1
|
Gandra D, Mulama DH, Foureau DM, McKinney KQ, Kim E, Smith K, Haw J, Nagulapally A, Saulnier Sholler GL. DFMO inhibition of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7207. [PMID: 38686627 PMCID: PMC11058673 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most high-risk neuroblastoma patients who relapse succumb to disease despite the existing therapy. We recently reported increased event-free and overall survival in neuroblastoma patients receiving difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) during maintenance therapy. The effect of DFMO on cellular processes associated with neuroblastoma tumorigenesis needs further elucidation. Previous studies have shown cytotoxicity with IC50 values >5-15 mM, these doses are physiologically unattainable in patients, prompting further mechanistic studies at therapeutic doses. METHODS We characterized the effect of DFMO on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, neurosphere formation, and protein expression in vitro using five established neuroblastoma cell lines (BE2C, CHLA-90, SHSY5Y, SMS-KCNR, and NGP) at clinically relevant doses of 0, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 2500 μM. Limiting Dilution studies of tumor formation in murine models were performed. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad and the level of significance set at p = 0.05. RESULTS There was not a significant loss of cell viability or gain of apoptotic activity in the in vitro assays (p > 0.05). DFMO treatment initiated G1 to S phase cell cycle arrest. There was a dose-dependent decrease in frequency and size of neurospheres and a dose-dependent increase in beta-galactosidase activity in all cell lines. Tumor formation was decreased in xenografts both with DFMO-pretreated cells and in mice treated with DFMO. CONCLUSION DFMO treatment is cytostatic at physiologically relevant doses and inhibits tumor initiation and progression in mice. This study suggests that DFMO, inhibits neuroblastoma by targeting cellular processes integral to neuroblastoma tumorigenesis at clinically relevant doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Gandra
- Department of PediatricsPenn State Health Children's HospitalHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - David H. Mulama
- Department of PediatricsLevine Children's HospitalCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - David M. Foureau
- Department of MedicineLevine Cancer InstituteCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Elizabeth Kim
- Department of PediatricsLevine Children's HospitalCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Kaitlyn Smith
- Department of PediatricsLevine Children's HospitalCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jason Haw
- Department of PediatricsLevine Children's HospitalCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Abhinav Nagulapally
- Department of PediatricsPenn State Health Children's HospitalHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Evaluating the RIST Molecular-Targeted Regimen in a Three-Dimensional Neuroblastoma Spheroid Cell Culture Model. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061749. [PMID: 36980635 PMCID: PMC10046822 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The outcome for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma remains poor and novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. The RIST protocol represents a novel metronomic and multimodal treatment strategy for high-risk neuroblastoma combining molecular-targeted drugs as ‘pre-treatment’ with a conventional chemotherapy backbone, currently evaluated in a phase II clinical trial. For preclinical drug testing, cancer cell growth as spheroid compared to mo-nolayer cultures is of advantage since it reproduces a wide range of tumor characteristics, including the three-dimensional architecture and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. The objective of this study was to establish a neuroblastoma spheroid model for the rigorous assessment of the RIST treatment protocol. Methods: Evaluation of CSC marker expression was performed by mRNA and protein analysis and spheroid viability by luminescence-based assays. Aberrant expression of RNA-binding protein La in neuroblastoma was assessed by tissue microarray analysis and patients’ data mining. Results: Spheroid cultures showed increased expression of a subgroup of CSC-like markers (CXCR4, NANOG and BMI) and higher Thr389 phosphorylation of the neuroblastoma-associated RNA-binding protein La when compared to monolayer cultures. Molecular-targeted ‘pre-treatment’ of spheroids decreased neoplastic signaling and CSC marker expression. Conclusions: The RIST treatment protocol efficiently reduced the viability of neuroblastoma spheroids characterized by advanced CSC properties.
Collapse
|
3
|
Petsri K, Yokoya M, Racha S, Thongsom S, Thepthanee C, Innets B, Ei ZZ, Hotta D, Zou H, Chanvorachote P. Novel Synthetic Derivative of Renieramycin T Right-Half Analog Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Cancer Stem Cells via Targeting the Akt Signal in Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065345. [PMID: 36982418 PMCID: PMC10049402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Akt is a key regulatory protein of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is responsible for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Targeting Akt is beneficial for the development of cancer drugs. renieramycin T (RT) has been reported to have Mcl-1 targeting activity, and the study of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) demonstrated that cyanide and the benzene ring are essential for its effects. In this study, novel derivatives of the RT right-half analog with cyanide and the modified ring were synthesized to further investigate the SARs for improving the anticancer effects of RT analogs and evaluate CSC-suppressing activity through Akt inhibition. Among the five derivatives, a compound with a substituted thiazole structure (DH_25) exerts the most potent anticancer activity in lung cancer cells. It has the ability to induce apoptosis, which is accompanied by an increase in PARP cleavage, a decrease in Bcl-2, and a diminishment of Mcl-1, suggesting that residual Mcl-1 inhibitory effects exist even after modifying the benzene ring to thiazole. Furthermore, DH_25 is found to induce CSC death, as well as a decrease in CSC marker CD133, CSC transcription factor Nanog, and CSC-related oncoprotein c-Myc. Notably, an upstream member of these proteins, Akt and p-Akt, are also downregulated, indicating that Akt can be a potential target of action. Computational molecular docking showing a high-affinity interaction between DH_25 and an Akt at the allosteric binding site supports that DH_25 can bind and inhibit Akt. This study has revealed a novel SAR and CSC inhibitory effect of DH_25 via Akt inhibition, which may encourage further development of RT compounds for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Korrakod Petsri
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Masashi Yokoya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Satapat Racha
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Interdisciplinary Program in Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sunisa Thongsom
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chorpaka Thepthanee
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Bhurichaya Innets
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Zin Zin Ei
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Daiki Hotta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Hongbin Zou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-2-2188-344
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Candido MF, Medeiros M, Veronez LC, Bastos D, Oliveira KL, Pezuk JA, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. Drugging Hijacked Kinase Pathways in Pediatric Oncology: Opportunities and Current Scenario. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020664. [PMID: 36839989 PMCID: PMC9966033 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood cancer is considered rare, corresponding to ~3% of all malignant neoplasms in the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a universal occurrence of more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants around the globe, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, one child dies of cancer every 3 min. Consequently, more efficient, selective and affordable therapeutics are still needed in order to improve outcomes and avoid long-term sequelae. Alterations in kinases' functionality is a trademark of cancer and the concept of exploiting them as drug targets has burgeoned in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry of the 21st century. Consequently, an increasing plethora of inhibitors has emerged. In the present study, the expression patterns of a selected group of kinases (including tyrosine receptors, members of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, coordinators of cell cycle progression, and chromosome segregation) and their correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric solid tumors were accessed through the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform and by a thorough search of published literature. To further illustrate the importance of kinase dysregulation in the pathophysiology of pediatric cancer, we analyzed the vulnerability of different cancer cell lines against their inhibition through the Cancer Dependency Map portal, and performed a search for kinase-targeted compounds with approval and clinical applicability through the CanSAR knowledgebase. Finally, we provide a detailed literature review of a considerable set of small molecules that mitigate kinase activity under experimental testing and clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric tumors, while discuss critical challenges that must be overcome before translation into clinical options, including the absence of compounds designed specifically for childhood tumors which often show differential mutational burdens, intrinsic and acquired resistance, lack of selectivity and adverse effects on a growing organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medeiros
- Regional Blood Center, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - David Bastos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Laissa Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-9144; Fax: +55-16-3315-4886
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Eptaminitaki GC, Zaravinos A, Stellas D, Panagopoulou M, Karaliota S, Baltsavia I, Iliopoulos I, Chatzaki E, Iliopoulos D, Baritaki S. Genome-Wide Analysis of lncRNA-mRNA Co-Expression Networks in CD133+/CD44+ Stem-like PDAC Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041053. [PMID: 36831395 PMCID: PMC9954787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the second most prevalent gastrointestinal malignancy and the most common type of pancreatic cancer is linked with poor prognosis and, eventually, with high mortality rates. Early detection is seldom, while tumor heterogeneity and microarchitectural alterations benefit PDAC resistance to conventional therapeutics. Although emerging evidence suggest the core role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in PDAC aggressiveness, unique stem signatures are poorly available, thus limiting the efforts of anti-CSC-targeted therapy. Herein, we report the findings of the first genome-wide analyses of mRNA/lncRNA transcriptome profiling and co-expression networks in PDAC cell line-derived CD133+/CD44+ cells, which were shown to bear a CSC-like phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Compared to CD133-/CD44- cells, the CD133+/CD44+ population demonstrated significant expression differences in both transcript pools. Using emerging bioinformatic tools, we performed lncRNA target coding gene prediction analysis, which revealed significant Gene Ontology (GO), pathway, and network enrichments in many dyregulated lncRNA nearby (cis or trans) mRNAs, with reported involvement in the regulation of CSC phenotype and functions. In this context, the construction of lncRNA/mRNA networks by ingenuity platforms identified the lncRNAs ATF2, CHEK1, DCAF8, and PAX8 to interact with "hub" SC-associated mRNAs. In addition, the expressions of the above lncRNAs retrieved by TCGA-normalized RNAseq gene expression data of PAAD were significantly correlated with clinicopathological features of PDAC, including tumor grade and stage, nodal metastasis, and overall survival. Overall, our findings shed light on the identification of CSC-specific lncRNA signatures with potential prognostic and therapeutic significance in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giasemi C. Eptaminitaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Cancer Genetics, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Panagopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University Research Centre, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sevasti Karaliota
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ismini Baltsavia
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Division of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Iliopoulos
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Division of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Chatzaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University Research Centre, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Stavroula Baritaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-281-039-4727
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Michishita M, Ochiai K, Nakahira R, Azakami D, Machida Y, Nagashima T, Nakagawa T, Ishiwata T. mTOR pathway as a potential therapeutic target for cancer stem cells in canine mammary carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1100602. [PMID: 36816969 PMCID: PMC9931192 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammary adenocarcinoma, the most common cancer in female dogs, often exhibits the lymph node and lung metastases and has a higher mortality rate. However, mammary adenocarcinoma has no established treatment, except early surgical excision. Canine mammary carcinoma has many common features with human mammary carcinoma, including clinical characteristics, heterogeneity, and genetic aberrations, making it an excellent spontaneous tumor model for human breast cancer. Diverse cancers comprised heterogeneous cell populations originating from cancer stem cells (CSCs) with self-renewal ability. Therefore, in addition to conventional therapy, therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs are essential for cancer eradication. The present study aimed to extract inhibitors of canine mammary CSCs that suppress their self-renewal ability. Sphere-formation assay, which evaluates self-renewal ability, was performed for the canine mammary cancer cell lines CTBp and CNMp. The spheres formed in this assay were used in inhibitor library screening, which identified various signaling pathways such as proteosome, stress inducer, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The present study focused on the mTOR signaling pathway. Western blotting showed higher levels of phosphorylated mTOR in sphere-forming CTBp and CNMp cells than in adherent cells. Drug sensitivity examination using the mTOR inhibitors everolimus and temsirolimus revealed dose-dependent reductions in viability among both sphere-forming cells and adherent cells. Expression of phosphorylated mTOR in adherent and sphere-forming cells decreased by everolimus and temsirolimus treatment. In mice transplanted with CTBp-derived spheres, everolimus treatment significantly decreased tumor volume compared to control. These results reveal that the mTOR signaling pathway may be a potential to be a therapeutic target in both cancer cells and CSCs. Novel therapeutic strategies for canine mammary carcinoma are expected to benefit to human breast carcinoma as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Michishita
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan,Research Center for Animal Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan,*Correspondence: Masaki Michishita,
| | - Kazuhiko Ochiai
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan,Department of Veterinary Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rei Nakahira
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daigo Azakami
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukino Machida
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Nagashima
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ishiwata
- Division of Aging and Carcinogenesis, Research Team for Geriatric Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou X, Wang X, Li N, Guo Y, Yang X, Lei Y. Therapy resistance in neuroblastoma: Mechanisms and reversal strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1114295. [PMID: 36874032 PMCID: PMC9978534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1114295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common pediatric solid tumors that threaten the health of children, accounting for about 15% of childhood cancer-related mortality in the United States. Currently, multiple therapies have been developed and applied in clinic to treat neuroblastoma including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the resistance to therapies is inevitable following long-term treatment, leading to treatment failure and cancer relapse. Hence, to understand the mechanisms of therapy resistance and discover reversal strategies have become an urgent task. Recent studies have demonstrated numerous genetic alterations and dysfunctional pathways related to neuroblastoma resistance. These molecular signatures may be potential targets to combat refractory neuroblastoma. A number of novel interventions for neuroblastoma patients have been developed based on these targets. In this review, we focus on the complicated mechanisms of therapy resistance and the potential targets such as ATP-binding cassette transporters, long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, autophagy, cancer stem cells, and extracellular vesicles. On this basis, we summarized recent studies on the reversal strategies to overcome therapy resistance of neuroblastoma such as targeting ATP-binding cassette transporters, MYCN gene, cancer stem cells, hypoxia, and autophagy. This review aims to provide novel insight in how to improve the therapy efficacy against resistant neuroblastoma, which may shed light on the future directions that would enhance the treatment outcomes and prolong the survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaokang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.,The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhe Lei
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gomez RL, Ibragimova S, Ramachandran R, Philpott A, Ali FR. Tumoral heterogeneity in neuroblastoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188805. [PMID: 36162542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188805] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a solid, neuroendocrine tumor with divergent clinical behavior ranging from asymptomatic to fatal. The diverse clinical presentations of neuroblastoma are directly linked to the high intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity it presents. This heterogeneity is strongly associated with therapeutic resistance and continuous relapses, often leading to fatal outcomes. The development of successful risk assessment and tailored treatment strategies lies in evaluating the extent of heterogeneity via the accurate genetic and epigenetic profiling of distinct cell subpopulations present in the tumor. Recent studies have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive tumoral heterogeneity in pursuing better therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. This review describes the cellular, genetic, and epigenetic aspects of neuroblastoma heterogeneity. In addition, we summarize the recent findings on three crucial factors that can lead to heterogeneity in solid tumors: the inherent diversity of the progenitor cells, the presence of cancer stem cells, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshna Lawrence Gomez
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shakhzada Ibragimova
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Revathy Ramachandran
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anna Philpott
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Center, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fahad R Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Toson B, Fortes IS, Roesler R, Andrade SF. Targeting Akt/PKB in pediatric tumors: A review from preclinical to clinical trials. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106403. [PMID: 35987481 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt is a major player in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and its modulation impacts multiple cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and survival. Several abnormalities in this pathway have been documented over the years, and these alterations were shown to have great implications in tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, multiple Akt inhibitors have been developed and tested in adult tumors, and some of them are currently undergoing phase I, II, and III clinical trials for distinct cancers that arise during adulthood. Despite that, the impact of these inhibitors is still not fully understood in pediatric tumors, and Akt-specific targeting seems to be a promising approach to treat children affected by cancers. This review summarizes recent available evidence of Akt inhibitors in pediatric cancers, from both preclinical and clinical studies. In short, we demonstrate the impact that Akt inhibition provides in tumorigenesis, and we suggest targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, alone or in combination with other inhibitors, is a feasible tool to achieve better outcomes in pediatric tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Toson
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Fortes
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo F Andrade
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu H, Wei M, Li Y, Ma Q, Zhang H. Research Progress on the Regulation Mechanism of Key Signal Pathways Affecting the Prognosis of Glioma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2022.910543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As is known to all, glioma, a global difficult problem, has a high malignant degree, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. We analyzed and summarized signal pathway of the Hippo/YAP, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, miRNA, WNT/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, TCS/mTORC1 signal pathway, JAK/STAT signal pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, the relationship between BBB and signal pathways and the mechanism of key enzymes in glioma. It is concluded that Yap1 inhibitor may become an effective target for the treatment of glioma in the near future through efforts of generation after generation. Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Shh, Wnt/β-Catenin, and HIF-1α can reduce the migration ability and drug resistance of tumor cells to improve the prognosis of glioma. The analysis shows that Notch1 and Sox2 have a positive feedback regulation mechanism, and Notch4 predicts the malignant degree of glioma. In this way, notch cannot only be treated for glioma stem cells in clinic, but also be used as an evaluation index to evaluate the prognosis, and provide an exploratory attempt for the direction of glioma treatment. MiRNA plays an important role in diagnosis, and in the treatment of glioma, VPS25, KCNQ1OT1, KB-1460A1.5, and CKAP4 are promising prognostic indicators and a potential therapeutic targets for glioma, meanwhile, Rheb is also a potent activator of Signaling cross-talk etc. It is believed that these studies will help us to have a deeper understanding of glioma, so that we will find new and better treatment schemes to gradually conquer the problem of glioma.
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu H, Wei M, Li Y, Ma Q, Zhang H. Research Progress on the Regulation Mechanism of Key Signal Pathways Affecting the Prognosis of Glioma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:910543. [PMID: 35935338 PMCID: PMC9354928 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.910543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As is known to all, glioma, a global difficult problem, has a high malignant degree, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. We analyzed and summarized signal pathway of the Hippo/YAP, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, miRNA, WNT/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, TCS/mTORC1 signal pathway, JAK/STAT signal pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, the relationship between BBB and signal pathways and the mechanism of key enzymes in glioma. It is concluded that Yap1 inhibitor may become an effective target for the treatment of glioma in the near future through efforts of generation after generation. Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Shh, Wnt/β-Catenin, and HIF-1α can reduce the migration ability and drug resistance of tumor cells to improve the prognosis of glioma. The analysis shows that Notch1 and Sox2 have a positive feedback regulation mechanism, and Notch4 predicts the malignant degree of glioma. In this way, notch cannot only be treated for glioma stem cells in clinic, but also be used as an evaluation index to evaluate the prognosis, and provide an exploratory attempt for the direction of glioma treatment. MiRNA plays an important role in diagnosis, and in the treatment of glioma, VPS25, KCNQ1OT1, KB-1460A1.5, and CKAP4 are promising prognostic indicators and a potential therapeutic targets for glioma, meanwhile, Rheb is also a potent activator of Signaling cross-talk etc. It is believed that these studies will help us to have a deeper understanding of glioma, so that we will find new and better treatment schemes to gradually conquer the problem of glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Min Wei
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuping Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hengzhu Zhang
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hengzhu Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fath MK, Ebrahimi M, Nourbakhsh E, Hazara AZ, Mirzaei A, Shafieyari S, Salehi A, Hoseinzadeh M, Payandeh Z, Barati G. PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Cancer Stem Cells. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 237:154010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
13
|
Kanwore K, Kanwore K, Adzika GK, Abiola AA, Guo X, Kambey PA, Xia Y, Gao D. Cancer Metabolism: The Role of Immune Cells Epigenetic Alteration in Tumorigenesis, Progression, and Metastasis of Glioma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:831636. [PMID: 35392088 PMCID: PMC8980436 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.831636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a type of brain and spinal cord tumor that begins in glial cells that support the nervous system neurons functions. Age, radiation exposure, and family background of glioma constitute are risk factors of glioma initiation. Gliomas are categorized on a scale of four grades according to their growth rate. Grades one and two grow slowly, while grades three and four grow faster. Glioblastoma is a grade four gliomas and the deadliest due to its aggressive nature (accelerated proliferation, invasion, and migration). As such, multiple therapeutic approaches are required to improve treatment outcomes. Recently, studies have implicated the significant roles of immune cells in tumorigenesis and the progression of glioma. The energy demands of gliomas alter their microenvironment quality, thereby inducing heterogeneity and plasticity change of stromal and immune cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which ultimately results in epigenetic modifications that facilitates tumor growth. PI3K is utilized by many intracellular signaling pathways ensuring the proper functioning of the cell. The activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR regulates the plasma membrane activities, contributing to the phosphorylation reaction necessary for transcription factors activities and oncogenes hyperactivation. The pleiotropic nature of PI3K/AKT/mTOR makes its activity unpredictable during altered cellular functions. Modification of cancer cell microenvironment affects many cell types, including immune cells that are the frontline cells involved in inflammatory cascades caused by cancer cells via high cytokines synthesis. Typically, the evasion of immunosurveillance by gliomas and their resistance to treatment has been attributed to epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which results from cancer metabolism. Hence, it is speculative that impeding cancer metabolism and/or circumventing the epigenetic alteration of immune cell functions in the tumor microenvironment might enhance treatment outcomes. Herein, from an oncological and immunological perspective, this review discusses the underlying pathomechanism of cell-cell interactions enhancing glioma initiation and metabolism activation and tumor microenvironment changes that affect epigenetic modifications in immune cells. Finally, prospects for therapeutic intervention were highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kouminin Kanwore
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Konimpo Kanwore
- Faculty Mixed of Medicine and Pharmacy, Lomé-Togo, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | - Ayanlaja Abdulrahman Abiola
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Guo
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Piniel Alphayo Kambey
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dianshuai Gao
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bahmad HF, Demus T, Moubarak MM, Daher D, Alvarez Moreno JC, Polit F, Lopez O, Merhe A, Abou-Kheir W, Nieder AM, Poppiti R, Omarzai Y. Overcoming Drug Resistance in Advanced Prostate Cancer by Drug Repurposing. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:medsci10010015. [PMID: 35225948 PMCID: PMC8883996 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men. Common treatments include active surveillance, surgery, or radiation. Androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy are usually reserved for advanced disease or biochemical recurrence, such as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), but they are not considered curative because PCa cells eventually develop drug resistance. The latter is achieved through various cellular mechanisms that ultimately circumvent the pharmaceutical’s mode of action. The need for novel therapeutic approaches is necessary under these circumstances. An alternative way to treat PCa is by repurposing of existing drugs that were initially intended for other conditions. By extrapolating the effects of previously approved drugs to the intracellular processes of PCa, treatment options will expand. In addition, drug repurposing is cost-effective and efficient because it utilizes drugs that have already demonstrated safety and efficacy. This review catalogues the drugs that can be repurposed for PCa in preclinical studies as well as clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-786-961-0216
| | - Timothy Demus
- Division of Urology, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (T.D.); (A.M.N.)
| | - Maya M. Moubarak
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (M.M.M.); (W.A.-K.)
- CNRS, IBGC, UMR5095, Universite de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon;
| | - Juan Carlos Alvarez Moreno
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
| | - Francesca Polit
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
| | - Olga Lopez
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Ali Merhe
- Department of Urology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon; (M.M.M.); (W.A.-K.)
| | - Alan M. Nieder
- Division of Urology, Columbia University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (T.D.); (A.M.N.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Robert Poppiti
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Yumna Omarzai
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA; (J.C.A.M.); (F.P.); (R.P.); (Y.O.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Differential Regulation of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/PTEN Pathway between Low- and High-Grade Gliomas. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121655. [PMID: 34942957 PMCID: PMC8699139 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121655] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas represent 70% of all central system nervous tumors and are classified according to the degree of malignancy as low- or high-grade. The permanent activation of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway by various genetic or post-translational alterations of EGFR, PI3KCA, and PTEN has been associated with increased proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. The present study aimed to analyze the molecular/genetic changes in the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway between low-grade and high-grade gliomas in a sample of Colombian patients. A total of 30 samples were tested for PI3K and PTEN mutations, EGFR, PI3K, and AKT gene amplification, AKT, PI3K, BAX, Bcl2 expression levels, and phosphorylation of AKT and PTEN, EGFR and/or PI3K gene amplification was found in 50% of low-grade and 45% of high-grade ones. AKT amplification was found in 25% of the low-grade and 13.6% of the high-grade. The expression of PI3K, AKT, Bcl2, and BAX was increased particularly to a high degree. AKT phosphorylation was found in 66% of low-grade and 31.8% of high-grade. Increased phosphorylation of PTEN was found in 77% low-grade and 66% high-grade. Our results indicate that alterations in the EGFR/PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway could be important in the initiation and malignant progression of this type of tumor.
Collapse
|
16
|
Naz F, Shi M, Sajid S, Yang Z, Yu C. Cancer stem cells: a major culprit of intra-tumor heterogeneity. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5782-5811. [PMID: 35018226 PMCID: PMC8727794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is recognized as a preeminent factor of the world's mortality. Although various modalities have been designed to cure this life-threatening ailment, a significant impediment in the effective output of cancer treatment is heterogeneity. Cancer is characterized as a heterogeneous health disorder that comprises a distinct group of transformed cells to assist anomalous proliferation of affected cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a leading cause of cancer heterogeneity that is continually transformed by cellular extrinsic and intrinsic factors. They intensify neoplastic cells aggressiveness by strengthening their dissemination, relapse and therapy resistance. Considering this viewpoint, in this review article we have discussed some intrinsic (transcription factors, cell signaling pathways, genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and epitranscriptomics) and extrinsic factors (tumor microenvironment (TME)) that contribute to CSC heterogeneity and plasticity, which may help scientists to meddle these processes and eventually improve cancer research and management. Besides, the potential role of CSCs heterogeneity in establishing metastasis and therapy resistance has been articulated which signifies the importance of developing novel anticancer therapies to target CSCs along with targeting bulk tumor mass to achieve an effective output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Naz
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Mengran Shi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Salvia Sajid
- Department of Biotechnology, Jinnah University for WomenKarachi 74600, Pakistan
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim UniversityAlar 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Synthetic Heterocyclic Derivatives as Kinase Inhibitors Tested for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237069. [PMID: 34885651 PMCID: PMC8658969 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, small molecules endowed with different heterocyclic scaffolds have been developed as kinase inhibitors. Some of them are being tested at preclinical or clinical levels for the potential treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). This disease is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood and is responsible for 10% to 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. Despite the availability of some treatments, including the use of very toxic cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, high-risk (HR)-NB patients still have a poor prognosis and a survival rate below 50%. For these reasons, new pharmacological options are urgently needed. This review focuses on synthetic heterocyclic compounds published in the last five years, which showed at least some activity on this severe disease and act as kinase inhibitors. The specific mechanism of action, selectivity, and biological activity of these drug candidates are described, when established. Moreover, the most remarkable clinical trials are reported. Importantly, kinase inhibitors approved for other diseases have shown to be active and endowed with lower toxicity compared to conventional cytotoxic agents. The data collected in this article can be particularly useful for the researchers working in this area.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kling MJ, Griggs CN, McIntyre EM, Alexander G, Ray S, Challagundla KB, Joshi SS, Coulter DW, Chaturvedi NK. Synergistic efficacy of inhibiting MYCN and mTOR signaling against neuroblastoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1061. [PMID: 34565342 PMCID: PMC8474810 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) patients with MYCN amplification or overexpression respond poorly to current therapies and exhibit extremely poor clinical outcomes. PI3K-mTOR signaling-driven deregulation of protein synthesis is very common in NB and various other cancers that promote MYCN stabilization. In addition, both the MYCN and mTOR signaling axes can directly regulate a common translation pathway that leads to increased protein synthesis and cell proliferation. However, a strategy of concurrently targeting MYCN and mTOR signaling in NB remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting dysregulated protein synthesis pathways by inhibiting the MYCN and mTOR pathways together in NB. METHODS Using small molecule/pharmacologic approaches, we evaluated the effects of combined inhibition of MYCN transcription and mTOR signaling on NB cell growth/survival and associated molecular mechanism(s) in NB cell lines. We used two well-established BET (bromodomain extra-terminal) protein inhibitors (JQ1, OTX-015), and a clinically relevant mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus, to target MYCN transcription and mTOR signaling, respectively. The single agent and combined efficacies of these inhibitors on NB cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle and neurospheres were assessed using MTT, Annexin-V, propidium-iodide staining and sphere assays, respectively. Effects of inhibitors on global protein synthesis were quantified using a fluorescence-based (FamAzide)-based protein synthesis assay. Further, we investigated the specificities of these inhibitors in targeting the associated pathways/molecules using western blot analyses. RESULTS Co-treatment of JQ1 or OTX-015 with temsirolimus synergistically suppressed NB cell growth/survival by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis with greatest efficacy in MYCN-amplified NB cells. Mechanistically, the co-treatment of JQ1 or OTX-015 with temsirolimus significantly downregulated the expression levels of phosphorylated 4EBP1/p70-S6K/eIF4E (mTOR components) and BRD4 (BET protein)/MYCN proteins. Further, this combination significantly inhibited global protein synthesis, compared to single agents. Our findings also demonstrated that both JQ1 and temsirolimus chemosensitized NB cells when tested in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings demonstrate synergistic efficacy of JQ1 or OTX-015 and temsirolimus against MYCN-driven NB, by dual-inhibition of MYCN (targeting transcription) and mTOR (targeting translation). Additional preclinical evaluation is warranted to determine the clinical utility of targeted therapy for high-risk NB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Kling
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986395, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Connor N Griggs
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986395, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Erin M McIntyre
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986395, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Gracey Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986395, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986395, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kishore B Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986395, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nagendra K Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986395, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abou-Mrad Z, Bou Gharios J, Moubarak MM, Chalhoub A, Moussalem C, Bahmad HF, Abou-Kheir W. Central nervous system tumors and three-dimensional cell biology: Current and future perspectives in modeling. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1112-1126. [PMID: 34567429 PMCID: PMC8422930 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i8.1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a variety of distinct neoplasms that present multiple challenges in terms of treatment and prognosis. Glioblastoma, the most common primary tumor in adults, is associated with poor survival and remains one of the least treatable neoplasms. These tumors are highly heterogenous and complex in their nature. Due to this complexity, traditional cell culturing techniques and methods do not provide an ideal recapitulating model for the study of these tumors’ behavior in vivo. Two-dimensional models lack the spatial arrangement, the heterogeneity in cell types, and the microenvironment that play a large role in tumor cell behavior and response to treatment. Recently, scientists have turned towards three-dimensional culturing methods, namely spheroids and organoids, as they have been shown to recapitulate tumors in a more faithful manner to their in vivo counterparts. Moreover, tumor-on-a-chip systems have lately been employed in CNS tumor modeling and have shown great potential in both studying the pathophysiology and therapeutic testing. In this review, we will discuss the current available literature on in vitro three-dimensional culturing models in CNS tumors, in addition to presenting their advantages and current limitations. We will also elaborate on the future implications of these models and their benefit in the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaki Abou-Mrad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou Gharios
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Maya M Moubarak
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Moussalem
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Downregulation of Hyaluronic acid-CD44 signaling pathway in cervical cancer cell by natural polyphenols Plumbagin, Pongapin and Karanjin. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3701-3709. [PMID: 34081254 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04195-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA)-CD44 pathway showed association with several malignancies. The natural polyphenols Plumbagin, Pongapin and Karanjin showed anti-cancer activities in different tumors including cervical carcinoma. To understand their mechanism of anti-cancer activity, the effect of the compounds on HA-CD44 pathway was analyzed in cervical cancer cell line HeLa. The mRNA expression of three different isoforms of CD44 i.e., CD44s, CD44v3, and CD44v6, was differentially downregulated by the compounds. This was validated by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis of CD44s.The low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) showed growth promoting activity in HeLa at low concentration, whereas high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) had no such effect. The compounds could preferentially downregulate the LMW-HA level in HeLa, as evident in the cell as well as in the cell-free conditioned medium. Concentration-dependent upregulation of HA synthase-2 (HAS2) was seen in the cell by the compounds, whereas differential downregulation of hyalurinidases 1-4 (HYAL 1-4), predominantly HYAL1, were seen. The compounds could also downregulate the downstream target of the pathway p-AKT (T-308) in concentration-dependent manner. Thus, the compounds could attenuate the HA-CD44 pathway in HeLa cell to restrict the tumor growth.
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen C, Zuo W, Yang P, Zhang Y. Anti-PD-1, anti-VEGF, and temozolomide therapy in a patient with recurrent glioblastoma: a case report. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520951395. [PMID: 32883128 PMCID: PMC7479856 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520951395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients suffering from postoperative recurrent glioblastoma have an extremely unfavorable outcome because there are no proven therapeutic options. The median overall survival for those with relapsed glioblastoma after surgery is only 7.5 months.Case presentation: Between March 2015 and October 2019, a 44-year-old female patient with recurrent glioblastoma was treated by our medical team. After several failed rounds of therapy, the patient was subsequently treated with the anti-programmed death (PD)-1 antibody nivolumab, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab, and cytotoxic agent temozolomide. RESULTS The patient showed a sustainable complete response to the regimen. To date, there have been no serious toxic side effects. As of October 2019 (the last follow-up), the patient has been in complete remission for 17 months since recurrence. CONCLUSION The experience of this complicated case indicates the possible application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis agents, and cytotoxic reagents for recurrent glioblastoma. The administration of this three-agent regimen appears safe and effective. However, further clinical trials are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Chen
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of the 12525Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenwei Zuo
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of the 12525Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of the 12525Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of the 12525Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Panagopoulos D, Karydakis P, Giakoumettis D, Themistocleous M. The 100 most cited papers about medulloblastomas. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2020.100855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Robles-Flores M, Moreno-Londoño AP, Castañeda-Patlán MC. Signaling Pathways Involved in Nutrient Sensing Control in Cancer Stem Cells: An Overview. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:627745. [PMID: 33828530 PMCID: PMC8020906 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.627745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells characteristically have a high proliferation rate. Because tumor growth depends on energy-consuming anabolic processes, including biosynthesis of protein, lipid, and nucleotides, many tumor-associated conditions, including intermittent oxygen deficiency due to insufficient vascularization, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation, results from fast growth. To cope with these environmental stressors, cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, must adapt their metabolism to maintain cellular homeostasis. It is well- known that cancer stem cells (CSC) reprogram their metabolism to adapt to live in hypoxic niches. They usually change from oxidative phosphorylation to increased aerobic glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. However, as opposed to most differentiated cancer cells relying on glycolysis, CSCs can be highly glycolytic or oxidative phosphorylation-dependent, displaying high metabolic plasticity. Although the influence of the metabolic and nutrient-sensing pathways on the maintenance of stemness has been recognized, the molecular mechanisms that link these pathways to stemness are not well known. Here in this review, we describe the most relevant signaling pathways involved in nutrient sensing and cancer cell survival. Among them, Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, mTOR pathway, and Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway (HBP) are critical sensors of cellular energy and nutrient status in cancer cells and interact in complex and dynamic ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Robles-Flores
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angela P Moreno-Londoño
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Cristina Castañeda-Patlán
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Drug Repurposing in Medulloblastoma: Challenges and Recommendations. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2020; 22:6. [PMID: 33245404 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-00805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Medulloblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed primary malignant brain tumor among children. Currently available therapeutic strategies are based on surgical resection, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. However, majority of patients quickly develop therapeutic resistance and are often left with long-term therapy-related side effects and sequelae. Therefore, there remains a dire need to develop more effective therapeutics to overcome the acquired resistance to currently available therapies. Unfortunately, the process of developing novel anti-neoplastic drugs from bench to bedside is highly time-consuming and very expensive. A wide range of drugs that are already in clinical use for treating non-cancerous diseases might commonly target tumor-associated signaling pathways as well and hence be of interest in treating different cancers. This is referred to as drug repurposing or repositioning. In medulloblastoma, drug repurposing has recently gained a remarkable interest as an alternative therapy to overcome therapy resistance, wherein existing non-tumor drugs are being tested for their potential anti-neoplastic effects outside the scope of their original use.
Collapse
|
27
|
Corallo D, Frabetti S, Candini O, Gregianin E, Dominici M, Fischer H, Aveic S. Emerging Neuroblastoma 3D In Vitro Models for Pre-Clinical Assessments. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584214. [PMID: 33324402 PMCID: PMC7726254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of tumor three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models for the validation of existing or novel anti-cancer therapies has been largely recognized. During the last decade, diverse in vitro 3D cell systems have been proposed as a bridging link between two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and in vivo animal models, both considered gold standards in pre-clinical settings. The latest awareness about the power of tailored therapies and cell-based therapies in eradicating tumor cells raises the need for versatile 3D cell culture systems through which we might rapidly understand the specificity of promising anti-cancer approaches. Yet, a faithful reproduction of the complex tumor microenvironment is demanding as it implies a suitable organization of several cell types and extracellular matrix components. The proposed 3D tumor models discussed here are expected to offer the required structural complexity while also assuring cost-effectiveness during pre-selection of the most promising therapies. As neuroblastoma is an extremely heterogenous extracranial solid tumor, translation from 2D cultures into innovative 3D in vitro systems is particularly challenging. In recent years, the number of 3D in vitro models mimicking native neuroblastoma tumors has been rapidly increasing. However, in vitro platforms that efficiently sustain patient-derived tumor cell growth, thus allowing comprehensive drug discovery studies on tailored therapies, are still lacking. In this review, the latest neuroblastoma 3D in vitro models are presented and their applicability for a more accurate prediction of therapy outcomes is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Corallo
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Massimo Dominici
- Rigenerand srl, Modena, Italy.,Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Horst Fischer
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy.,Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shahcheraghi SH, Tchokonte-Nana V, Lotfi M, Lotfi M, Ghorbani A, Sadeghnia HR. Wnt/beta-catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma: Two Main Targets for Drug Design: A Review. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1729-1741. [PMID: 32003685 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200131100630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant astrocytic glioma, accounting for about 90% of all brain tumors with poor prognosis. Despite recent advances in understanding molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis and the improved neuroimaging technologies, surgery, and adjuvant treatments, the clinical prognosis of patients with GBM remains persistently unfavorable. The signaling pathways and the regulation of growth factors of glioblastoma cells are very abnormal. The various signaling pathways have been suggested to be involved in cellular proliferation, invasion, and glioma metastasis. The Wnt signaling pathway with its pleiotropic functions in neurogenesis and stem cell proliferation is implicated in various human cancers, including glioma. In addition, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is closely related to growth, metabolism, survival, angiogenesis, autophagy, and chemotherapy resistance of GBM. Understanding the mechanisms of GBM's invasion, represented by invasion and migration, is an important tool in designing effective therapeutic interventions. This review will investigate two main signaling pathways in GBM: PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed H Shahcheraghi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of medical sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Venant Tchokonte-Nana
- Comparative Anatomy, Experimental Anatomopathology and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University des Montagnes, Bangangte, Cameroon
| | - Marzieh Lotfi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of medical sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Malihe Lotfi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid R Sadeghnia
- Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid present anticancer properties against melanoma by promoting nitric oxide-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19617. [PMID: 33184378 PMCID: PMC7665072 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and fatal type of skin cancer due to being highly proliferative. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; Aspirin) and salicylic acid (SA) are ancient drugs with multiple applications in medicine. Here, we showed that ASA and SA present anticancer effects against a murine model of implanted melanoma. These effects were also validated in 3D- and 2D-cultured melanoma B16F10 cells, where the drugs promoted pro-apoptotic effects. In both in vivo and in vitro models, SA and ASA triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which culminates with the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). These effects are initiated by ASA/SA-triggered Akt/mTOR/AMPK-dependent activation of nitric oxide synthase 3 (eNOS), which increases nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production inducing ER stress response. In the end, we propose that ASA and SA instigate anticancer effects by a novel mechanism, the activation of ER stress.
Collapse
|
30
|
Bahmad HF, Elajami MK, El Zarif T, Bou-Gharios J, Abou-Antoun T, Abou-Kheir W. Drug repurposing towards targeting cancer stem cells in pediatric brain tumors. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:127-148. [PMID: 31919619 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the pediatric population, brain tumors represent the most commonly diagnosed solid neoplasms and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. They include low-grade gliomas (LGGs), medulloblastomas (MBs), and other embryonal, ependymal, and neuroectodermal tumors. The mainstay of treatment for most brain tumors includes surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, resistance to conventional therapy is widespread, which contributes to the high mortality rates reported and lack of improvement in patient survival despite advancement in therapeutic research. This has been attributed to the presence of a subpopulation of cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which reside within the tumor bulk and maintain self-renewal and recurrence potential of the tumor. An emerging promising approach that enables identifying novel therapeutic strategies to target CSCs and overcome therapy resistance is drug repurposing or repositioning. This is based on using previously approved drugs with known pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics for indications other than their traditional ones, like cancer. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the drug repurposing methodologies that have been used in pediatric brain tumors, and we argue how this selective compilation of approaches, with a focus on CSC targeting, could elevate drug repurposing to the next level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad K Elajami
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Talal El Zarif
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou-Gharios
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos Campus, CHSC 6101, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Beirut, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Fu J, Zhu SH, Xu HB, Xu YQ, Wang X, Wang J, Kong PS. Xihuang pill potentiates the anti-tumor effects of temozolomide in glioblastoma xenografts through the Akt/mTOR-dependent pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 261:113071. [PMID: 32603676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xihuang pill, as a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used for tumor treatment in China. The anti-tumor activities and mechanisms of Xihuang pill still remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The Akt/mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating cell proliferation and apoptosis in glioblastoma. This study aimed to investigate whether Xihuang pill could potentiate temozolomide-induced apoptosis of glioblastoma U87 and U251 cells in vivo and its underlying mechanisms related to Akt/mTOR pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenograft models were established. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot were performed to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect, apoptosis and Akt/mTOR signaling mediators. RESULTS The results showed that Xihuang pill (0.5, 1 g/kg) or temozolomide (10 mg/kg) treatment alone inhibited tumor growth in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts. When Xihuang pill (1 g/kg) and temozolomide (10 mg/kg) were co-administrated, the activities of antitumor growth were markedly increased. Meanwhile, Xihuang pill (0.5, 1 g/kg) or temozolomide (10 mg/kg) treatment alone decreased the levels of Ki67 and PCNA expression in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts. In combination treatment group, the inhibitory effects on Ki67 and PCNA expression were significantly enhanced in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts compared to temozolomide treatment alone. Examining the apoptotic index by TUNEL assay showed similar results. Furthermore, Xihuang pill markedly down-regulated the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibited the activation of Akt/mTOR pathway in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts. In addition, no significant signs of toxicities were related to Xihuang pill and/or temozolomide treatment. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggested that Xihuang pill might potentiate temozolomide-induced apoptosis of glioblastoma cells in vivo through inhibiting Akt/mTOR-dependent pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Hui Zhu
- Department of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Bin Xu
- Department of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - You-Qi Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping-Shi Kong
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bahmad HF, Chalhoub RM, Harati H, Bou-Gharios J, Assi S, Ballout F, Monzer A, Msheik H, Araji T, Elajami MK, Ghanem P, Chamaa F, Kadara H, Abou-Antoun T, Daoud G, Fares Y, Abou-Kheir W. Tideglusib attenuates growth of neuroblastoma cancer stem/progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo by specifically targeting GSK-3β. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 73:211-226. [PMID: 33030673 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00162-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequently diagnosed extracranial solid tumor among the pediatric population. It is an embryonic tumor with high relapse rates pertaining to the presence of dormant slowly dividing cancer stem cells (CSC) within the tumor bulk that are responsible for therapy resistance. Therefore, there is a dire need to develop new therapeutic approaches that specifically target NB CSCs. Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β is a serine/threonine kinase that represents a common signaling node at the intersection of many pathways implicated in NB CSCs. GSK-3β sustains the survival and maintenance of CSCs and renders them insensitive to chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. METHODS In our study, we aimed at evaluating the potential anti-tumor effect of Tideglusib (TDG), an irreversible GSK-3β inhibitor drug, on three human NB cell lines, SK-N-SH, SH-SY5Y, and IMR-32. RESULTS Our results showed that TDG significantly reduced cell proliferation, viability, and migration of the NB cells, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and also significantly hindered the neurospheres formation eradicating the self-renewal ability of highly resistant CSCs. Besides, TDG potently reduced CD133 cancer stem cell marker expression in both SH-SY5Y cells and G1 spheres. Lastly, TDG inhibited NB tumor growth and progression in vivo. CONCLUSION Collectively, we concluded that TDG could serve as an effective treatment capable of targeting the NB CSCs and hence overcoming therapy resistance. Yet, future studies are warranted to further investigate its potential role in NB and decipher the subcellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Reda M Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou-Gharios
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Assi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Ballout
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alissar Monzer
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hiba Msheik
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Araji
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad K Elajami
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Paola Ghanem
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Chamaa
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Humam Kadara
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Georges Daoud
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma (NB) is the prime cancer of infancy, and accounts for 9% of pediatric cancer deaths. While children diagnosed with clinically stable NB experience a complete cure, those with high-risk disease (HR-NB) do not recover, despite intensive therapeutic strategies. Development of novel and effective targeted therapies is needed to counter disease progression, and to benefit long-term survival of children with HR-NB. AREAS COVERED Recent studies (2017-2020) pertinent to NB evolution are selectively reviewed to recognize novel and effective therapeutic targets. The prospective and promising therapeutic targets/strategies for HR-NB are categorized into (a) targeting oncogene-like and/or reinforcing tumor suppressor (TS)-like lncRNAs; (b) targeting oncogene-like microRNAs (miRs) and/or mimicking TS-miRs; (c) targets for immunotherapy; (d) targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells; (e) novel and beneficial combination approaches; and (f) repurposing drugs and other strategies in development. EXPERT OPINION It is highly unlikely that agents targeting a single candidate or signaling will be beneficial for an HR-NB cure. We must develop efficient drug deliverables for functional targets, which could be integrated and advance clinical therapy. Fittingly, the looming evidence indicated an aggressive evolution of promising novel and integrative targets, development of efficient drugs, and improvised strategies for HR-NB treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Terence Herman
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City, USA.,Stephenson Cancer Center , Oklahoma City, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
2D and 3D in vitro assays to quantify the invasive behavior of glioblastoma stem cells in response to SDF-1α. Biotechniques 2020; 69:339-346. [PMID: 32867513 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2020-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasion is a hallmark of cancer and therefore in vitro invasion assays are important tools in cancer research. We aimed to describe in vitro 2D transwell assays and 3D spheroid assays to quantitatively determine the invasive behavior of glioblastoma stem cells in response to the chemoattractant SDF-1α. Matrigel was used as a matrix in both assays. We demonstrated quantitatively that SDF-1α increased invasive behavior of glioblastoma stem cells in both assays. We conclude that the 2D transwell invasion assay is easy to perform, fast and less complex whereas the more time-consuming 3D spheroid invasion assay is physiologically closer to the in vivo situation.
Collapse
|
35
|
Behera A, Ashraf R, Srivastava AK, Kumar S. Bioinformatics analysis and verification of molecular targets in ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04820. [PMID: 32984578 PMCID: PMC7492822 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a lethal and aggressive gynecological malignancy. Despite recent advances, existing therapies are challenged by a high relapse rate, eventually resulting in disease recurrence and chemoresistance. Emerging evidence indicates that a subpopulation of cells known as cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) exists with non-tumorigenic cancer cells (non-CSCs) within a bulk tumor and is thought to be responsible for tumor recurrence and drug-resistance. Therefore, identifying the molecular drivers for cancer stem cells (CSCs) is critical for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of EOC. METHODS Two gene datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database based on our search criteria. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both datasets were obtained by the GEO2R web tool. Based on log2 (fold change) >2, the top thirteen up-regulated genes and log2 (fold change) < -1.5 top thirteen down-regulated genes were selected, and the association between their expressions and overall survival was analyzed by OncoLnc web tool. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Reactome pathways analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were performed for all the common DEGs found in both datasets. SK-OV-3 cells were cultured in an adherent culture medium and spheroids were generated in suspension culture with CSCs specific medium. RNA from both cell population was extracted to validate the selected DEGs expression by q-PCR. Growth inhibition assay was performed in SK-OV-3 cells after carboplatin treatment. RESULTS A total of 200 DEGs, 117 up-regulated and 83 down-regulated genes were commonly identified in both datasets. Analysis of pathways and enrichment tests indicated that the extracellular matrix part, cell proliferation, tissue development, and molecular function regulation were enriched in CSCs. Biological pathways such as interferon-alpha/beta signaling, molecules associated with elastic fibers, and synthesis of bile acids and bile salts were significantly enriched in CSCs. Among the top 13 up-regulated and down-regulated genes, MMP1 and PPFIBP1 expression were associated with overall survival. Higher expression of ADM, CXCR4, LGR5, and PTGS2 in carboplatin treated SK-OV-3 cells indicate a potential role in drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS The molecular signature and signaling pathways enriched in ovarian CSCs were identified by bioinformatics analysis. This analysis could provide further research ideas to find the new mechanism and novel potential therapeutic targets for ovarian CSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhijeet Behera
- Division of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rahail Ashraf
- Division of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Amit Kumar Srivastava
- Cancer Biology & Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, WB, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Division of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chen YC, Zhang Z, Yoon E. Early Prediction of Single-Cell Derived Sphere Formation Rate Using Convolutional Neural Network Image Analysis. Anal Chem 2020; 92:7717-7724. [PMID: 32427465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Functional identification of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) is an established method to identify and study this cancer subpopulation critical for cancer progression and metastasis. The method is based on the unique capability of single CSCs to survive and grow to tumorspheres in harsh suspension culture environment. Recent advances in microfluidic technology have enabled isolating and culturing thousands of single cells on a chip. However, tumorsphere assay takes a relatively long period of time, limiting the throughput of this assay. In this work, we incorporated machine learning with single-cell analysis to expedite tumorsphere assay. We collected 1,710 single-cell events as the database and trained a convolutional neural network model that predicts whether a single cell could grow to a tumorsphere on Day 14 based on its Day 4 image. With this future-telling model, we precisely estimated the sphere formation rate of SUM159 breast cancer cells to be 17.8% based on Day 4 images. The estimation was close to the ground truth of 17.6% on Day 14. The preliminary work demonstrates not only the feasibility to significantly accelerate tumorsphere assay but also a synergistic combination between single-cell analysis with machine learning, which can be applied to many other biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, 1301 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2122, United States.,Forbes Institute for Cancer Discovery, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zhixiong Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, 1301 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2122, United States
| | - Euisik Yoon
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, 1301 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2122, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2099, United States.,Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Garcia-Mayea Y, Mir C, Masson F, Paciucci R, LLeonart ME. Insights into new mechanisms and models of cancer stem cell multidrug resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 60:166-180. [PMID: 31369817 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of genetic alterations, clonal evolution, and the tumor microenvironment promote cancer progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. These events correspond to the establishment of the great phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer cells that contribute to tumor progression and resistant disease. Targeting resistant cancers is a major challenge in oncology; however, the underlying processes are not yet fully understood. Even though current treatments can reduce tumor size and increase life expectancy, relapse and multidrug resistance (MDR) ultimately remain the second cause of death in developed countries. Recent evidence points toward stem-like phenotypes in cancer cells, promoted by cancer stem cells (CSCs), as the main culprit of cancer relapse, resistance (radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and/or chemotherapy) and metastasis. Many mechanisms have been proposed for CSC resistance, such as drug efflux through ABC transporters, overactivation of the DNA damage response (DDR), apoptosis evasion, prosurvival pathways activation, cell cycle promotion and/or cell metabolic alterations. Nonetheless, targeted therapy toward these specific CSC mechanisms is only partially effective to prevent or abolish resistance, suggesting underlying additional causes for CSC resilience. This article aims to provide an integrated picture of the MDR mechanisms that operate in CSCs' behavior and to propose a novel model of tumor evolution during chemotherapy. Targeting the pathways mentioned here might hold promise and reveal new strategies for future clinical therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Masson
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Paciucci
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Vall d'Hebron Hospital and Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Network Centre in Oncology, CIBERONC, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abugomaa A, Elbadawy M. Patient-derived organoid analysis of drug resistance in precision medicine: is there a value? EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2020.1715794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amira Abugomaa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elbadawy
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Losuwannarak N, Maiuthed A, Kitkumthorn N, Leelahavanichkul A, Roytrakul S, Chanvorachote P. Gigantol Targets Cancer Stem Cells and Destabilizes Tumors via the Suppression of the PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT Pathways in Ectopic Lung Cancer Xenografts. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E2032. [PMID: 31861050 PMCID: PMC6966687 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11122032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer has long been recognized as an important world heath concern due to its high incidence and death rate. The failure of treatment strategies, as well as the regrowth of the disease driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs) residing in the tumor, lead to the urgent need for a novel CSC-targeting therapy. Here, we utilized proteome alteration analysis and ectopic tumor xenografts to gain insight on how gigantol, a bibenzyl compound from orchid species, could attenuate CSCs and reduce tumor integrity. The proteomics revealed that gigantol affected several functional proteins influencing the properties of CSCs, especially cell proliferation and survival. Importantly, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT related pathways were found to be suppressed by gigantol, while the JNK signal was enhanced. The in vivo nude mice model confirmed that pretreatment of the cells with gigantol prior to a tumor becoming established could decrease the cell division and tumor maintenance. The results indicated that gigantol decreased the relative tumor weight with dramatically reduced tumor cell proliferation, as indicated by Ki-67 labeling. Although gigantol only slightly altered the epithelial-to-mesenchymal and angiogenesis statuses, the gigantol-treated group showed a dramatic loss of tumor integrity as compared with the well-grown tumor mass of the untreated control. This study reveals the effects of gigantol on tumor initiation, growth, and maintain in the scope that the cells at the first step of tumor initiation have lesser CSC property than the control untreated cells. This study reveals novel insights into the anti-tumor mechanisms of gigantol focused on CSC targeting and destabilizing tumor integrity via suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT pathways. This data supports the potential of gigantol to be further developed as a drug for lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nattanan Losuwannarak
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.L.); (A.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Arnatchai Maiuthed
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Nakarin Kitkumthorn
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Proteomics Research Laboratory, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong 1, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.L.); (A.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Aravindan N, Jain D, Somasundaram DB, Herman TS, Aravindan S. Cancer stem cells in neuroblastoma therapy resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:948-967. [PMID: 31867574 PMCID: PMC6924637 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common cancer of infancy and accounts for nearly one tenth of pediatric cancer deaths. This mortality rate has been attributed to the > 50% frequency of relapse despite intensive, multimodal clinical therapy in patients with progressive NB. Given the disease’s heterogeneity and developed resistance, attaining a cure after relapse of progressive NB is highly challenging. A rapid decrease in the timeline between successive recurrences is likely due to the ongoing acquisition of genetic rearrangements in undifferentiated NB-cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we present the current understanding of NB-CSCs, their intrinsic role in tumorigenesis, their function in disease progression, and their influence on acquired therapy resistance and tumor evolution. In particular, this review focus on the intrinsic involvement of stem cells and signaling in the genesis of NB, the function of pre-existing CSCs in NB progression and therapy response, the formation and influence of induced CSCs (iCSCs) in drug resistance and tumor evolution, and the development of a CSC-targeted therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Aravindan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Drishti Jain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dinesh Babu Somasundaram
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Terence S Herman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lapointe S, Mason W, MacNeil M, Harlos C, Tsang R, Sederias J, Luchman HA, Weiss S, Rossiter JP, Tu D, Seymour L, Smoragiewicz M. A phase I study of vistusertib (dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor) in patients with previously treated glioblastoma multiforme: a CCTG study. Invest New Drugs 2019; 38:1137-1144. [PMID: 31707687 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00875-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation plays a central role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) development and progression, and in resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway has been shown to sensitize cultured glioma cells and tumor xenografts to the effects of temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation. Vistusertib is an oral inhibitor of mTORC1/2 complexes. The primary objective of this Canadian Cancer Trials Group phase I study was to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of vistusertib in patients with GBM receiving TMZ at first progression following primary treatment. Vistusertib was administered at a starting dose of 100 mg bid 2 days on/5 days off weekly with TMZ 150 mg/m2 daily for 5 days/28-days cycle. Dose escalation was according to a 3 + 3 design. Secondary objectives included assessment of vistusertib safety and toxicity profile, and preliminary efficacy. 15 patients were enrolled in the study (median age 66 (range 51-77), females 8). Vistusertib 125 mg BID in combination with TMZ 150 mg/m2 daily for 5 days was well tolerated. Vistusertib treatment-related adverse events were generally grade 1-2, with the most frequently reported being fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and rash. Of 13 response evaluable patients, 1 patient (8%) had a partial response ongoing at 7.6 months of follow-up, and 5 patients had stable disease (38%) as best response (median duration 9.6 months, range 3.7-not yet reached). Six-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 26.6%. Combination of vistusertib with TMZ in GBM patients at first recurrence demonstrated a favorable safety profile at the tested dose levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lapointe
- Division of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Pencer Brain Tumor Center, University Health Network-Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Warren Mason
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Pencer Brain Tumor Center, University Health Network-Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary MacNeil
- QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Roger Tsang
- Tom Baker Cancer Center, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Joana Sederias
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada
| | - H Artee Luchman
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute & Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Samuel Weiss
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute & Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John P Rossiter
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Dongsheng Tu
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada
| | - Lesley Seymour
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada
| | - Martin Smoragiewicz
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Su W, Wang Y, Wang F, Zhang B, Zhang H, Shen Y, Yang H. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0007059 indicates prognosis and influences malignant behavior via AKT/mTOR in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:15156-15166. [PMID: 30680715 PMCID: PMC6617778 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common oral cancer, damages oral epithelial cells after the accumulation of multiple genetic mutations. Although emerging evidence supports the key role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in various malignancies, the clinical value and function of circRNAs in OSCC remain unclear. In this study, patients with OSCC (n = 8) and controls ( n = 8) were compared using high-throughput sequencing and microarray circRNA expression profiles. The circRNA hsa_circ_0007059 was downregulated in OSCC. Subsequently, hsa_circ_0007059 levels in OSCC tissues and cell lines were assessed by quantitative reverse-transcription chain reaction. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments were performed to determine whether hsa_circ_0007059 affects malignant behavior in SCC15 and CAL27 cells. Importantly, hsa_circ_0007059 upregulation suppressed cell growth, migration, and invasion, facilitating apoptosis of these cells. Furthermore, nude mouse tumor formation was assessed to validate the tumor-suppressive role of hsa_circ_0007059 in vivo. Finally, hsa_circ_0007059 was determined to alter cell growth via AKT/mTOR signaling, representing a potential prognostic/therapeutic target for OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina,Clinical College, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Anhui Medical University, ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Yufan Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Biru Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Yuehong Shen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Hongyu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bahmad HF, Chamaa F, Assi S, Chalhoub RM, Abou-Antoun T, Abou-Kheir W. Cancer Stem Cells in Neuroblastoma: Expanding the Therapeutic Frontier. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:131. [PMID: 31191243 PMCID: PMC6546065 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor often diagnosed in childhood. Despite intense efforts to develop a successful treatment, current available therapies are still challenged by high rates of resistance, recurrence and progression, most notably in advanced cases and highly malignant tumors. Emerging evidence proposes that this might be due to a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells (TICs) found in the bulk of the tumor. Therefore, the development of more targeted therapy is highly dependent on the identification of the molecular signatures and genetic aberrations characteristic to this subpopulation of cells. This review aims at providing an overview of the key molecular players involved in NB CSCs and focuses on the experimental evidence from NB cell lines, patient-derived xenografts and primary tumors. It also provides some novel approaches of targeting multiple drivers governing the stemness of CSCs to achieve better anti-tumor effects than the currently used therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Chamaa
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Assi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reda M Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bodgi L, Bahmad HF, Araji T, Al Choboq J, Bou-Gharios J, Cheaito K, Zeidan YH, Eid T, Geara F, Abou-Kheir W. Assessing Radiosensitivity of Bladder Cancer in vitro: A 2D vs. 3D Approach. Front Oncol 2019; 9:153. [PMID: 30941305 PMCID: PMC6433750 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among males worldwide. Current treatment strategies established for bladder cancer mainly consist of cystectomy yet advances in radiation therapy have pointed to the value of organ-preserving strategies in preserving patients' quality of life. Aim: To study and compare the radiosensitivity in two-dimension (2D) and physiologically-relevant three-dimension (3D) in vitro culture of three human bladder cancer cell lines, RT4, T24, and UM-UC-3. Materials and Methods: Clonogenic assay was performed to assess cells' radiosensitivity in 2D. Employing the 3D Matrigel™-based cultures to enrich for cancer stem cells (CSCs) allowed us to assess the survival of this subpopulation of cells via evaluating the number, i.e., sphere forming unit (SFU), and the sizes of cultured spheres, formed from cells exposed to different radiation doses compared to non-irradiated cells. Results: Irradiating cells with increasing radiation doses revealed highest survival rates with RT4 cells in 2D, followed by T24 and UM-UC-3. In 3D, however, UM-UC-3 cells were shown to be the most radio-resistant as evidenced by the number of spheres formed, yet they displayed the least efficient volume reduction/regression (VR), whilst the volume decreased significantly for both RT4 and T24 cells. Sphere VR and sphere ratio (SR) values were then plotted against each other demonstrating a linear correlation between volume and number with RT4 and UM-UC-3 cell lines, but not T24. Lastly, multiple regression model was employed to evaluate the possibility of obtaining a function combining both 3D parameters, SR and VR, with the surviving fraction (SF) in 2D, and showed a linear regression for T24 cells only, with a correlation coefficient of 0.97 for the combined parameters. Conclusion: We were able to radiobiologically characterize 3 human bladder cancer cell lines showing differential effects of radiation between 2D and 3D culture systems, paving the way for achieving better assessment of radiosensitivity of bladder cancer in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larry Bodgi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Araji
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Al Choboq
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou-Gharios
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Katia Cheaito
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef H Zeidan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Toufic Eid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fady Geara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Engelsgjerd S, Kunnimalaiyaan S, Kandil E, Gamblin TC, Kunnimalaiyaan M. Xanthohumol increases death receptor 5 expression and enhances apoptosis with the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in neuroblastoma cell lines. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213776. [PMID: 30870485 PMCID: PMC6417737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) is lethal childhood cancer. Published data including ours have reported the anti-proliferative effect of Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated chalcone, in various cancer types suggesting that XN could be a useful small molecule compound against cancer. The TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) is an endogenous ligand that is expressed in various immune cells. TRAIL mediates apoptosis through binding of transmembrane receptors, death receptor 4 (DR4) and/or death receptor 5 (DR5). Cancer cells are frequently resistant to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, and the cause of this may be decreased expression of death receptors. This study aimed to identify combination therapies that exploit XN for NB. First, the effect of XN on cellular proliferation in human NB cell lines NGP, SH-SY-5Y, and SK-N-AS were determined via MTT assay, colony forming assay, and real-time live cell imaging confluency. XN treatment causes a statistically significant decrease in the viability of NB cells with IC50 values of approximately 12 μM for all three cell lines. Inhibition of cell proliferation via apoptosis was evidenced by an increase in pro-apoptotic markers (cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-3/-7, and Bax) and a decrease in an anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. Importantly, XN treatment inhibited PI3K/Akt pathway and associated with increased expression of DR5 by both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, a statistically significant synergistic reduction was observed following combination treatment (50%) compared to either TRAIL (5%) or XN (15%) alone in SK-N-AS cells. Therefore, this study shows XN treatment reduces NB cell growth via apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and enhanced growth reduction was observed in combination with TRAIL. This is the first study to demonstrate that XN alters the expression of DR5 as well as the synergistic effect of XN on TRAIL in NB and provides a strong rationale for further preclinical analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Engelsgjerd
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Selvi Kunnimalaiyaan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Emad Kandil
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - T. Clark Gamblin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MK), (MK); (TCG)
| | - Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MK), (MK); (TCG)
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mantovani G, Giardino E, Treppiedi D, Catalano R, Mangili F, Spada A, Arosio M, Peverelli E. Stem Cells in Pituitary Tumors: Experimental Evidence Supporting Their Existence and Their Role in Tumor Clinical Behavior. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:745. [PMID: 31708878 PMCID: PMC6823178 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although generally benign, pituitary tumors frequently show local invasiveness and resistance to pharmacological therapy. After the demonstration of the existence of pituitary gland stem cells, over the past decade, the presence of a stem cell subpopulation in pituitary tumors has been investigated, analogous to the cancer stem cell model developed for malignant tumors. This review recapitulates the experimental evidence supporting the existence of a population of stem-like cells in pituitary tumors, focusing on their potential role in tumor initiation, progression, recurrence and resistance to pharmacological therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Mantovani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanna Mantovani
| | - Elena Giardino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Treppiedi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Catalano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- PhD Program in Endocrinological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Mangili
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Spada
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Peverelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|