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Bark SA, Dalmolin M, Malafaia O, Roesler R, Fernandes MAC, Isolan GR. Gene Expression of CSF3R/CD114 Is Associated with Poorer Patient Survival in Glioma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3020. [PMID: 38474265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas comprise most cases of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Gliomas afflict both adults and children, and glioblastoma (GBM) in adults represents the clinically most important type of malignant brain cancer, with a very poor prognosis. The cell surface glycoprotein CD114, which is encoded by the CSF3R gene, acts as the receptor for the granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), and is thus also called GCSFR or CSFR. CD114 is a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and its expression has been reported in several cancer types. In addition, CD114 may represent one among various cases where brain tumors hijack molecular mechanisms involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Here, we describe CSF3R mRNA expression in human gliomas and their association with patient prognosis as assessed by overall survival (OS). We found that the levels of CSF3R/CD114 transcripts are higher in a few different types of gliomas, namely astrocytoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, and GBM, in comparison to non-tumoral neural tissue. We also observed that higher expression of CSF3R/CD114 in gliomas is associated with poorer outcome as measured by a shorter OS. Our findings provide early evidence suggesting that CSF3R/CD114 shows a potential role as a prognosis marker of OS in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Ale Bark
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dalmolin
- InovAI Lab, nPITI/IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Osvaldo Malafaia
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology-INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A C Fernandes
- InovAI Lab, nPITI/IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
- Department of Computer Engineering and Automation, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil
| | - Gustavo R Isolan
- Graduate Program in Principles of Surgery, Mackenzie Evangelical University, Curitiba 80730-000, PR, Brazil
- The Center for Advanced Neurology and Neurosurgery (CEANNE), Porto Alegre 90560-010, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology-INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
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2
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Obrador E, Moreno-Murciano P, Oriol-Caballo M, López-Blanch R, Pineda B, Gutiérrez-Arroyo JL, Loras A, Gonzalez-Bonet LG, Martinez-Cadenas C, Estrela JM, Marqués-Torrejón MÁ. Glioblastoma Therapy: Past, Present and Future. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2529. [PMID: 38473776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) stands out as the most prevalent and lethal form of brain cancer. Although great efforts have been made by clinicians and researchers, no significant improvement in survival has been achieved since the Stupp protocol became the standard of care (SOC) in 2005. Despite multimodality treatments, recurrence is almost universal with survival rates under 2 years after diagnosis. Here, we discuss the recent progress in our understanding of GB pathophysiology, in particular, the importance of glioma stem cells (GSCs), the tumor microenvironment conditions, and epigenetic mechanisms involved in GB growth, aggressiveness and recurrence. The discussion on therapeutic strategies first covers the SOC treatment and targeted therapies that have been shown to interfere with different signaling pathways (pRB/CDK4/RB1/P16ink4, TP53/MDM2/P14arf, PI3k/Akt-PTEN, RAS/RAF/MEK, PARP) involved in GB tumorigenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment resistance acquisition. Below, we analyze several immunotherapeutic approaches (i.e., checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, CAR-modified NK or T cells, oncolytic virotherapy) that have been used in an attempt to enhance the immune response against GB, and thereby avoid recidivism or increase survival of GB patients. Finally, we present treatment attempts made using nanotherapies (nanometric structures having active anti-GB agents such as antibodies, chemotherapeutic/anti-angiogenic drugs or sensitizers, radionuclides, and molecules that target GB cellular receptors or open the blood-brain barrier) and non-ionizing energies (laser interstitial thermal therapy, high/low intensity focused ultrasounds, photodynamic/sonodynamic therapies and electroporation). The aim of this review is to discuss the advances and limitations of the current therapies and to present novel approaches that are under development or following clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Obrador
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Oriol-Caballo
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael López-Blanch
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Begoña Pineda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Alba Loras
- Department of Medicine, Jaume I University of Castellon, 12071 Castellon, Spain
| | - Luis G Gonzalez-Bonet
- Department of Neurosurgery, Castellon General University Hospital, 12004 Castellon, Spain
| | | | - José M Estrela
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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3
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Pasqualetti F, Miniati M, Gonnelli A, Gadducci G, Giannini N, Palagini L, Mancino M, Fuentes T, Paiar F. Cancer Stem Cells and Glioblastoma: Time for Innovative Biomarkers of Radio-Resistance? BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1295. [PMID: 37887005 PMCID: PMC10604498 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite countless papers in the field of radioresistance, researchers are still far from clearly understanding the mechanisms triggered in glioblastoma. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are important to the growth and spread of cancer, according to many studies. In addition, more recently, it has been suggested that CSCs have an impact on glioblastoma patients' prognosis, tumor aggressiveness, and treatment outcomes. In reviewing this new area of biology, we will provide a summary of the most recent research on CSCs and their role in the response to radio-chemotherapy in GB. In this review, we will examine the radiosensitivity of stem cells. Moreover, we summarize the current knowledge of the biomarkers of stemness and evaluate their potential function in the study of radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pasqualetti
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (M.M.); (T.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Mario Miniati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Gonnelli
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (M.M.); (T.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Giovanni Gadducci
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (M.M.); (T.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Noemi Giannini
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (M.M.); (T.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maricia Mancino
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (M.M.); (T.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Taiusha Fuentes
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (M.M.); (T.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Fabiola Paiar
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (A.G.); (G.G.); (N.G.); (M.M.); (T.F.); (F.P.)
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4
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Bărăian AI, Iacob BC, Sorițău O, Tomuță I, Tefas LR, Barbu-Tudoran L, Șușman S, Bodoki E. Ruxolitinib-Loaded Imprinted Polymeric Drug Reservoir for the Local Management of Post-Surgical Residual Glioblastoma Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040965. [PMID: 36850247 PMCID: PMC9962605 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The current limitations of glioblastoma (GBM) chemotherapy were addressed by developing a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based drug reservoir designed for the localized and sustained release of ruxolitinib (RUX) within the tumor post-resection cavity, targeting residual infiltrative cancerous cells, with minimum toxic effects toward normal tissue. (2) Methods: MIP reservoirs were synthesized by precipitation polymerization using acrylamide, trifluoromethacrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and styrene as monomers. Drug release profiles were evaluated by real-time and accelerated release studies in phosphate-buffered solution as a release medium. The cytotoxicity of polymers and free monomers was evaluated in vitro on GBM C6 cells using the Alamar Blue assay, optical microscopy, and CCK8 cell viability assay. (3) Results: Among the four synthesized MIPs, trifluoromethacrylic acid-based polymer (MIP 2) was superior in terms of loading capacity (69.9 μg RUX/mg MIP), drug release, and efficacy on GBM cells. Accelerated drug release studies showed that, after 96 h, MIP 2 released 42% of the loaded drug at pH = 7.4, with its kinetics fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The cell viability assay proved that all studied imprinted polymers provided high efficacy on GBM cells. (4) Conclusions: Four different drug-loaded MIPs were developed and characterized within this study, with the purpose of obtaining a drug delivery system (DDS) embedded in a fibrin-based hydrogel for the local, post-surgical administration of RUX in GBM in animal models. MIP 2 emerged as superior to the others, making it more suitable and promising for further in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Iulia Bărăian
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Cezar Iacob
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Olga Sorițău
- Institute of Oncology “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță”, Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology and Radiobiology, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Tomuță
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia Ruxandra Tefas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Sergiu Șușman
- Department of Morphological Sciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pathology, IMOGEN Research Centre, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ede Bodoki
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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5
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Hersh AM, Gaitsch H, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Tyler BM. Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3743. [PMID: 35954407 PMCID: PMC9367289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
- NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
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6
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Qiao L, Chen Y, Liang N, Xie J, Deng G, Chen F, Wang X, Liu F, Li Y, Zhang J. Targeting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Radioresistance: Crosslinked Mechanisms and Strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:775238. [PMID: 35251963 PMCID: PMC8888452 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.775238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy exerts a crucial role in curing cancer, however, its treatment efficiency is mostly limited due to the presence of radioresistance. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that endows the cancer cells with invasive and metastatic properties, as well as radioresistance. Many potential mechanisms of EMT-related radioresistance being reported have broaden our cognition, and hint us the importance of an overall understanding of the relationship between EMT and radioresistance. This review focuses on the recent progresses involved in EMT-related mechanisms in regulating radioresistance, irradiation-mediated EMT program, and the intervention strategies to increase tumor radiosensitivity, in order to improve radiotherapy efficiency and clinical outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Qiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fangjie Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengjun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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7
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Sweha SR, Chung C, Natarajan SK, Panwalkar P, Pun M, Ghali A, Bayliss J, Pratt D, Shankar A, Ravikumar V, Rao A, Cieslik M, Wilder-Romans K, Scott AJ, Wahl DR, Jessa S, Kleinman CL, Jabado N, Mackay A, Jones C, Martinez D, Santi M, Judkins AR, Yadav VN, Qin T, Phoenix TN, Koschmann CJ, Baker SJ, Chinnaiyan AM, Venneti S. Epigenetically defined therapeutic targeting in H3.3G34R/V high-grade gliomas. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabf7860. [PMID: 34644147 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf7860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
High-grade gliomas with arginine or valine substitutions of the histone H3.3 glycine-34 residue (H3.3G34R/V) carry a dismal prognosis, and current treatments, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are not curative. Because H3.3G34R/V mutations reprogram epigenetic modifications, we undertook a comprehensive epigenetic approach using ChIP sequencing and ChromHMM computational analysis to define therapeutic dependencies in H3.3G34R/V gliomas. Our analyses revealed a convergence of epigenetic alterations, including (i) activating epigenetic modifications on histone H3 lysine (K) residues such as H3K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac), and H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3); (ii) DNA promoter hypomethylation; and (iii) redistribution of repressive histone H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) to intergenic regions at the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) locus to drive increased LIF abundance and secretion by H3.3G34R/V cells. LIF activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in an autocrine/paracrine manner to promote survival of H3.3G34R/V glioma cells. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and single-cell RNA sequencing from H3.3G34R/V patient tumors revealed high STAT3 protein and RNA expression, respectively, in tumor cells with both inter- and intratumor heterogeneity. We targeted STAT3 using a blood-brain barrier–penetrable small-molecule inhibitor, WP1066, currently in clinical trials for adult gliomas. WP1066 treatment resulted in H3.3G34R/V tumor cell toxicity in vitro and tumor suppression in preclinical mouse models established with KNS42 cells, SJ-HGGx42-c cells, or in utero electroporation techniques. Our studies identify the LIF/STAT3 pathway as a key epigenetically driven and druggable vulnerability in H3.3G34R/V gliomas. This finding could inform development of targeted, combination therapies for these lethal brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan R Sweha
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chan Chung
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Siva Kumar Natarajan
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Pooja Panwalkar
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Matthew Pun
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amer Ghali
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jill Bayliss
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Drew Pratt
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anand Shankar
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Visweswaran Ravikumar
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Arvind Rao
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marcin Cieslik
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kari Wilder-Romans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrew J Scott
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Daniel R Wahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Selin Jessa
- Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.,Lady Davis Research Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Claudia L Kleinman
- Lady Davis Research Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, and Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alan Mackay
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Chris Jones
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Daniel Martinez
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mariarita Santi
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander R Judkins
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Viveka Nand Yadav
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tingting Qin
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timothy N Phoenix
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Carl J Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Suzanne J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sriram Venneti
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Metabolism and Epigenetics, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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8
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Lo Cascio C, McNamara JB, Melendez EL, Lewis EM, Dufault ME, Sanai N, Plaisier CL, Mehta S. Nonredundant, isoform-specific roles of HDAC1 in glioma stem cells. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149232. [PMID: 34494550 PMCID: PMC8492336 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by an aberrant yet druggable epigenetic landscape. One major family of epigenetic regulators, the histone deacetylases (HDACs), are considered promising therapeutic targets for GBM due to their repressive influences on transcription. Although HDACs share redundant functions and common substrates, the unique isoform-specific roles of different HDACs in GBM remain unclear. In neural stem cells, HDAC2 is the indispensable deacetylase to ensure normal brain development and survival in the absence of HDAC1. Surprisingly, we find that HDAC1 is the essential class I deacetylase in glioma stem cells, and its loss is not compensated for by HDAC2. Using cell-based and biochemical assays, transcriptomic analyses, and patient-derived xenograft models, we find that knockdown of HDAC1 alone has profound effects on the glioma stem cell phenotype in a p53-dependent manner. We demonstrate marked suppression in tumor growth upon targeting of HDAC1 and identify compensatory pathways that provide insights into combination therapies for GBM. Our study highlights the importance of HDAC1 in GBM and the need to develop isoform-specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Lo Cascio
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, and
| | - James B McNamara
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Ernesto L Melendez
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Erika M Lewis
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Matthew E Dufault
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Nader Sanai
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Christopher L Plaisier
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Shwetal Mehta
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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9
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Fan Q, An Z, Wong RA, Luo X, Lu ED, Baldwin A, Mayekar MK, Haderk F, Shokat KM, Bivona TG, Weiss WA. Betacellulin drives therapy resistance in glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2021; 22:457-469. [PMID: 31678994 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) drives progression in glioblastoma (GBM), suggesting STAT3 as a therapeutic target. Surprisingly however, GBM cells generally show primary resistance to STAT3 blockade. METHODS Human glioblastoma cell lines LN229, U87, SF767, and U373, and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) GBM8 and GBM43 were used to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation during STAT3 inhibition. Protein and gene expression experiments, protein stability assays, cytokine arrays, phospho-tyrosine arrays and EGFR-ligand protein arrays were performed on STAT3 inhibitor-treated cells. To evaluate antitumor activity, we administered a betacellulin (BTC)-neutralizing antibody alone and in combination with STAT3 inhibition. BTC is an EGFR ligand. We therefore treated mice with orthotopic xenografts using the third-generation EGFR inhibitor osimertinib, with or without STAT3 knockdown. RESULTS We demonstrate that both small-molecule inhibitors and knockdown of STAT3 led to expression and secretion of the EGFR ligand BTC, resulting in activation of EGFR and subsequent downstream phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Neutralizing antibody against BTC abrogated activation of both EGFR and NF-κB in response to inhibition of STAT3; with combinatorial blockade of STAT3 and BTC inducing apoptosis in GBM cells. Blocking EGFR and STAT3 together inhibited tumor growth, improving survival in mice bearing orthotopic GBM PDXs in vivo. CONCLUSION These data reveal a feedback loop among STAT3, EGFR, and NF-κB that mediates primary resistance to STAT3 blockade and suggest strategies for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Fan
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Zhenyi An
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Robyn A Wong
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Xujun Luo
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Edbert D Lu
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Albert Baldwin
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Manasi K Mayekar
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Franziska Haderk
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Trever G Bivona
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - William A Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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10
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Alves ALV, Gomes INF, Carloni AC, Rosa MN, da Silva LS, Evangelista AF, Reis RM, Silva VAO. Role of glioblastoma stem cells in cancer therapeutic resistance: a perspective on antineoplastic agents from natural sources and chemical derivatives. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:206. [PMID: 33762015 PMCID: PMC7992331 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02231-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the highest-grade form of glioma, as well as one of the most aggressive types of cancer, exhibiting rapid cellular growth and highly invasive behavior. Despite significant advances in diagnosis and therapy in recent decades, the outcomes for high-grade gliomas (WHO grades III-IV) remain unfavorable, with a median overall survival time of 15–18 months. The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has emerged and provided new insight into GBM resistance and management. CSCs can self-renew and initiate tumor growth and are also responsible for tumor cell heterogeneity and the induction of systemic immunosuppression. The idea that GBM resistance could be dependent on innate differences in the sensitivity of clonogenic glial stem cells (GSCs) to chemotherapeutic drugs/radiation prompted the scientific community to rethink the understanding of GBM growth and therapies directed at eliminating these cells or modulating their stemness. This review aims to describe major intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that mediate chemoradioresistant GSCs and therapies based on antineoplastic agents from natural sources, derivatives, and synthetics used alone or in synergistic combination with conventional treatment. We will also address ongoing clinical trials focused on these promising targets. Although the development of effective therapy for GBM remains a major challenge in molecular oncology, GSC knowledge can offer new directions for a promising future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura V Alves
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Izabela N F Gomes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana C Carloni
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela N Rosa
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciane S da Silva
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriane F Evangelista
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909, Braga, Portugal
| | - Viviane Aline O Silva
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil.
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11
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Piper K, DePledge L, Karsy M, Cobbs C. Glioma Stem Cells as Immunotherapeutic Targets: Advancements and Challenges. Front Oncol 2021; 11:615704. [PMID: 33718170 PMCID: PMC7945033 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.615704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal primary brain malignancy. Despite major investments in research into glioblastoma biology and drug development, treatment remains limited and survival has not substantially improved beyond 1-2 years. Cancer stem cells (CSC) or glioma stem cells (GSC) refer to a population of tumor originating cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation. While controversial and challenging to study, evidence suggests that GCSs may result in glioblastoma tumor recurrence and resistance to treatment. Multiple treatment strategies have been suggested at targeting GCSs, including immunotherapy, posttranscriptional regulation, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and epigenetic modulation. In this review, we discuss recent advances in glioblastoma treatment specifically focused on targeting of GCSs as well as their potential integration into current clinical pathways and trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Piper
- Ben & Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lisa DePledge
- Ben & Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,University of Washington School of Medicine, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Michael Karsy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Charles Cobbs
- Ben & Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
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12
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Ou A, Ott M, Fang D, Heimberger AB. The Role and Therapeutic Targeting of JAK/STAT Signaling in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:437. [PMID: 33498872 PMCID: PMC7865703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains one of the deadliest and treatment-refractory human malignancies in large part due to its diffusely infiltrative nature, molecular heterogeneity, and capacity for immune escape. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway contributes substantively to a wide variety of protumorigenic functions, including proliferation, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, stem cell maintenance, and immune suppression. We review the current state of knowledge regarding the biological role of JAK/STAT signaling in glioblastoma, therapeutic strategies, and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ou
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Martina Ott
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.O.); (D.F.)
| | - Dexing Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.O.); (D.F.)
| | - Amy B. Heimberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.O.); (D.F.)
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13
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Wang F, Ma X, Mao G, Zhang X, Kong Z. STAT3 enhances radiation-induced tumor migration, invasion and stem-like properties of bladder cancer. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:87. [PMID: 33236137 PMCID: PMC7716396 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) is the most common cancer of the human urinary system, and is associated with poor patient prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the primary cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis, possessing self-renewal properties and resistance to radiation therapy. Our previous studies indicated that phosphorylated signal transduction and transcription activator 3 (STAT3) may be a potential biomarker to predict radiation tolerance and tumor recurrence in patients with BCa, following conventional radiotherapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of STAT3 in the radio-resistance of BCa cells. It was found that fractionated irradiation promoted the activation of two STAT3-associated CSCs signaling pathways in BCa cells, namely suppressor of variegation 3–9 homolog 1/GATA binding protein 3/STAT3 and Janus kinase 2/STAT3. Surviving cells exhibited elevated migratory and invasive abilities, enhanced CSC-like characteristics and radio-resistance. Furthermore, knockdown of STAT3 expression or inhibition of STAT3 activation markedly decreased the self-renewal ability and tumorigenicity of radiation-resistant BCa cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that decreased STAT3 mRNA levels were associated with increased overall survival times in patients with BCa. Taken together, these data indicated that STAT3 may be an effective therapeutic target for inhibiting the progression, metastasis and recurrence of BCa in patients receiving radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xiangli Ma
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Guangmin Mao
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhaolu Kong
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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14
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Yang PL, Liu LX, Li EM, Xu LY. STAT3, the Challenge for Chemotherapeutic and Radiotherapeutic Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092459. [PMID: 32872659 PMCID: PMC7564975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoradiotherapy is one of the most effective and extensively used strategies for cancer treatment. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates vital biological processes, such as cell proliferation and cell growth. It is constitutively activated in various cancers and limits the application of chemoradiotherapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that STAT3 regulates resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and thereby impairs therapeutic efficacy by mediating its feedback loop and several target genes. The alternative splicing product STAT3β is often identified as a dominant-negative regulator, but it enhances sensitivity to chemotherapy and offers a new and challenging approach to reverse therapeutic resistance. We focus here on exploring the role of STAT3 in resistance to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors and radiotherapy, outlining the potential of targeting STAT3 to overcome chemo(radio)resistance for improving clinical outcomes, and evaluating the importance of STAT3β as a potential therapeutic approach to overcomes chemo(radio)resistance. In this review, we discuss some new insights into the effect of STAT3 and its subtype STAT3β on chemoradiotherapy sensitivity, and we explore how these insights influence clinical treatment and drug development for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Lian Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; (P.-L.Y.); (L.-X.L.)
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu-Xin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; (P.-L.Y.); (L.-X.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - En-Min Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; (P.-L.Y.); (L.-X.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Correspondence: (E.-M.L.); (L.-Y.X.); Tel.: +86-754-88900460 (L.-Y.X.); Fax: +86-754-88900847 (L.-Y.X.)
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; (P.-L.Y.); (L.-X.L.)
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Correspondence: (E.-M.L.); (L.-Y.X.); Tel.: +86-754-88900460 (L.-Y.X.); Fax: +86-754-88900847 (L.-Y.X.)
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15
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Esposito CL, Nuzzo S, Ibba ML, Ricci-Vitiani L, Pallini R, Condorelli G, Catuogno S, de Franciscis V. Combined Targeting of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells by Neutralizing RNA-Bio-Drugs for STAT3. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061434. [PMID: 32486489 PMCID: PMC7352497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An important drawback in the management of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is the frequent relapse upon surgery and therapy. A likely explanation is that conventional therapies poorly affect a small population of stem-like cancer cells (glioblastoma stem cells, GSCs) that remain capable of repopulating the tumour mass. Indeed, the development of therapeutic strategies able to hit GSCs while reducing the tumour burden has become an important challenge to increase a patient’s survival. The signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) has been reported to play a pivotal role in maintaining the tumour initiating capacity of the GSC population. Therefore, in order to impair the renewal and propagation of the PDGFRβ-expressing GSC population, here we took advantage of the aptamer–siRNA chimera (AsiC), named Gint4.T-STAT3, that we previously have shown to efficiently antagonize STAT3 in subcutaneous PDGFRβ-positive GBM xenografts. We demonstrate that the aptamer conjugate is able to effectively and specifically prevent patient-derived GSC function and expansion. Moreover, because of the therapeutic potential of using miR-10b inhibitors and of the broad expression of the Axl receptor in GBM, we used the GL21.T anti-Axl aptamer as the targeting moiety for anti-miR-10b, showing that, in combination with the STAT3 AsiC, the aptamer–miR-10b antagonist treatment further enhances the inhibition of GSC sphere formation. Our results highlight the potential to use a combined approach with targeted RNA therapeutics to inhibit GBM tumour dissemination and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (V.d.F.); Tel.: +39-0813722343 (C.L.E. & V.d.F.)
| | - Silvia Nuzzo
- IRCCS SDN (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, SYNLAB istituto di Diagnostica Nucleare), 80143 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Luigia Ibba
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.I.); (G.C.)
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.I.); (G.C.)
- IRCCS Neuromed (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed)—Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (V.d.F.); Tel.: +39-0813722343 (C.L.E. & V.d.F.)
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16
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Gong Z, Hong F, Wang H, Zhang X, Chen J. An eight-mRNA signature outperforms the lncRNA-based signature in predicting prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 21:56. [PMID: 32188434 PMCID: PMC7081624 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-0992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The prognosis of the glioblastoma (GBM) is dismal. This study aims to select an optimal RNA signature for prognostic prediction of GBM patients. Methods For the training set, the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression profiles of 151 patients were downloaded from the TCGA. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) were identified between good prognosis and bad prognosis patients. Optimal prognostic mRNAs and lncRNAs were selected respectively, by using univariate Cox proportional-hazards (PH) regression model and LASSO Cox-PH model. Subsequently, four prognostic scoring models were built based on expression levels or expression status of the selected prognostic lncRNAs or mRNAs, separately. Each prognostic model was applied to the training set and an independent validation set. Function analysis was used to uncover the biological roles of these prognostic DEGs between different risk groups classified by the mRNA-based signature. Results We obtained 261 DEGs and 33 DE-lncRNAs between good prognosis and bad prognosis patients. A panel of eight mRNAs and a combination of ten lncRNAs were determined as predictive RNAs by LASSO Cox-PH model. Among the four prognostic scoring models using the eight-mRNA signature or the ten-lncRNA signature, the one based on the expression levels of the eight mRNAs showed the greatest predictive power. The DEGs between different risk groups using the eight prognostic mRNAs were functionally involved in calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusion The eight-mRNA signature has greater prognostic value than the ten-lncRNA-based signature for GBM patients based on bioinformatics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Fan Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Juxiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003, China.
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17
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Khanna A, Thoms JAI, Stringer BW, Chung SA, Ensbey KS, Jue TR, Jahan Z, Subramanian S, Anande G, Shen H, Unnikrishnan A, McDonald KL, Day BW, Pimanda JE. Constitutive CHK1 Expression Drives a pSTAT3-CIP2A Circuit that Promotes Glioblastoma Cell Survival and Growth. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:709-722. [PMID: 32079743 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-constitutive activity of the DNA damage response protein checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) has been shown in glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines and in tissue sections. However, whether constitutive activation and overexpression of CHK1 in GBM plays a functional role in tumorigenesis or has prognostic significance is not known. We interrogated multiple glioma patient cohorts for expression levels of CHK1 and the oncogene cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A), a known target of high-CHK1 activity, and examined the relationship between these two proteins in GBM. Expression levels of CHK1 and CIP2A were independent predictors for reduced overall survival across multiple glioma patient cohorts. Using siRNA and pharmacologic inhibitors we evaluated the impact of their depletion using both in vitro and in vivo models and sought a mechanistic explanation for high CIP2A in the presence of high-CHK1 levels in GBM and show that; (i) CHK1 and pSTAT3 positively regulate CIP2A gene expression; (ii) pSTAT3 and CIP2A form a recursively wired transcriptional circuit; and (iii) perturbing CIP2A expression induces GBM cell senescence and retards tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, we have identified an oncogenic transcriptional circuit in GBM that can be destabilized by targeting CIP2A. IMPLICATIONS: High expression of CIP2A in gliomas is maintained by a CHK1-dependent pSTAT3-CIP2A recursive loop; interrupting CIP2A induces cell senescence and slows GBM growth adding impetus to the development of CIP2A as an anticancer drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchit Khanna
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie A I Thoms
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett W Stringer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sylvia A Chung
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathleen S Ensbey
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Toni Rose Jue
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zeenat Jahan
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shruthi Subramanian
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Govardhan Anande
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Han Shen
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Ashwin Unnikrishnan
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerrie L McDonald
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bryan W Day
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John E Pimanda
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Haematology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Cheng YP, Li S, Chuang WL, Li CH, Chen GJ, Chang CC, Or CHR, Lin PY, Chang CC. Blockade of STAT3 Signaling Contributes to Anticancer Effect of 5-Acetyloxy-6,7,8,4'-Tetra-Methoxyflavone, a Tangeretin Derivative, on Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133366. [PMID: 31323961 PMCID: PMC6651290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis, largely due to resistance to current radiotherapy and Temozolomide chemotherapy. The constitutive activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is evidenced as a pivotal driver of GBM pathogenesis and therapy resistance, and hence, is a promising GBM drug target. 5-acetyloxy-6,7,8,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (5-AcTMF) is an acetylated derivative of Tangeretin which is known to exert anticancer effects on breast, colon, lung, and multiple myeloma; however, its effect on GBM remains elusive. Herein, we reported that 5-AcTMF suppressed the viability and clonogenicity along with inducing apoptosis in multiple human GBM cell lines. Mechanistic analyses further revealed that 5-AcTMF lowered the levels of Tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), a canonical marker of STAT3 activation, but also dampened p-STAT3 upregulation elicited by Interleukin-6. Notably, ectopic expression of dominant-active STAT3 impeded 5-AcTMF-induced suppression of viability and clonogenicity plus apoptosis induction in GBM cells, confirming the prerequisite of STAT3 blockage for the inhibitory action of 5-AcTMF on GBM cell survival and growth. Additionally, 5-AcTMF impaired the activation of STAT3 upstream kinase JAK2 but also downregulated antiapoptotic BCL-2 and BCL-xL in a STAT3-dependent manner. Moreover, the overexpression of either BCL-2 or BCL-xL abrogated 5-AcTMF-mediated viability reduction and apoptosis induction in GBM cells. Collectively, we, for the first time, revealed the anticancer effect of 5-AcTMF on GBM cells, which was executed via thwarting the JAK2-STAT3-BCL-2/BCL-xL signaling axis. Our findings further implicate the therapeutic potential of 5-AcTMF for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Po Cheng
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Yuanlin Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Shiming Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Processing and Application of Catalytic Materials, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang 438000, China
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Wan-Ling Chuang
- Transplant Medicine & Surgery Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chin Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung R Or
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 43503, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Yi Lin
- Transplant Medicine & Surgery Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Che Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Sciences, The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Research Center, Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
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19
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Cocchiola R, Rubini E, Altieri F, Chichiarelli S, Paglia G, Romaniello D, Carissimi S, Giorgi A, Giamogante F, Macone A, Perugia G, Gurtner A, Eufemi M. STAT3 Post-Translational Modifications Drive Cellular Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081815. [PMID: 31013746 PMCID: PMC6514970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STAT3 is an oncoprotein overexpressed in different types of tumors, including prostate cancer (PCa), and its activity is modulated by a variety of post-translational modifications (PTMs). Prostate cancer represents the most common cancer diagnosed in men, and each phase of tumor progression displays specific cellular conditions: inflammation is predominant in tumor’s early stage, whereas oxidative stress is typical of clinically advanced PCa. The aim of this research is to assess the correspondence between the stimulus-specificity of STAT3 PTMs and definite STAT3-mediated transcriptional programs, in order to identify new suitable pharmacological targets for PCa treatment. Experiments were performed on less-aggressive LNCaP and more aggressive DU-145 cell lines, simulating inflammatory and oxidative-stress conditions. Cellular studies confirmed pY705-STAT3 as common denominator of all STAT3-mediated signaling. In addition, acK685-STAT3 was found in response to IL-6, whereas glutC328/542-STAT3 and pS727-STAT3 occurred upon tert-butyl hydroperoxyde (tBHP) treatment. Obtained results also provided evidence of an interplay between STAT3 PTMs and specific protein interactors such as P300 and APE1/Ref-1. In accordance with these outcomes, mRNA levels of STAT3-target genes seemed to follow the differing STAT3 PTMs. These results highlighted the role of STAT3 and its PTMs as drivers in the progression of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Cocchiola
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Rubini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabio Altieri
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Chichiarelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuliano Paglia
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Donatella Romaniello
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Stefania Carissimi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavia Giamogante
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Perugia
- Department of Gynecological-Obstretic Science and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza University, V.le Dell'Università, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Aymone Gurtner
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute; via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Margherita Eufemi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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20
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Combined Inhibition of HDAC and EGFR Reduces Viability and Proliferation and Enhances STAT3 mRNA Expression in Glioblastoma Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:49-57. [PMID: 30887411 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Changes in expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which epigenetically regulate chromatin structure, and mutations and amplifications of the EGFR gene, which codes for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), have been reported in glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and malignant type of brain tumor. There are likely interplays between HDACs and EGFR in promoting GBM progression, and HDAC inhibition can cooperate with EGFR blockade in reducing the growth of lung cancer cells. Here, we found that either HDAC or EGFR inhibitors dose-dependently reduced the viability of U87 and A-172 human GBM cells. In U87 cells, the combined inhibition of HDACs and EGFR was more effective than inhibiting either target alone in reducing viability and long-term proliferation. In addition, HDAC or EGFR inhibition, alone or combined, led to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The EGFR inhibitor alone or combined with HDAC inhibition increased mRNA expression of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which can act either as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in GBM. These data provide early evidence that combining HDAC and EGFR inhibition may be an effective strategy to reduce GBM growth, through a mechanism possibly involving STAT3.
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21
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The STAT3/Slug Axis Enhances Radiation-Induced Tumor Invasion and Cancer Stem-like Properties in Radioresistant Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10120512. [PMID: 30551687 PMCID: PMC6315497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10120512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) requires radiotherapy (RT) as a part of definitive management strategy. RT is highly effective, destroying cancer cells that may exist around the surgical tumor bed. However, GBM still has a poor prognosis and a high local recurrence rate after RT. Accumulating research indicates that GBM contains cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which are radioresistant and result in therapeutic failure. Additionally, GBM cells can aggressively invade normal brain tissue, inducing therapeutic failure. Using clinical observations, we evaluated the effect of radiation on tumor control. We also explored the biomolecular pathways that connect radioresistance and CSC- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated phenotypes in patient-derived GBM cells. Transwell and microarray assay demonstrated that radioresistant GBM cells (GBM-R2I2) exhibit increased invasion and self-renewal abilities compared with parental GBM cells. Finally, to identify potential mechanisms underlying these observations, we used a PCR array to search for molecular markers of cell motility. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) directly bound to the Slug promoter in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Reduced STAT3 decreased Slug expression and suppressed cell invasion in GBM-R2I2 cells while increasing Slug reversed these effects. In addition, STAT3 knockdown significantly inhibited CSC properties, synergistically increased the radiotherapeutic effect, and effectively increased the survival rate in vivo. We deciphered a new pathway of GBM radioresistance, invasion, and recurrence via the STAT3/Slug axis that could be a new target of GBM therapy.
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22
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Faria M, Shepherd P, Pan Y, Chatterjee SS, Navone N, Gustafsson JÅ, Strom A. The estrogen receptor variants β2 and β5 induce stem cell characteristics and chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer through activation of hypoxic signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 9:36273-36288. [PMID: 30555629 PMCID: PMC6284737 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistant prostate cancer is a major clinical problem. When the prostate cancer has become androgen deprivation resistant, one of the few treatment regimens left is chemotherapy. There is a strong connection between a cancer's stem cell like characteristics and drug resistance. By performing RNA-seq we observed several factors associated with stem cells being strongly up-regulated by the estrogen receptor β variants, β2 and β5. In addition, most of these factors were also up-regulated by hypoxia. One mechanism of chemotherapy resistance was expression of the hypoxia-regulated, drug transporter genes, where especially ABCG2 and MDR1 were shown to be expressed in recurrent prostate cancer and to cause chemotherapy resistance by efficiently transporting drugs like docetaxel out of the cells. Another mechanism was expression of the hypoxia-regulated Notch3 gene, which causes chemotherapy resistance in urothelial carcinoma, although the mechanism is unknown. It is well known that hypoxic signaling is involved in increasing chemotherapy resistance. Regulation of the hypoxic factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α is very complex and extends far beyond hypoxia itself. We have recently shown that two of the estrogen receptor β variants, estrogen receptor β2 and β5, bind to and stabilize both HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins leading to expression of HIF target genes. This study suggests that increased expression of the estrogen receptor β variants, β2 and β5, could be involved in development of a cancer's stem cell characteristics and chemotherapy resistance, indicating that targeting these factors could prevent or reverse chemotherapy resistance and cancer stem cell expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Faria
- University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear, Receptors and Cell Signaling, Science and Engineering Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Shepherd
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yinghong Pan
- University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear, Receptors and Cell Signaling, Science and Engineering Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sujash S Chatterjee
- University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear, Receptors and Cell Signaling, Science and Engineering Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nora Navone
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear, Receptors and Cell Signaling, Science and Engineering Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anders Strom
- University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear, Receptors and Cell Signaling, Science and Engineering Research Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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