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Chamandi G, El-Hajjar L, El Kurdi A, Le Bras M, Nasr R, Lehmann-Che J. ER Negative Breast Cancer and miRNA: There Is More to Decipher Than What the Pathologist Can See! Biomedicines 2023; 11:2300. [PMID: 37626796 PMCID: PMC10452617 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082300] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), the most prevalent cancer in women, is a heterogenous disease. Despite advancements in BC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics, survival rates have drastically decreased in the metastatic setting. Therefore, BC still remains a medical challenge. The evolution of high-throughput technology has highlighted gaps in the classification system of BCs. Of particular interest is the notorious triple negative BC, which was recounted as being heterogenous itself and it overlaps with distinct subtypes, namely molecular apocrine (MA) and luminal androgen (LAR) BCs. These subtypes are, even today, still misdiagnosed and poorly treated. As such, researchers and clinicians have been looking for ways through which to refine BC classification in order to properly understand the initiation, development, progression, and the responses to the treatment of BCs. One tool is biomarkers and, specifically, microRNA (miRNA), which are highly reported as associated with BC carcinogenesis. In this review, the diverse roles of miRNA in estrogen receptor negative (ER-) and androgen receptor positive (AR+) BC are depicted. While highlighting their oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions in tumor progression, we will discuss their diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker potentials, as well as their drug sensitivity/resistance activity. The association of several miRNAs in the KEGG-reported pathways that are related to ER-BC carcinogenesis is presented. The identification and verification of accurate miRNA panels is a cornerstone for tackling BC classification setbacks, as is also the deciphering of the carcinogenesis regulators of ER - AR + BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Chamandi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (G.C.); (L.E.-H.)
- Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Team, INSERM U976, Immunologie Humaine, Pathophysiologie, Immunothérapie (HIPI), Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France;
| | - Layal El-Hajjar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (G.C.); (L.E.-H.)
- Office of Basic/Translational Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdallah El Kurdi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Morgane Le Bras
- Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Team, INSERM U976, Immunologie Humaine, Pathophysiologie, Immunothérapie (HIPI), Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France;
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (G.C.); (L.E.-H.)
| | - Jacqueline Lehmann-Che
- Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Team, INSERM U976, Immunologie Humaine, Pathophysiologie, Immunothérapie (HIPI), Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France;
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2
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Stella S, Martorana F, Massimino M, Vitale SR, Manzella L, Vigneri P. Potential Therapeutic Targets for Luminal Androgen Receptor Breast Cancer: What We Know so Far. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:235-247. [PMID: 37056632 PMCID: PMC10089148 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s379867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Luminal Androgen Receptor Breast Cancers (LAR BCs) are characterized by a triple negative phenotype and by the expression of Androgen Receptor (AR), coupled with luminal-like genomic features. This unique BC subtype, accounting for about 10% of all triple negative BC, has raised considerable interest given its ill-defined clinical behavior and the chance to exploit AR as a therapeutic target. The complexity of AR activity in BC cells, as revealed by decades of mechanistic studies, holds promise to offer additional therapeutic options beyond mere AR inhibition. Indeed, preclinical and translational evidence showed that several pathways and mediators, including PI3K/mToR, HER2, BRCA1, cell cycle and immune modulation, can be tackled in LAR BCs. Moving from bench to bedside, several clinical trials tested anti-androgen therapies in LAR BCs, but their results are inconsistent and often disappointing. More recently, studies exploring combinations of anti-androgen agents with other targeted therapies have been designed and are currently ongoing. While the results from these trials are awaited, a concerted effort will be needed to find the biological vulnerabilities of LAR BCs which may disclose new and effective therapeutic targets, eventually improving patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: Stefania Stella, University of Catania, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Via S. Sofia, 78, Edificio 8D/2, Catania, Italy, Tel +39 95 378 1946, Email ;
| | - Federica Martorana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rita Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
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3
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Ravaioli S, Maltoni R, Pasculli B, Parrella P, Giudetti AM, Vergara D, Tumedei MM, Pirini F, Bravaccini S. Androgen receptor in breast cancer: The "5W" questions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:977331. [PMID: 36111296 PMCID: PMC9468319 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.977331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in 60-70% of breast cancers (BCs) and the availability of anti-AR compounds, currently used for treating prostate cancer, paves the way to tackle specifically AR-positive BC patients. The prognostic and predictive role of AR in BC is a matter of debate, since the results from clinical trials are not striking, probably due to both technical and biological reasons. In this review, we aimed to highlight WHAT is AR, describing its structure and functions, WHAT to test and HOW to detect AR, WHERE AR should be tested (on primary tumor or metastasis) and WHY studying this fascinating hormone receptor, exploring and debating on its prognostic and predictive role. We considered AR and its ratio with other hormone receptors, analyzing also studies including patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and with early and advanced BC, as well. We also emphasized the effects that both other hormone receptors and the newly emerging androgen-inducible non coding RNAs may have on AR function in BC pathology and the putative implementation in the clinical setting. Moreover, we pointed out the latest results by clinical trials and we speculated about the use of anti-AR therapies in BC clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ravaioli
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sara Ravaioli,
| | - Roberta Maltoni
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Barbara Pasculli
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Parrella
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giudetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Pirini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
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4
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Lee HS, Lee IH, Kang K, Park SI, Jung M, Yang SG, Kwon TW, Lee DY. Network Pharmacology-Based Dissection of the Comprehensive Molecular Mechanisms of the Herbal Prescription FDY003 Against Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Nat Prod Commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x211044377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (ERPBC) is the commonest subtype of breast cancer, with a high prevalence, incidence, and mortality. Herbal drugs are increasingly being used to treat ERPBC, although their mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the therapeutic properties of FDY003, a herbal anti-ERPBC prescription, using a network pharmacology approach. FDY003 decreased the viability of human ERPBC cells and sensitized them to tamoxifen, an endocrine drug that is widely used in the treatment of ERPBC. The network pharmacology analysis revealed 18 pharmacologically active components in FDY003 that may interact with and regulate 66 therapeutic targets. The enriched gene ontology terms for the FDY003 targets were associated with the modulation of cell survival and death, cell proliferation and growth arrest, and estrogen-associated cellular processes. Analysis of the pathway enrichment of the targets showed that FDY003 may target a variety of ERPBC-associated pathways, including the PIK3-Akt, focal adhesion, MAPK, and estrogen pathways. Overall, these data provide a comprehensive mechanistic insight into the anti-ERPBC activity of FDY003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Sung Lee
- The Fore, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Forest Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | - Minho Jung
- Forest Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Dae-Yeon Lee
- The Fore, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Forest Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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5
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Zheng Y, Karnoub AE. Endocrine regulation of cancer stem cell compartments in breast tumors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 535:111374. [PMID: 34242715 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells within breast tumors exist within a hierarchy in which only a small and rare subset of cells is able to regenerate growths with the heterogeneity of the original tumor. These highly malignant cancer cells, which behave like stem cells for new cancers and are called "cancer stem cells" or CSCs, have also been shown to possess increased resistance to therapeutics, and represent the root cause underlying therapy failures, persistence of residual disease, and relapse. As >90% of cancer deaths are due to refractory tumors, identification of critical molecular drivers of the CSC-state would reveal vulnerabilities that can be leveraged in designing therapeutics that eradicate advanced disease and improve patient survival outcomes. An expanding and complex body of work has now described the exquisite susceptibility of CSC pools to the regulatory influences of local and systemic hormones. Indeed, breast CSCs express a plethora of hormonal receptors, which funnel hormonal influences over every aspect of breast neoplasia - be it tumor onset, growth, survival, invasion, metastasis, or therapy resistance - via directly impacting CSC behavior. This article is intended to shed light on this active area of investigation by attempting to provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of the available evidence directly linking hormones to breast CSC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Antoine E Karnoub
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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6
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De Santis C, Götte M. The Role of microRNA Let-7d in Female Malignancies and Diseases of the Female Reproductive Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147359. [PMID: 34298978 PMCID: PMC8305730 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Let-7d is a microRNA of the conserved let-7 family that is dysregulated in female malignancies including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer. Moreover, a dysregulation is observed in endometriosis and pregnancy-associated diseases such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Let-7d expression is regulated by cytokines and steroids, involving transcriptional regulation by OCT4, MYC and p53, as well as posttranscriptional regulation via LIN28 and ADAR. By downregulating a wide range of relevant mRNA targets, let-7d affects cellular processes that drive disease progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis (resistance), angiogenesis and immune cell function. In an oncological context, let-7d has a tumor-suppressive function, although some of its functions are context-dependent. Notably, its expression is associated with improved therapeutic responses to chemotherapy in breast and ovarian cancer. Studies in mouse models have furthermore revealed important roles in uterine development and function, with implications for obstetric diseases. Apart from a possible utility as a diagnostic blood-based biomarker, pharmacological modulation of let-7d emerges as a promising therapeutic concept in a variety of female disease conditions.
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MESH Headings
- Aging
- Animals
- Biomarkers
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Fertility/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Genital Diseases, Female/drug therapy
- Genital Diseases, Female/genetics
- Genital Neoplasms, Female/drug therapy
- Genital Neoplasms, Female/genetics
- Humans
- Mice
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/physiology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/physiology
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7
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Al-Othman N, Ahram M, Alqaraleh M. Role of androgen and microRNA in triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Dis 2020; 39:15-27. [PMID: 31839601 DOI: 10.3233/bd-190416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent type of malignancy affecting females worldwide. Molecular-based studies resulted in an identification of at least four subtypes of breast carcinoma, including luminal A and luminal B, Human growth factor receptor (HER-2)-enriched and triple-negative tumors (basal-like and normal breast-like). A proportion of BC cases are of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) type. TNBC lacks the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2, and is known to express androgen receptor (AR) at considerable levels. AR has been shown to promote the progression of TNBC. However, the exact mechanisms have yet to be unraveled. One of these mechanisms could be through regulating the expression of microRNA (miRNA) molecules, which play an important regulatory role in BC through post-transcriptional gene silencing. Activation of AR controls the expression of miRNA molecules, which target selective mRNAs, consequently, affecting protein expression. In this review we attempt to elucidate the relations between AR and miRNA in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihad Al-Othman
- Division of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Genetic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mamoun Ahram
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Moath Alqaraleh
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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8
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Riaz N, Idress R, Habib S, Lalani EN. Lack of Androgen Receptor Expression Selects for Basal-Like Phenotype and Is a Predictor of Poor Clinical Outcome in Non-Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1083. [PMID: 32850312 PMCID: PMC7399239 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Androgen receptor (AR) has emerged as a significant favorable prognostic indicator in estrogen receptor expressing (ER+) breast cancer (BCa); however, its clinical and biological relevance in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and association with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers remain ambiguous. Methods: We examined the immunohistochemical expression of AR in a cohort of stage I-III TNBC cases (n = 197) with a long-term clinical follow-up data (mean follow-up = 53.6 months). Significance of AR expression was correlated with prognostic biomarkers including cancer stem cell markers (CD44, CD24, and ALDH1), basal markers (CK5, CK14, and nestin), proliferation marker (ki-67), apoptotic marker (Bcl-2), and COX-2. Expression of CK5 and nestin was used for the categorization of TNBC into basal (TN, CK5+, and/or nestin+) and non-basal (TN, CK5-, and/or nestin-) phenotypes, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for estimation of overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). Results: AR expression was observed in 18.8% of non-metastatic TNBC tumors. Expression of AR correlated with lower grade (P < 0.001) and conferred a favorable prognostic significance in patients with axillary lymph node metastasis (P = 0.005). Lack of AR expression correlated with expression of CSC phenotype (CD44+/CD24-) (P < 0.001), COX-2 (P = 0.02), basal markers (CK5: P = 0.03), and nestin (P = 0.01). Basal-like phenotype (TN, CK5+, and/or nestin+) correlated with quadruple-negative breast cancer (QNBC) and showed a significant association with adverse prognostic markers including high proliferation index (P < 0.001), expression of COX-2 (P = 0.009), and CSC phenotype (CD44+/CD24-: P = 0.01). Expression of AR remained an independent prognostic indicator for improved overall survival (P = 0.003), whereas basal-like phenotype was associated with an adverse BCSS (P = 0.013). Conclusions: Assessment of AR and basal markers identified biologically and clinically distinct subgroups of TNBC. Expression of AR defined a low-risk TNBC subgroup associated with improved overall survival, whereas expression of basal markers (CK5 and nestin) identified a high-risk subgroup associated with adverse BCSS. Integration of immunohistochemical analysis of AR and basal biomarkers to the assessment of TNBC tumors is expected to improve the prognostication of an otherwise heterogeneous disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Riaz
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.,Section of Breast Diseases, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Romana Idress
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Habib
- Section of Breast Diseases, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - El-Nasir Lalani
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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9
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Chirshev E, Oberg KC, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Let-7 as biomarker, prognostic indicator, and therapy for precision medicine in cancer. Clin Transl Med 2019; 8:24. [PMID: 31468250 PMCID: PMC6715759 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-019-0240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal regulation and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been documented in various diseases including cancer. The miRNA let-7 (MIRLET7) family controls developmental timing and differentiation. Let-7 loss contributes to carcinogenesis via an increase in its target oncogenes and stemness factors. Let-7 targets include genes regulating the cell cycle, cell signaling, and maintenance of differentiation. It is categorized as a tumor suppressor because it reduces cancer aggressiveness, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. However, in rare situations let-7 acts as an oncogene, increasing cancer migration, invasion, chemoresistance, and expression of genes associated with progression and metastasis. Here, we review let-7 function as tumor suppressor and oncogene, considering let-7 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker, and a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. We explain the complex regulation and function of different let-7 family members, pointing to abnormal processes involved in carcinogenesis. Let-7 is a promising option to complement conventional cancer therapy, but requires a tumor specific delivery method to avoid toxicity. While let-7 therapy is not yet established, we make the case that assessing its tumor presence is crucial when choosing therapy. Clinical data demonstrate that let-7 can be used as a biomarker for rational precision medicine decisions, resulting in improved patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Chirshev
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Kerby C Oberg
- Division of Anatomy and Pediatric Pathology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Yevgeniya J Ioffe
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, 11085 Campus Street, Mortensen Hall 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
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10
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Shin JH, Shin DH, Kim JS. Let-7 miRNA and CDK4 siRNA co-encapsulated in Herceptin-conjugated liposome for breast cancer stem cells. Asian J Pharm Sci 2019; 15:472-481. [PMID: 32952670 PMCID: PMC7486552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have rapidly emerged as a novel target for the therapy of breast cancer as they play critical roles in tumor growth, maintenance, metastasis, and recurrence. Let-7 miRNA is known to be downregulated in a variety of cancers, especially BCSCs, whereas CDK4 being overexpressed in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) overexpressing tumor cells. In this study, let-7 miRNA and CDK4-specific siRNA were chosen as therapeutic agents and co-encapsulated in Herceptin-conjugated cationic liposomes for breast cancer therapy. Particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficacy of mi/siRNA-loaded PEGylated liposome conjugated with Herceptin (Her-PEG-Lipo-mi/siRNA) were 176 nm, 28.1 mV, and 99.7% ± 0.1%, respectively. Enhanced cellular uptake (86%) was observed by fluorescence microscopy when SK-BR-3 cells were treated with Her-PEG-Lipo-mi/siRNA. Also, the increased amount of let-7a mRNA and decreased amount of cellular CDK4 mRNA were observed by qRT-PCR when SK-BR-3 cells were treated with Her-PEG-Lipo-mi/siRNA, which was even more so when SK-BR-3 stem cells were used (197 vs 768 times increase for let-7a, 62% vs 68% decrease for CDK4). Growth inhibition (65%) and migration arrest (0.5%) of the cells were achieved by the treatment of the cells with Her-PEG-Lipo-mi/siRNA, but not with mi/siRNA complex or other formulations. In conclusion, an efficient liposomal delivery system for the combination of miRNA and siRNA to target the BCSCs was developed and could be used as an efficacious therapeutic modality for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hyun Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hwan Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
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11
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Bandini E, Fanini F. MicroRNAs and Androgen Receptor: Emerging Players in Breast Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:203. [PMID: 30941159 PMCID: PMC6433747 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer among women, with a high incidence rate occurrence every year worldwide despite advances in its management. BC is characterized by a spectrum of subtypes which respond differently to treatments due to their biological features, representing the main issue in the control of this type of malignancy. Androgen receptor (AR) is emerging as a target to investigate among hormone receptors, since it seems to play a role at various stages of development of specific BC subsets. For this reason, in recent years AR has become very important in the clinical practice, although its role remains controversial. A number of studies have proposed a correlation between microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of gene expression modulators, and AR in prostate cancer (PC), but there are still few evidences about the relationship between miRNAs and AR in BC. The purpose of this review is to present a state of the art scenario with consideration to the most recent discoveries about miRNAs involved in the AR associated pathogenesis of BC, in order to provide new insights into the role of miRNAs as key drivers in the modulation of AR, and possible actors in the development and progression of BC. Moreover, we consider findings about involvement of AR signaling in all stages of BC, highlighting its association with different subsets of breast carcinomas and with pre- and postmenopausal state of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Fanini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (I.R.S.T.) S.r.l. IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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12
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Riaz N, Idress R, Habib S, Azam I, Lalani ENM. Expression of Androgen Receptor and Cancer Stem Cell Markers (CD44 +/CD24 - and ALDH1 +): Prognostic Implications in Invasive Breast Cancer. Transl Oncol 2018; 11:920-929. [PMID: 29843115 PMCID: PMC6041567 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen receptor (AR) has emerged as a significant prognostic marker in early breast cancer (BCa). Association of AR with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in BCa is unknown. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of AR, CD44, CD24 and ALDH1 in a cohort of Pakistani patients diagnosed with invasive BCa and to correlate the expression with 5- year disease free survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated immunohistochemical expression AR, CD44, CD24 and ALDH1 in formalin fixed paraffin embedded archival blocks of 166 cases of primary invasive BCa (stage I-III) and correlated the expression with clinicopathological variables and outcome using univariable and multivariable analysis. Survival data was computed by Kaplan Meier curves. RESULTS Expression of AR was observed in 62.7% tumors whereas CD44, CD24 and ALDH1 were expressed in 61.4%, 44% and 30.1% tumors, respectively. AR expression was significantly associated with T1-T2 tumors, lower grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor expression (P < .05) and remained an independent prognostic indicator in multivariable analysis (adjusted HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.81; P = .016). Significant association was observed between concordant expression of AR and CD24 (P = .001) with a favorable impact on survival (P = .007) whereas expression of CSC phenotypes (CD44+, CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1+) did not correlate with adverse outcome (P > .05). However, AR expression retained the association with better prognosis even in patients whose tumors exhibited a CSC phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Expression of AR and CD24 in stage I-III invasive BCa correlates with favorable clinicopathological features and delineates a subgroup of patients with better disease-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Riaz
- Section of Breast Diseases, Department of Surgery and Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800 Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Romana Idress
- Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Sadia Habib
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Iqbal Azam
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - El-Nasir Ma Lalani
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
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