cell proliferation and tumor growth and maintain the SCLCC phenotype. Here, we describe the development of a cisplatin-resistant hepatoblastoma xenograft model of the human HuH6 cell line and a patient-derived xenograft, COA67. We provide evidence that these cisplatin-resistant cells are enriched for SCLCCs and express PIM3 at higher levels than cisplatin-naïve cells. We demonstrate that PIM inhibition with AZD1208 sensitizes cisplatin-resistant hepatoblastoma cells to cisplatin, enhances cisplatin-mediated apoptosis, and decreases the SCLCC phenotype seen with cisplatin resistance. Together, these findings indicate that PIM inhibition may be a promising adjunct in the treatment of hepatoblastoma to effectively target SCLCCs and potentially decrease chemoresistance and subsequent disease relapse.
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11
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Guo Q, Li X, Cui MN, Sun JL, Ji HY, Ni BB, Yan MX. CD13: A Key Player in Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Chemotherapy. Oncol Res 2020; 28:533-540. [PMID: 32532363 PMCID: PMC7751223 DOI: 10.3727/096504020x15919605976853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious diseases that are harmful to human health. Systemic chemotherapy is an optimal therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer, but great difficulty has been encountered in its administration in the form of multidrug resistance (MDR). As an enzyme on the outer cell surface, CD13 is documented to be involved in the MDR development of tumor cells. In this review, we will focus on the role of CD13 in MDR generation based on the current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qie Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, ShandongP.R. China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, ShandongP.R. China
| | - Meng-Na Cui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, ShandongP.R. China
| | - Jia-Lin Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, ShandongP.R. China
| | - Hong-Yan Ji
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, ShandongP.R. China
| | - Bei-Bei Ni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao, ShandongP.R. China
| | - Mei-Xing Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Women and Childrens HospitalQingdao, ShandongP.R. China
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12
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Zhao Y, Wu H, Xing X, Ma Y, Ji S, Xu X, Zhao X, Wang S, Jiang W, Fang C, Zhang L, Yan F, Wang X. CD13 Induces Autophagy to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Chemoresistance Through the P38/Hsp27/CREB/ATG7 Pathway. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:512-520. [PMID: 32571958 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.265637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious problem that directly hinders the effect of chemotherapeutic agents. We previously reported that Aminopeptidase N (CD13) inhibition can enhance the cytotoxic efficacy of chemotherapy agents. In the present study, we use liver cancer cells to explore the molecular mechanism accounting for the relationship between CD13 and chemoresistance. We demonstrate that CD13 overexpression activates the P38/heat shock protein 27/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway to limit the efficacy of cytotoxic agents. Moreover, blockade of P38 or CREB sensitizes HCC cells to 5-fluorouracil. Then we reveal that CREB binds to the autophagy related 7 (ATG7) promoter to induce autophagy and promote HCC cell chemoresistance. CD13 inhibition also downregulates the expression of ATG7, autophagy, and tumor cell growth in vivo. Overall, the combination a CD13 inhibitor and chemotherapeutic agents may be a potential strategy for overcoming drug resistance in HCC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Our study demonstrates that Aminopeptidase N (CD13) promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell chemoresistance via the P38/heat shock protein 27/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. CREB regulates autophagy related 7 transcription and expression to induce autophagy. Our results collectively suggest that CD13 may serve as a potential target for overcoming HCC resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Huina Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Xiaoyan Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Yuqian Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Shengping Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Xinyue Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Sensen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Wenyan Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Chunyan Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Fang Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
| | - Xuejian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (Y.Z., H.W., X.Xi., Y.M., S.J., X.Xu., X.Z., S.W., W.J., C.F., L.Z., F.Y., X.W.) and Department of pharmacy, Southwestern Lu Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China (H.W.)
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13
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Liu YC, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Cancer Stem Cell Functions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061331. [PMID: 32466488 PMCID: PMC7349579 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality owing to resistance to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after therapy, which leads to poor therapeutic outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a small subset of tumor cells with the capability to influence self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. A number of surface markers for liver cancer stem cell (LCSC) subpopulations (EpCAM, CD133, CD44, CD13, CD90, OV-6, CD47, and side populations) in HCC have been identified. LCSCs play critical roles in regulating HCC stemness, self-renewal, tumorigenicity, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance via genetic mutations, epigenetic disruption, signaling pathway dysregulation, or alterations microenvironment. Accumulating studies have shown that biomarkers for LCSCs contribute to diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HCC, supporting their utility in clinical management and development of therapeutic strategies. Preclinical and clinical analyses of therapeutic approaches for HCC using small molecule inhibitors, oncolytic measles viruses, and anti-surface marker antibodies have demonstrated selective, efficient, and safe targeting of LCSC populations. The current review focuses on recent reports on the influence of LCSCs on HCC stemness, tumorigenesis, and multiple drug resistance (MDR), along with LCSC-targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-211-8263
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14
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The Cancer Stem Cell in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030684. [PMID: 32183251 PMCID: PMC7140091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The recognition of intra-tumoral cellular heterogeneity has given way to the concept of the cancer stem cell (CSC). According to this concept, CSCs are able to self-renew and differentiate into all of the cancer cell lineages present within the tumor, placing the CSC at the top of a hierarchical tree. The observation that these cells—in contrast to bulk tumor cells—are able to exclusively initiate new tumors, initiate metastatic spread and resist chemotherapy implies that CSCs are solely responsible for tumor recurrence and should be therapeutically targeted. Toward this end, dissecting and understanding the biology of CSCs should translate into new clinical therapeutic approaches. In this article, we review the CSC concept in cancer, with a special focus on hepatocellular carcinoma.
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15
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Guo Q, Jing FJ, Xu W, Li X, Li X, Sun JL, Xing XM, Zhou CK, Jing FB. Ubenimex induces autophagy inhibition and EMT suppression to overcome cisplatin resistance in GC cells by perturbing the CD13/EMP3/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 12:80-105. [PMID: 31895687 PMCID: PMC6977684 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy is a standard treatment for gastric cancer (GC). However, chemoresistance is a major obstacle for CDDP application. Exploring underlying mechanisms of CDDP resistance development in GC and selecting an effective strategy to overcome CDDP resistance remain a challenge. Here, we demonstrate that a transmembrane ectoenzyme, CD13, endows GC patients with insensitivity to CDDP and predicts an undesirable prognosis in GC patients with CDDP treatment. Similarly, CD13 expression is positively related with CDDP resistance in GC cells. A CD13 inhibitor, Ubenimex, reverses CDDP resistance and renders GC cells sensitivity to CDDP, for which CD13 reduction is essential, and epithelial membrane protein 3 (EMP3) is a putative target downstream of CD13. Furthermore, Ubenimex decreases EMP3 expression by boosting its CpG island hypermethylation for which CD13 down-regulation is required. In addition, EMP3 is a presumptive modifier by which CD13 exerts functions in the phosphoinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Ubenimex inhibits the activation of the CD13/EMP3/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway to overcome CDDP resistance in GC cells by suppressing autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, CD13 is a potential indicator of CDDP resistance formation, and Ubenimex may serve as a potent candidate for reversing CDDP resistance in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qie Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Fan-Jing Jing
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Jia-Lin Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Xiao-Min Xing
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Chang-Kai Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
| | - Fan-Bo Jing
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, PR China
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16
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Guo Q, Jing FJ, Qu HJ, Xu W, Han B, Xing XM, Ji HY, Jing FB. Ubenimex Reverses MDR in Gastric Cancer Cells by Activating Caspase-3-Mediated Apoptosis and Suppressing the Expression of Membrane Transport Proteins. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4390839. [PMID: 30915355 PMCID: PMC6402206 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4390839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant tumors, accounting for 10% of deaths caused by all cancers. Chemotherapy is often necessary for treatment of GC; the FOLFOX regimen is extensively applied. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) of GC cells prevents wider application of this treatment. Ubenimex, an inhibitor of CD13, is used as an immune adjuvant to treat hematological malignancies. Here, we demonstrate that CD13 expression positively correlates with MDR development in GC cells. Moreover, Ubenimex reverses the MDR of SGC7901/X and MKN45/X cells and enhances their sensitivity to FOLFOX, in part by decreasing CD13 expression, which is accompanied by downregulation of Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, and survivin expression; increased expression of Bax; and activation of the caspase-3-mediated apoptotic cascade. In addition, Ubenimex downregulates expression of membrane transport proteins, such as P-gp and MRP1, by inhibiting phosphorylation in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to increase intracellular accumulations of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, a process for which downregulation of CD13 expression is essential. Therefore, the present results reveal a previously uncharacterized function of CD13 in promoting MDR development in GC cells and suggest that Ubenimex is a candidate for reversing the MDR of GC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qie Guo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Fan-jing Jing
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Hai-jun Qu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Xiao-min Xing
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Hong-yan Ji
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Fan-Bo Jing
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
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17
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Wang N, Wang S, Li MY, Hu BG, Liu LP, Yang SL, Yang S, Gong Z, Lai PBS, Chen GG. Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: an overview and promising therapeutic strategies. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2018; 10:1758835918816287. [PMID: 30622654 PMCID: PMC6304707 DOI: 10.1177/1758835918816287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is ascribed to the resistance of HCC cells to traditional treatments and tumor recurrence after curative therapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as a small subset of cancer cells which have high capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recent advances in the field of liver CSCs (LCSCs) have enabled the identification of CSC surface markers and the isolation of CSC subpopulations from HCC cells. Given their central role in cancer initiation, metastasis, recurrence and therapeutic resistance, LCSCs constitute a therapeutic opportunity to achieve cure and prevent relapse of HCC. Thus, it is necessary to develop therapeutic strategies to selectively and efficiently target LCSCs. Small molecular inhibitors targeting the core stemness signaling pathways have been actively pursued and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. Other alternative therapeutic strategies include targeting LCSC surface markers, interrupting the CSC microenvironment, and altering the epigenetic state. In this review, we summarize the properties of CSCs in HCC and discuss novel therapeutic strategies that can be used to target LCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuozhou Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of
Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR,
China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck
Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of
Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong,
China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bao-guang Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The
Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong,
China
| | - Li-ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas
Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen
People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng-li Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical
College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shucai Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingshan
District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province,
China
| | - Zhongqin Gong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of
Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR,
China
| | - Paul B. S. Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
SAR, China
| | - George G. Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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18
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Hispidulin induces ER stress-mediated apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo by activating AMPK signaling pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 40:666-676. [PMID: 30218072 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0159-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hispidulin (4',5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) is a phenolic flavonoid isolated from the medicinal plant S. involucrata, which exhibits anti-neoplastic activity against several types of cancer. However, the mechanism underlying its anti-cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether and how hispidulin-induced apoptosis of human HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. We showed that hispidulin (10, 20 μmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis through mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in human HCC SMMC7721 cells and Huh7 cells. More importantly, we revealed that its pro-apoptotic effects depended on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response (UPR), as pretreatment with salubrinal, a selective ERS inhibitor, or shRNA targeting a UPR protein CHOP effectively abrogated hispidulin-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that hispidulin-induced apoptosis was mediated by activation of AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway as pretreatment with Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, or AMPK-targeting siRNA reversed the pro-apoptotic effect of hispidulin. In HCC xenograft nude mice, administration of hispidulin (25, 50 mg/kg every day, ip, for 27 days) dose-dependently suppressed the tumor growth, accompanied by inducing ERS and apoptosis in tumor tissue. Taken together, our results demonstrate that hispidulin induces ERS-mediated apoptosis in HCC cells via activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway. This study provides new insights into the anti-tumor activity of hispidulin in HCC.
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Zhang J, Fang C, Qu M, Wu H, Wang X, Zhang H, Ma H, Zhang Z, Huang Y, Shi L, Liang S, Gao Z, Song W, Wang X. CD13 Inhibition Enhances Cytotoxic Effect of Chemotherapy Agents. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1042. [PMID: 30258365 PMCID: PMC6144529 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) of hepatocellular carcinoma is a serious problem. Although CD13 is a biomarker in human liver cancer stem cells, the relationship between CD13 and MDR remains uncertain. This study uses liver cancer cell model to understand the role of CD13 in enhancing the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy agents. Cytotoxic agents can induce CD13 expression. CD13 inhibitor, bestatin, enhances the antitumor effect of cytotoxic agents. Meanwhile, CD13-targeting siRNA and neutralizing antibody can enhance the cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil (5FU). CD13 overexpression increases cell survival upon cytotoxic agents treatment, while the knockdown of CD13 causes hypersensitivity of cells to cytotoxic agents treatment. Mechanistically, the inhibition of CD13 leads to the increase of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). BC-02 is a novel mutual prodrug (hybrid drug) of bestatin and 5FU. Notably, BC-02 can inhibit cellular activity in both parental and drug-resistant cells, accompanied with significantly increased ROS level. Moreover, the survival time of Kunming mice bearing H22 cells under BC-02 treatment is comparable to the capecitabine treatment at maximum dosage. These data implicate a therapeutic method to reverse MDR by targeting CD13, and indicate that BC-02 is a potent antitumor compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chunyan Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Meihua Qu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Huina Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xuejuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Hongan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Hui Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhaolin Zhang
- Weifang Bochuang International Biological Medicinal Institute, Weifang, China
| | - Yongxue Huang
- Weifang Bochuang International Biological Medicinal Institute, Weifang, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shujuan Liang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Weiguo Song
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xuejian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Shao Z, Li Y, Dai W, Jia H, Zhang Y, Jiang Q, Chai Y, Li X, Sun H, Yang R, Cao Y, Feng F, Guo Y. ETS-1 induces Sorafenib-resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating transcription factor activity of PXR. Pharmacol Res 2018; 135:188-200. [PMID: 30114438 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor E26 transformation specific sequence 1 (ETS-1) is a primary regulator in the metastasis of human cancer cells, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells; and it would affect the prognosis of HCC patients who received chemotherapies. However, the regulatory role of ETS-1 in the resistance of HCC cells to molecular-targeting agent remains poorly understood. In the present work, we demonstrate that high ETS-1 expression correlates with poor prognosis of advanced HCC patients received Sorafenib treatment. Mechanistically, ETS-1 binds to nuclear Pregnane X receptor (PXR) directly and enhances PXR's transcription factor activity, which further leads to the induction of the PXR's downstream multi-drug resistance related genes. Overexpression of ETS-1 accelerates the metabolic clearance of Sorafenib in HCC cells and leads to the better survival and faster migration of those cells. The therapeutic studies show that ETS-1 promotes the Sorafenib-resistance of HCC tumor models and ETS-1 blockade enhances the anti-tumor capacity of Sorafenib by decreasing PXR activation. Thus, our study suggests that ETS-1 could enhance the activation of PXR and be a potential therapeutic target for overcoming Sorafenib resistance in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Shao
- School of Mathematics and Information Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China; The Library, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China
| | - Yibo Li
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Wenjie Dai
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Hui Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Yingshi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Qiyu Jiang
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100039, PR China
| | - Yantao Chai
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100039, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100039, PR China
| | - Huiwei Sun
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100039, PR China
| | - Ruichuang Yang
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100039, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Fan Feng
- The Library, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China; Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The 302nd Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100039, PR China.
| | - Yingjie Guo
- School of Foreign Languages, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, PR China.
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Molecular Imaging of Aminopeptidase N in Cancer and Angiogenesis. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2018; 2018:5315172. [PMID: 30046296 PMCID: PMC6036854 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5315172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on recent advances in the molecular imaging of aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13), a zinc metalloenzyme that cleaves N-terminal neutral amino acids. It is overexpressed in multiple cancer types and also on the surface of vasculature undergoing angiogenesis, making it a promising target for molecular imaging and targeted therapy. Molecular imaging probes for APN are divided into two large subgroups: reactive and nonreactive. The structures of the reactive probes (substrates) contain a reporter group that is cleaved and released by the APN enzyme. The nonreactive probes are not cleaved by the enzyme and contain an antibody, peptide, or nonpeptide for targeting the enzyme exterior or active site. Multivalent homotopic probes utilize multiple copies of the same targeting unit, whereas multivalent heterotopic molecular probes are equipped with different targeting units for different receptors. Several recent preclinical cancer imaging studies have shown that multivalent APN probes exhibit enhanced tumor specificity and accumulation compared to monovalent analogues. The few studies that have evaluated APN-specific probes for imaging angiogenesis have focused on cardiac regeneration. These promising results suggest that APN imaging can be expanded to detect and monitor other diseases that are associated with angiogenesis.
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Pan XP, Wang C, Li Y, Huang LH. Physcion induces apoptosis through triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 99:894-903. [PMID: 29710489 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and aggressive malignancies. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of physcion, a major active ingredient in several traditional herbal medicinal plants, for the treatment of HCC. Our data showed that physcion markedly induced apoptosis in human HCC cell lines Huh7 and Bel7402. The pro-apoptotic role of physcion on HCC cells was mediated by mitochondria dysfunction, which was caused by activation of endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress. Moreover, our findings revealed that physcion stimulated ER stress by activating AMPK signaling. Besides in HCC cell lines, the anti-cancer activity of physcion was also examined in a xenograft mice model, which showed that physcion could significantly suppressed tumor growth. In conclusion, our results indicated that physcion can be considered as a potential chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Pan
- The People's Hospital of Wuhai, Wuhai, Inner Mongolia, China; Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China.
| | - Chen Wang
- The People's Hospital of Wuhai, Wuhai, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yan Li
- The People's Hospital of Wuhai, Wuhai, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Li-Hua Huang
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China.
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Liu J, Qu X, Shao L, Hu Y, Yu X, Lan P, Guo Q, Han Q, Zhang J, Zhang C. Pim-3 enhances melanoma cell migration and invasion by promoting STAT3 phosphorylation. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:160-168. [PMID: 29370558 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1414756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of commonly encountered skin cancer, and has fast propagating and highly invasive characteristics. Pim-3, a highly expressed oncogene in melanoma, is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase with various biological activities, such as proliferation-accelerating and anti-apoptosis effects on cancer progression. However, whether Pim-3 regulates melanoma metastasis has not been determined. Here, we constructed a Pim-3-silencing short hairpin RNA (sh-Pim-3), a TLR7-stimulating ssRNA and a dual-function vector containing a sh-Pim-3 and a ssRNA, and transfected them into the B16F10 melanoma cell line to investigate the effects of Pim-3 on migration and invasion in melanoma. We found that sh-Pim-3 inhibited B16F10 cell migration and invasion in vitro. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, sh-Pim-3 significantly downregulated pulmonary metastasis of B16F10 melanoma cell in vivo. Mechanistically, sh-Pim-3 inhibited metastasis by regulating the expression of genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further study revealed that by promoting the phosphorylation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), Pim-3 induced the expression of Slug, Snail, and ZEB1, which enhanced EMT-related changes and induced melanoma migration and invasion. Our study suggests that Pim-3 is a potential effective target for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Xinyu Qu
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Liwei Shao
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Yuan Hu
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Xin Yu
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Peixiang Lan
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Qie Guo
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Qiuju Han
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Jian Zhang
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
| | - Cai Zhang
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , China
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