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Zhao B, Qin X, Fu R, Yang M, Hu X, Zhao S, Cui Y, Guo Q, Zhou W. Supramolecular nanodrug targeting CDK4/6 overcomes BAG1 mediated cisplatin resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Control Release 2024; 368:623-636. [PMID: 38479445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Chemoresistance to cisplatin remains a significant challenge affecting the prognosis of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the specific biomarkers and underlying mechanisms responsible for cisplatin resistance remain elusive. Through comprehensive bioinformatic analyses, we identified a potential biomarker, BCL2 associated athanogene-1 (BAG1), showing elevated expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Since OSCC represents the primary pathological type of HNSCC, we investigated BAG1 expression in human tumor tissues and cisplatin resistant OSCC cell lines, revealing that silencing BAG1 induced apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant cells both in vitro and in vivo. This effect led to impaired cell viability of cisplatin resistant OSCC cells and indicated a positive correlation between BAG1 expression and the G1/S transition during cell proliferation. Based on these insights, the administration of a CDK4/6 inhibitor in combination with cisplatin effectively overcame cisplatin resistance in OSCC through the CDK4/6-BAG1 axis. Additionally, to enable simultaneous drug delivery and enhance synergistic antitumor efficacy, we developed a novel supramolecular nanodrug LEE011-FFERGD/CDDP, which was validated in an OSCC orthotopic mouse model. In summary, our study highlights the potential of a combined administration of CDK4/6 inhibitor and cisplatin as a promising therapeutic regimen for treating advanced or cisplatin resistant OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borui Zhao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral Soft and Hard Tissues Restoration and Regeneration, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xuan Qin
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Tianjin' s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Rui Fu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral Soft and Hard Tissues Restoration and Regeneration, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Maosen Yang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
| | - Xin Hu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral Soft and Hard Tissues Restoration and Regeneration, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shaorong Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Tianjin' s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yange Cui
- Program in Gene Expression and Regulation, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Qingxiang Guo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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2
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The diverse functions of FAT1 in cancer progression: good, bad, or ugly? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:248. [PMID: 35965328 PMCID: PMC9377080 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
FAT atypical cadherin 1 (FAT1) is among the most frequently mutated genes in many types of cancer. Its highest mutation rate is found in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in which FAT1 is the second most frequently mutated gene. Thus, FAT1 has great potential to serve as a target or prognostic biomarker in cancer treatment. FAT1 encodes a member of the cadherin-like protein family. Under normal physiological conditions, FAT1 serves as a molecular "brake" on mitochondrial respiration and acts as a receptor for a signaling pathway regulating cell-cell contact interaction and planar cell polarity. In many cancers, loss of FAT1 function promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the formation of cancer initiation/stem-like cells. However, in some types of cancer, overexpression of FAT1 leads to EMT. The roles of FAT1 in cancer progression, which seems to be cancer-type specific, have not been clarified. To further study the function of FAT1 in cancers, this review summarizes recent relevant literature regarding this protein. In addition to phenotypic alterations due to FAT1 mutations, several signaling pathways and tumor immune systems known or proposed to be regulated by this protein are presented. The potential impact of detecting or targeting FAT1 mutations on cancer treatment is also prospectively discussed.
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3
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Actin-like protein 8, a member of cancer/testis antigens, supports the aggressive development of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via activating cell cycle signaling. Tissue Cell 2022; 75:101708. [PMID: 35051678 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Due to the malignancy of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), investigations of novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed. In our present study, significant up-regulation of Actin-like protein 8 (ACTL8) in OSCC patients was observed by bioinformatics analysis with RNA sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The results of Chi-square test revealed that there was a significant correlation between ACTL8 expression and tumor status (T1 + T2/T3+T4) (P = 0.004). Survival analysis indicated a negative correlation between ACTL8 overexpression and prognosis in OSCC (P = 3.984e-02). An ACTL8 knockdown experiment was conducted to evaluate the function of ACTL8 on OSCC cell biological behaviors. The results revealed that knockdown of ACTL8 significantly inhibited the growth and mobility, arrested cell cycle and promoted apoptosis of TCA-83 and CAL27 cells. Moreover, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and western blots demonstrated that activation of cell cycle signaling pathway was inhibited by knockdown of ACTL8, as we observed the down-regulation of 4 key proteins (CDK1, cyclin E1, cyclin B2 and c-Myc) in this pathway. The present investigation indicates that ACTL8 plays an oncogenic role in the pathogenesis of OSCC, suggesting that ACTL8 may be a promising therapeutic target and prognosis marker for human OSCC.
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Avsar Abdik E, Abdik H, Turan D, Sahin F, Berger MR, Kaleagasioglu F. Dual Akt and Bcl-2 inhibition induces cell-type specific modulation of apoptotic and autophagic signaling in castration resistant prostate cancer cell lines. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7755-7765. [PMID: 34647221 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06786-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cell survival depends on the cross-regulation between apoptosis and autophagy which share common signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Bcl-2. The aim of this study was to elucidate the modulation patterns between apoptosis and autophagy following dual inhibition by Akt inhibitor erufosine and Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cell lines, PC-3 (Bax+) and DU-145 (Bax-). METHODS AND RESULTS Cell cycle progression, apoptotic and autophagic signaling were examined by flow cytometry, multi-caspase assay, Hoechst staining, acridine orange staining of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Dual inhibition increased G2/M arrest in PC-3 and DU-145, but not in the healthy prostate epithelium cells, PNT-1A. Only in PC-3, dual inhibition induced synergistic apoptotic and additive autophagic effects. In DU-145 and PNT-1A cells, ABT-737 did not display any remarkable effect on multicaspase activity and erufosine and ABT-737, neither alone nor in combination induced AVOs. By dual inhibition, AKT, BCL-2 and NF-κB gene expressions were downregulated in PC-3, both ATG-5 and BECLIN-1 gene expressions were upregulated in DU-145 but Beclin-1 protein expression was substantially reduced in both CRPC cells. Dual inhibition-induced synergistic multicaspase activation in PC-3 degrades and disrupts autophagic activity of Beclin-1, enhancing caspase-dependent apoptosis. However, in DU-145, following dual inhibition, rate of multicaspase induction and apoptosis are lower but autophagy is completely abolished despite markedly increased BECLIN-1 gene expression. CONCLUSION In conclusion, antineoplastic drug combinations may display cell-type specific modulation of apoptotic and autophagic signaling and lack of protective autophagy may not necessarily indicate increased chemotherapeutic sensitivity in heterogenous tumor subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Avsar Abdik
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Abdik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Duygu Turan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fikrettin Sahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ferda Kaleagasioglu
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Istinye University Faculty of Medicine, Topkapı Campus, Maltepe Neighbourhood, Teyyareci Sami St., No. 3, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey.
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5
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Ahmadi M, Eftekhari Kenzerki M, Akrami SM, Pashangzadeh S, Hajiesmaeili F, Rahnavard S, Habibipour L, Saffarzadeh N, Mousavi P. Overexpression of HPRT1 is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2525-2540. [PMID: 34231338 PMCID: PMC8409317 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT1), as a salvage pathway enzyme, plays a crucial role in modulating the cell cycle and has been reported to be overexpressed in multiple cancers. Nevertheless, the relationship between the HPRT1 gene and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) has not been investigated so far. In this study, we first evaluated the expression and clinical value of HPRT1 mRNA and protein in tumor and healthy control tissues. Then, we examined mutations of the HPRT1 gene and their association with survival outcomes of patients with HNSCC. We also performed functional analyses of HPRT1 coexpressed genes and examined the association between HPRT1 expression and drug sensitivity. Both HPRT1 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in HNSCC compared with normal tissues, and up‐regulation of HPRT1 was also correlated with age, sex, pathological stage and histological grades of patients with HNSCC. Moreover, HPRT1 and its associated genes were observed to be enriched for several cancer‐related pathways, including DNA replication and cell cycle. Finally, patients exhibiting overexpression of the HPRT1 gene may be resistant to abiraterone and sensitive to several drugs, including tozasertib and teniposide. This study demonstrated that the elevated expression of HPRT1 gene is correlated with the progression of HNSCC; thus, this gene may serve as a useful indicator for the early detection, risk stratification and targeted therapy of patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Ahmadi
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.,Division of Medical Genetics, Booali Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Qom, Iran
| | - Maryam Eftekhari Kenzerki
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Akrami
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Sahereh Rahnavard
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran
| | - Leila Habibipour
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Negin Saffarzadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.,Department of Nephrology, Hasheminejad Kidney Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Mousavi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.,Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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6
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Guimaraes VSN, Vidal MTA, de Faro Valverde L, de Oliveira MG, de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha L, Coelho PLC, Soares FA, de Freitas Souza BS, Bezerra DP, Coletta RD, Pereira TA, Dos Santos JN, Gurgel Rocha CA. Hedgehog pathway activation in oral squamous cell carcinoma: cancer-associated fibroblasts exhibit nuclear GLI-1 localization. J Mol Histol 2020; 51:675-684. [PMID: 33000351 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-020-09913-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of Hedgehog (HH) signaling molecules (SHH and GLI-1) by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect molecular HH signaling and CAF-related protein expression, including α-SMA and S100A4, in 70 samples of human OSCC. The colocalization of α-SMA and S100A4 with SHH was also evaluated by double-staining. In vitro study was performed using primary normal oral fibroblast (NOF) and CAF through immunofluorescence and Western Blot for CAF-proteins, SHH, and GLI-1. Forty-five cases (64.28%) were positive for α-SMA exclusively in tumor stroma, and S100A4 was identified in the cytoplasm of CAFs in 94.28% (n = 66) of the cases. With respect to stromal cells, 64 (91.43%) OSCC cases were positive for SHH, and 31 were positive for GLI-1 (44.29%); positive correlations were found between SHH and α-SMA (p < 0.0001, φ = 0.51), as well as between SHH and S100A4 (p = 0.087, φ = 0.94). Protein expression of SHH and GLI-1 was observed in primary CAFs and NOFs. Although SHH was found to be localized in the cellular cytoplasm of both cell types, GLI-1 was present only in the nuclei of CAF. Our results indicate that CAFs are not only potential sources of HH ligands in tumor stroma, but may also respond to HH signaling through nuclear GLI-1 activation. We further observed that elevated SHH expression by OSCC cells was associated with higher CAF density, reinforcing the chemoattractant role played by these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Sousa Nazare Guimaraes
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Manuela Torres Andion Vidal
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Ludmila de Faro Valverde
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Marbele Guimarães de Oliveira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Leonardo de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Paulo Lucas Cerqueira Coelho
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Fernando Augusto Soares
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Diniz Cordeiro Street, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Prof. Almeida Prado Avenue, 1280, Butantã, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pereira Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D Coletta
- School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Limeira Avenue, 901, Areiao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Thiago Almeida Pereira
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5463, USA
| | - Jean Nunes Dos Santos
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Araújo Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Pathology and Molecular Biology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation,121 Waldemar Falcao, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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ABT-737 and erufosine combination against castration-resistant prostate cancer: a promising but cell-type specific response associated with the modulation of anti-apoptotic signaling. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 30:383-393. [PMID: 30557204 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the molecular basis of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) paved the way for the rational design and development of targeted therapies, which yielded promising preclinical results. However, translation of these potentially promising agents into clinics has usually failed, partly because of tumor heterogeneity. In this study, anticancer activities of the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 and the Akt-inhibitor erufosine (ErPC3) alone and in combination were compared between CRPC (PC-3 and DU-145) and healthy (PNT-1A) cell lines. The combination of ABT-737 and ErPC3 showed synergistic antiproliferative, antimigratory, and apoptotic effects in PC-3 cells. In DU-145 cells, ErPC3 showed a resistant profile, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values more than two-fold of PC-3, and combining ErPC3 with ABT-737 yielded no added benefit for all the incubation periods compared with ErPC3 alone. In PNT-1A cells, ABT-737 and ErPC3 alone and in combination reduced cell survival slightly and only at the highest concentrations. Apoptosis analysis showed that ABT-737 induced increased Akt expression and ErPC3 induced increased Mcl-1 expression in DU-145 cells. In conclusion, the ABT-737 and ErPC3 combination seems to be promising against CRPC, with a favorable safety profile in healthy cells. However, CRPC cell-type-specific resistance may be induced by enhancement of antiapoptotic signaling.
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8
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Kaleağasıoğlu F, Ali DM, Berger MR. Multiple Facets of Autophagy and the Emerging Role of Alkylphosphocholines as Autophagy Modulators. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:547. [PMID: 32410999 PMCID: PMC7201076 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved multistep process and functions as passage for degrading and recycling protein aggregates and defective organelles in eukaryotic cells. Based on the nature of these materials, their size and degradation rate, four types of autophagy have been described, i.e. chaperone mediated autophagy, microautophagy, macroautophagy, and selective autophagy. One of the major regulators of this process is mTOR, which inhibits the downstream pathway of autophagy following the activation of its complex 1 (mTORC1). Alkylphosphocholine (APC) derivatives represent a novel class of antineoplastic agents that inhibit the serine-threonine kinase Akt (i.e. protein kinase B), which mediates cell survival and cause cell cycle arrest. They induce autophagy through inhibition of the Akt/mTOR cascade. They interfere with phospholipid turnover and thus modify signaling chains, which start from the cell membrane and modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Ras-Raf-MAPK/ERK and SAPK/JNK pathways. APCs include miltefosine, perifosine, and erufosine, which represent the first-, second- and third generation of this class, respectively. In a high fraction of human cancers, constitutively active oncoprotein Akt1 suppresses autophagy in vitro and in vivo. mTOR is a down-stream target for Akt, the activation of which suppresses autophagy. However, treatment with APC derivatives will lead to dephosphorylation (hence deactivation) of mTOR and thus induces autophagy. Autophagy is a double-edged sword and may result in chemotherapeutic resistance as well as cancer cell death when apoptotic pathways are inactive. APCs display differential autophagy induction capabilities in different cancer cell types. Therefore, autophagy-dependent cellular responses need to be well understood in order to improve the chemotherapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Kaleağasıoğlu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Doaa M. Ali
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Martin R. Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Kaleağasıoğlu F, Zaharieva MM, Konstantinov SM, Berger MR. Alkylphospholipids are Signal Transduction Modulators with Potential for Anticancer Therapy. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:66-91. [PMID: 30318001 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666181012093056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkylphospholipids (APLs) are synthetically derived from cell membrane components, which they target and thus modify cellular signalling and cause diverse effects. This study reviews the mechanism of action of anticancer, antiprotozoal, antibacterial and antiviral activities of ALPs, as well as their clinical use. METHODS A literature search was used as the basis of this review. RESULTS ALPs target lipid rafts and alter phospholipase D and C signalling cascades, which in turn will modulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathways. By feedback coupling, the SAPK/JNK signalling chain is also affected. These changes lead to a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and subsequently induce programmed cell death. The available knowledge on inhibition of AKT phosphorylation, mTOR phosphorylation and Raf down-regulation renders ALPs as attractive candidates for modern medical treatment, which is based on individualized diagnosis and therapy. Corresponding to their unusual profile of activities, their side effects result from cholinomimetic activity mainly and focus on the gastrointestinal tract. These aspects together with their bone marrow sparing features render APCs well suited for modern combination therapy. Although the clinical success has been limited in cancer diseases so far, the use of miltefosine against leishmaniosis is leading the way to better understanding their optimized use. CONCLUSION Recent synthetic programs generate congeners with the increased therapeutic ratio, liposomal formulations, as well as diapeutic (or theranostic) derivatives with optimized properties. It is anticipated that these innovative modifications will pave the way for the further successful development of ALPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Kaleağasıoğlu
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Maya M Zaharieva
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Infectious Microbiology, The "Stephan Angeloff" Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Spiro M Konstantinov
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Kovacheva M, Zepp M, Schraad M, Berger S, Berger MR. Conditional Knockdown of Osteopontin Inhibits Breast Cancer Skeletal Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4918. [PMID: 31590218 PMCID: PMC6801824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High osteopontin (OPN) expression is linked to breast cancer bone metastasis. In this study we modulated osteopontin levels conditionally and investigated any related antineoplastic effects. Therefore, we established cell clones from human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, in which the expression of OPN is regulated by the Tet-Off tet-off system. These cells, which conditionally express a specific miRNA targeting OPN, were used for in vitro studies as well as for a bone metastasis model in nude rats. Changes in whole-genome expression elicited by conditional OPN knockdown and vesicle formation were also analyzed. The alkylphosphocholine erufosine was used for combination therapy. Conditional OPN knockdown caused mild anti-proliferative, but more intensive anti-migratory and anti clonogenic effects, as well as partial and complete remissions of soft tissue and osteolytic lesions. These effects were associated with specific gene and protein expression modulations following miRNA-mediated OPN knockdown. Furthermore, high levels of OPN were detected in vesicles derived from rats harboring breast cancer skeletal metastases. Finally, the combination of OPN inhibition and erufosine treatment caused an additive reduction of OPN levels in the investigated breast cancer cells. Thus, knockdown of OPN alone or in combination with erufosine is a promising strategy in breast cancer skeletal metastasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marineta Kovacheva
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Zepp
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Muriel Schraad
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Berger
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Department of Molecular Biology, 68159 Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Martin R Berger
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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11
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Molecular prognosticators in clinically and pathologically distinct cohorts of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-A meta-analysis approach. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218989. [PMID: 31310629 PMCID: PMC6634788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) includes multiple subsites that exhibit differential treatment outcome, which is in turn reflective of tumor stage/histopathology and molecular profile. This study hypothesized that the molecular profile is an accurate prognostic adjunct in patients triaged based on clinico-pathological characteristics. Towards this effect, publically available micro-array datasets (n = 8), were downloaded, classified based on HPV association (n = 83) and site (tongue n = 88; laryngopharynx n = 53; oropharynx n = 51) and re-analyzed (Genespring; v13.1). The significant genes were validated in respective cohorts in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for correlation with clinico-pathological parameters/survival. The gene entities (n = 3258) identified from HPV based analysis, when validated in TCGA identified the subset specifically altered in HPV+ HNSCC (n = 63), with three genes showing survival impact (RPP25, NUDCD2, NOVA1). Site-specific meta-analysis identified respective differentials (tongue: 3508, laryngopharynx: 4893, oropharynx: 2386); validation in TCGA revealed markers with high incidence (altered in >10% of patients) in tongue (n = 331), laryngopharynx (n = 701) and oropharynx (n = 404). Assessment of these genes in clinical sub-cohorts of TCGA indicated that early stage tongue (MTFR1, C8ORF33, OTUD6B) and laryngeal cancers (TWISTNB, KLHL13 and UBE2Q1) were defined by distinct prognosticators. Similarly, correlation with perineural/angiolymophatic invasion, identified discrete marker panels with survival impact (tongue: NUDCD1, PRKC1; laryngopharynx: SLC4A1AP, PIK3CA, AP2M1). Alterations in ANO1, NUDCD1, PIK3CA defined survival in tongue cancer patients with nodal metastasis (node+ECS-), while EPS8 is a significant differential in node+ECS- laryngopharyngeal cancers. In oropharynx, wherein HPV is a major etiological factor, distinct prognosticators were identified in HPV+ (ECHDC2, HERC5, GGT6) and HPV- (GRB10, EMILIN1, FNDC1). Meta-analysis in combination with TCGA validation carried out in this study emphasized on the molecular heterogeneity inherent within HNSCC; the feasibility of leveraging this information for improving prognostic efficacy is also established. Subject to large scale clinical validation, the marker panel identified in this study can prove to be valuable prognostic adjuncts.
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Kujan O, Huang G, Ravindran A, Vijayan M, Farah CS. The role of cyclin-dependent kinases in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2019; 48:560-565. [PMID: 31172620 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major global health problem with a relatively low-moderate 5-year survival rate. OSCC is often preceded by lesions and conditions known as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) that have an increased risk of malignant transformation. Despite advances in diagnostic technology and cancer research, the prognosis of OSCC remains poor as it is frequently detected a late stage. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in oral carcinogenesis provides a platform to identify biomarkers that may allow the early detection of OSCC and accurate prediction of the malignant potential of OPMDs. In addition, specific molecular inhibitors can be developed to target these important pathways and allow advanced therapeutic management to improve the prognosis of this malignancy. A common feature across a number of different cancers is the dysfunction of cell cycle moderator proteins known as cyclin-dependent kinases. This review summarises the current literature regarding the role of cyclin-dependent kinases in oral carcinogenesis with a particular focus on cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4) and 6 (CDK6). This is of particular relevance as CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitors have shown some promising results in other cancer types and are interesting potential treatments for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Kujan
- UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gareth Huang
- UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ashwati Ravindran
- UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Monisha Vijayan
- UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Camile S Farah
- UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Australian Centre for Oral Oncology Research & Education, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Margaritova Zaharieva M, Dimitrov Kroumov A, Dimitrova L, Tsvetkova I, Trochopoulos A, Mihaylov Konstantinov S, Reinhold Berger M, Momchilova M, Yoncheva K, Miladinov Najdenski H. Micellar curcumin improves the antibacterial activity of the alkylphosphocholines erufosine and miltefosine against pathogenic Staphyloccocus aureus strains. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2018.1533792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Margaritova Zaharieva
- Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Alexander Dimitrov Kroumov
- Department of Applied Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lyudmila Dimitrova
- Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iva Tsvetkova
- Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Antonios Trochopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Spiro Mihaylov Konstantinov
- Department of Pharmacology Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Milena Momchilova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Krassimira Yoncheva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Miladinov Najdenski
- Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Peng J. si-TP73-AS1 suppressed proliferation and increased the chemotherapeutic response of GC cells to cisplatin. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:3706-3714. [PMID: 30127981 PMCID: PMC6096144 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as crucial regulators in various biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Although the expression of lncRNA TP73-antisense RNA1 (AS1) has been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma and glioma, the biological function of TP73-AS1 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Thus, the present study employed a comprehensive analysis on the function of lncRNA TP73-AS1 in GC. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical significance and biological function of TP73-AS1 in human GC tissues and cells. Additionally, the expression of TP73-AS1 was increased in GC tissues and cell lines and increased expression level of TP73-AS1 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with GC. Functional assays revealed that silencing of TP73-AS1 may suppress cell proliferation and enhance the chemotherapeutic response of GC cells to cisplatin through targeting the high mobility group 1/receptor for advanced glycation endproducts signaling pathway. Collectively, the results of the present study demonstrated that TP73-AS1 may be a novel lncRNA for the clinical prognosis of GC and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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