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Prajapati K, Yan C, Yang Q, Arbitman S, Fitzgerald DP, Sharee S, Shaik J, Bosiacki J, Myers K, Paucarmayta A, Johnson DM, O’Neill T, Kundu S, Cusumano Z, Langermann S, Langenau DM, Patel S, Flies DB. The FLRT3-UNC5B checkpoint pathway inhibits T cell-based cancer immunotherapies. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4698. [PMID: 38427724 PMCID: PMC10906930 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancers exploit coinhibitory receptors on T cells to escape tumor immunity, and targeting such mechanisms has shown remarkable clinical benefit, but in a limited subset of patients. We hypothesized that cancer cells mimic noncanonical mechanisms of early development such as axon guidance pathways to evade T cell immunity. Using gain-of-function genetic screens, we profiled axon guidance proteins on human T cells and their cognate ligands and identified fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 3 (FLRT3) as a ligand that inhibits T cell activity. We demonstrated that FLRT3 inhibits T cells through UNC5B, an axon guidance receptor that is up-regulated on activated human T cells. FLRT3 expressed in human cancers favored tumor growth and inhibited CAR-T and BiTE + T cell killing and infiltration in humanized cancer models. An FLRT3 monoclonal antibody that blocked FLRT3-UNC5B interactions reversed these effects in an immune-dependent manner. This study supports the concept that axon guidance proteins mimic T cell checkpoints and can be targeted for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chuan Yan
- Molecular Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Qiqi Yang
- Molecular Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David M. Langenau
- Molecular Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Regulation of Semaphorin3A in the process of cutaneous wound healing. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1941-1954. [PMID: 35347234 PMCID: PMC9525670 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) has been recognized as a crucial regulator of morphogenesis and homeostasis over a wide range of organ systems. However, its function in cutaneous wound healing is poorly understood. In our study, we demonstrated that Sema3A adenovirus plasmids transfection limited keratinocyte proliferation and decreased migrative capacity as assessed by in vitro wound healing assay. Sema3A transduction inhibited TGF-β1-mediated keratinocyte migration and EMT process. Besides, we applied mice with K14-Cre-mediated deletion of Sema3A and found that Sema3A depletion postponed wound closure with decreased re-epithelialization and matrix growth. Contrary to the results obtained with full-length Sema3A plasmids transfection, increased keratinocyte migration with recombinant Sema3A proteins resulted in quicker closure of the wounding area after a scratch. Further, exogenously applied recombinant Sema3A worked with EGF to maintain the activation of EGFR by interacting with NRP1 and thereby regulated the internalization of the EGFR-NRP1 complex. Taken together, these results indicated a paradoxical role of autonomous and non-autonomous Sema3A expression during wound healing. Combined administration of recombinant EGF and Sema3A proteins could accelerate the process of wound repair, thus providing promising treatment prospects in the future.
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Zhang H, Lu Y, Wu B, Xia F. Semaphorin 3A mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced chondrocyte inflammation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation by binding to Neuropilin-1. Bioengineered 2021; 12:9641-9654. [PMID: 34821196 PMCID: PMC8810004 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1974806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) and its receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) are expressed low in chondrocytes under stress, and overexpressing SEMA3A reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine release. This study was aimed at exploring whether SEMA3A participates in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chondrocyte inflammation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. SEMA3A and NRP-1 expression in LPS-induced ATDC5 cells was determined with RT-qPCR and western blotting. Following stimulation with LPS in the absence or presence of SEMA3A overexpression, the viability of ATDC5 cells was observed through CCK-8 assay. RT-qPCR and western blot were performed to detect the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. ATDC5 cell apoptosis was observed through TUNEL, and apoptosis-related proteins were assayed. Expression of ECM-related proteins was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Additionally, the binding of SEMA3A to NRP-1 was verified by co-immunoprecipitation. After interference with NRP-1, cell viability, inflammation and ECM degradation were examined in LPS-induced ATDC5 cells with SEMA3A overexpression. Results revealed that SEMA3A expression in ATDC5 cells decreased following stimulation with LPS. Overexpressing SEMA3A improved cell viability and reduced the inflammatory injury of LPS-stimulated ATDC5 cells. Moreover, SEMA3A overexpression alleviated LPS-induced apoptosis and ECM degradation of ATDC5 chondrocytes. SEMA3A and NRP-1 bound to each other in ATDC5 cells. NRP-1 interference crippled the ameliorative effect of SEMA3A overexpression on LPS-induced chondrocyte inflammation, apoptosis and ECM degradation. To conclude, SEMA3A binds to NRP-1, mitigating LPS-induced chondrocyte inflammation, apoptosis and ECM degradation. This study elucidated the role of SEMA3A in osteoarthritis and illustrated its action mechanism involving NRP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Zhang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - BingBing Wu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Xia
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Christie SM, Hao J, Tracy E, Buck M, Yu JS, Smith AW. Interactions between semaphorins and plexin-neuropilin receptor complexes in the membranes of live cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100965. [PMID: 34270956 PMCID: PMC8350011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of semaphorin ligands via their plexin-neuropilin receptors is involved in tissue patterning in the developing embryo. These proteins play roles in cell migration and adhesion but are also important in disease etiology, including in cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. While some structures of the soluble domains of these receptors have been determined, the conformations of the full-length receptor complexes are just beginning to be elucidated, especially within the context of the plasma membrane. Pulsed-interleaved excitation fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy allows direct insight into the formation of protein-protein interactions in the membranes of live cells. Here, we investigated the homodimerization of neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), plexin A2, plexin A4, and plexin D1 using pulsed-interleaved excitation fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. Consistent with previous studies, we found that Nrp1, plexin A2, and plexin A4 are present as dimers in the absence of exogenous ligand. Plexin D1, on the other hand, was monomeric under similar conditions, which had not been previously reported. We also found that plexin A2 and A4 assemble into a heteromeric complex. Stimulation with semaphorin 3A or semaphorin 3C neither disrupts nor enhances the dimerization of the receptors when expressed alone, suggesting that activation involves a conformational change rather than a shift in the monomer-dimer equilibrium. However, upon stimulation with semaphorin 3C, plexin D1 and Nrp1 form a heteromeric complex. This analysis of interactions provides a complementary approach to the existing structural and biochemical data that will aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies to target these receptors in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Hao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Erin Tracy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthias Buck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer S Yu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adam W Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA.
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Song A, Wang Y, Jiang F, Yan E, Zhou J, Ye J, Zhang H, Ding X, Li G, Wu Y, Zheng Y, Song X. Ubiquitin D Promotes Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma via NF-Kappa B Signaling. Mol Cells 2021; 44:468-480. [PMID: 34230226 PMCID: PMC8334351 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.2229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin D (UBD) is highly upregulated in many cancers, and plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiological processes of cancers. However, its roles and underlying mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of UBD in patients with OSCC. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure the expression of UBD in OSCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to detect the differential expressions of UBD in 244 OSCC patients and 32 cases of normal oral mucosae. In addition, CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the effect of UBD on the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in OSCC. Furthermore, a xenograft tumor model was established to verify the role of UBD on tumor formation in vivo. We found that UBD was upregulated in human OSCC tissues and cell lines and was associated with clinical and pathological features of patients. Moreover, the overexpression of UBD promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells; however, the knockdown of UBD exerted the opposite effects. In this study, our results also suggested that UBD promoted OSCC progression through NF-κB signaling. Our findings indicated that UBD played a critical role in OSCC and may serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Song
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Enshi Yan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Junbo Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Jinhai Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Hongchuang Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Xuzhou No. 1 Peoples Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Xu Ding
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Yunong Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Xiaomeng Song
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
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Treps L, Faure S, Clere N. Vasculogenic mimicry, a complex and devious process favoring tumorigenesis – Interest in making it a therapeutic target. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107805. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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7
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Mastrantonio R, You H, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins as emerging clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Theranostics 2021; 11:3262-3277. [PMID: 33537086 PMCID: PMC7847692 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins are a large family of developmental regulatory signals, characterized by aberrant expression in human cancers. These molecules crucially control cell-cell communication, cell migration, invasion and metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, inflammatory and anti-cancer immune responses. Semaphorins comprise secreted and cell surface-exposed molecules and their receptors are mainly found in the Plexin and Neuropilin families, which are further implicated in a signaling network controlling the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence indicates that semaphorins may be considered as novel clinical biomarkers for cancer, especially for the prediction of patient survival and responsiveness to therapy. Moreover, preclinical experimental studies have demonstrated that targeting semaphorin signaling can interfere with tumor growth and/or metastatic dissemination, suggesting their relevance as novel therapeutic targets in cancer; this has also prompted the development of semaphorin-interfering molecules for application in the clinic. Here we will survey, in diverse human cancers, the current knowledge about the relevance of semaphorin family members, and conceptualize potential lines of future research development in this field.
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Mohd Ali N, Yeap SK, Ho WY, Boo L, Ky H, Satharasinghe DA, Tan SW, Cheong SK, Huang HD, Lan KC, Chiew MY, Ong HK. Adipose MSCs Suppress MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Metastasis and EMT Pathways Leading to Dormancy via Exosomal-miRNAs Following Co-Culture Interaction. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 14:ph14010008. [PMID: 33374139 PMCID: PMC7824212 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, and it remains a substantial clinical challenge due to cancer relapse. The presence of a subpopulation of dormant breast cancer cells that survived chemotherapy and metastasized to distant organs may contribute to relapse. Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a significant role as a niche in inducing cancer cells into dormancy as well as involves in the reversible epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) into aggressive phenotype responsible for cancer-related mortality in patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to migrate to TME and interact with cancer cells via secretion of exosome- containing biomolecules, microRNA. Understanding of interaction between MSCs and cancer cells via exosomal miRNAs is important in determining the therapeutic role of MSC in treating breast cancer cells and relapse. In this study, exosomes were harvested from a medium of indirect co-culture of MCF7-luminal and MDA-MB-231-basal breast cancer cells (BCCs) subtypes with adipose MSCs. The interaction resulted in different exosomal miRNAs profiles that modulate essential signaling pathways and cell cycle arrest into dormancy via inhibition of metastasis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Overall, breast cancer cells displayed a change towards a more dormant-epithelial phenotype associated with lower rates of metastasis and higher chemoresistance. The study highlights the crucial roles of adipose MSCs in inducing dormancy and identifying miRNAs-dormancy related markers that could be used to identify the metastatic pattern, predict relapses in cancer patients and to be potential candidate targets for new targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norlaily Mohd Ali
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Cheras 43000, Malaysia; (N.M.A.); (L.B.); (S.K.C.)
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- Marine Biotechnology, China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia Campus, Jalan Sunsuria, Bandar Sunsuria, Sepang, Selangor 43900, Malaysia;
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham (Malaysia Campus), Semenyih 43500, Malaysia;
| | - Lily Boo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Cheras 43000, Malaysia; (N.M.A.); (L.B.); (S.K.C.)
| | - Huynh Ky
- Department of Agriculture Genetics and Breeding, College of Agriculture and Applied Biology, Cantho University, Can Tho 900100, Vietnam;
| | - Dilan Amila Satharasinghe
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka;
| | - Sheau Wei Tan
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Soon Keng Cheong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Cheras 43000, Malaysia; (N.M.A.); (L.B.); (S.K.C.)
- Cryocord Sdn Bhd, Persiaran Cyberpoint Selatan, Cyberjaya 63000, Malaysia
| | - Hsien Da Huang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China;
| | - Kuan Chun Lan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan;
| | - Men Yee Chiew
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan;
| | - Han Kiat Ong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Cheras 43000, Malaysia; (N.M.A.); (L.B.); (S.K.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Influences of Semaphorin 3A Expression on Clinicopathological Features, Human Papillomavirus Status, and Prognosis in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091286. [PMID: 32842711 PMCID: PMC7565979 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091286] [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: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is now identified as a major etiologic factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), and HPV positivity is well established better prognostic marker in OPC. Now, predictable markers for the prognosis of the patients who are stratified by HPV has been investigated in. Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) is a well-known axon guidance molecule in the nervous system. It is also known as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. In the present study, we examined the relationships between SEMA3A and clinicopathologic features, especially HPV status, and neoangiogenesis, and its prognostic significance for OPC patients. Thirty-two OPC patients and 17 normal patients were analyzed for SEMA3A expression by immunohistochemical analysis. We also analyzed 22 OPC specimens for CD34 expression as a marker of neoangiogenesis. SEMA3A was significantly downregulated in OPC compared with chronic tonsillitis tissues (p = 0.005). SEMA3A expression was negatively correlated with CD34 expression (r = −0.466, p = 0.033). Moreover, the higher SEMA3A expression cohort showed better survival than the lower SEMA3A expression cohort regardless of HPV status (p = 0.035). These results suggest that SEMA3A expression is a prognostic marker for survival regardless of HPV status and is associated with anti-angiogenesis in OPC.
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Tian T, Zhang L, Tang K, Wang A, Wang J, Wang J, Wang F, Wang W, Ma X. SEMA3A Exon 9 Expression Is a Potential Prognostic Marker of Unfavorable Recurrence-Free Survival in Patients with Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:555-562. [PMID: 32074456 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.5109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study tried to assess the prognostic value of semaphorin (SEMA) family genes in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and the potential epigenetic alterations of the genes. The part of third-level TSCC data in The Cancer Genome Atlas-Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-HNSC) was extracted using the UCSC Xena browser for analysis. Among 20 SEMA genes examined, 7 were markedly upregulated, while 8 were substantially decreased in TSCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. SEMA3A was the only gene with independent prognostic value in terms of recurrence-free survival (RFS) in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.697, 95% CI: 1.228-2.345, p = 0.001). Among the individual exons of SEMA3A, the exon 9 had a better prognostic value in terms of recurrence than total SEMA3A expression and its expression also independently predicted shorter RFS (HR: 2.193, 95% CI: 1.463-3.290, p < 0.001). The methylation levels of two CpG sites (cg06144675 and cg13988052) were moderately correlated with SEMA3A expression. Interestingly, cg06144675, which locates at the promoter region, showed a negative correlation with SEMA3A expression, whereas cg13988052, which is in the intron of SEMA3A gene body showed a positive correlation with SEMA3A expression. In conclusion, SEMA3A expression is aberrantly upregulated in TSCC tissues. Its exon 9 expression is a potentially valuable prognostic marker of unfavorable RFS in TSCC patients. Both promoter hypomethylation and gene body hypermethylation might contribute to the dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Department of Oral Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Lingnan Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Kailiang Tang
- Department of Endodontics, Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Aiqin Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Xiangrui Ma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
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He M, Lin Y, Xu Y. Identification of prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer using a long non-coding RNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA network. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:2687-2694. [PMID: 30854042 PMCID: PMC6365949 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.9936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor accompanied by poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in the progression and physiology of tumors as it competes with endogenous RNAs, including miRNA and mRNA. In the present study, a multi-step computational method was used to build a CRC-related functional lncRNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network (LMCN). lncRNAs with more degrees and betweenness centrality (BC) were screened out as hub lncRNAs. Then functional enrichment analyses of lncRNAs were carried out from the Gene Ontology (GO) and Reactome pathway databases based on the 'guilt by association' principle. As a result, lncRNAs in the LMCN displayed specific topological characteristics in accordance with the regulatory correlation of coding mRNAs in CRC pathology. HCP5, EPB41L4A-AS1, SNHG12, and LINC00649 were screened out as hub lncRNAs which were more significantly related to the development and prognosis of CRC. The hub lncRNAs in CRC were obviously involved in functions of cell cycle arrest, vacuolar transport, histone modification, and in pathways of GPCR, signaling by Rho GTPases, axon guidance pathways, meaning that they might be potential biomarkers for diagnosis, evaluation and gene-targeted therapy of CRC. Thus, the LMCN construction method could accelerate lncRNA discovery and therapeutic development in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, P.R. China
| | - Yuzhen Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Southeast University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
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Gurrapu S, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins as Regulators of Phenotypic Plasticity and Functional Reprogramming of Cancer Cells. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:303-314. [PMID: 30824197 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins, initially found as neuronal guidance cues in embryo development, are now appreciated as major regulators of tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis, as well as of cancer progression. In fact, semaphorin signals have a profound impact on cell morphology, which has been commonly associated with the ability to regulate monomeric GTPases, cell-substrate adhesion, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Recently, however, several reports have indicated a novel and additional function of diverse semaphorins in the regulation of gene expression and cell phenotype plasticity. In this review article, we discuss these novel findings, focusing on the role of semaphorin signals in the regulation of bi-directional epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, stem cell properties, and drug resistance, which greatly contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeharsha Gurrapu
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy. .,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Zheng Y, Wang Z, Xiong X, Zhong Y, Zhang W, Dong Y, Li J, Zhu Z, Zhang W, Wu H, Gu W, Wu Y, Wang X, Song X. Membrane-tethered Notch1 exhibits oncogenic property via activation of EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:5940-5952. [PMID: 30515785 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Notch proteins are highly conserved cell surface receptors which play essential roles in cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic events at all stages of development. Recently, NOTCH1 mutations have been extensively observed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and are hinted to be Notch1-inactivating mutations. However, little is known about the biological effect of these reported mutations in OSCC. To mimic the inactivation of Notch1 due to inappropriate mutations and to determine the potential mechanisms, we utilized wild-type Notch1 vectors (Notch1WT ) or mutant Notch1 vectors (Notch1V1754L ) to transfect into OSCC cell lines. Membrane-tethered Notch1 induced by mutation was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. γ-Secretase inhibitor PF-03084014 was utilized to determine the phenotype in the absence of endogenous Notch1 activation. Here we demonstrated that membrane-tethered Notch1 inactivated the canonical Notch1 signaling and oncogenic phenotypes were identified by promoting cell proliferation and invasion and by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cells. The γ-secretase inhibitor PF-03084014 also showed distinct oncogenic property after treatment. Importantly, both membrane-tethered Notch1 and PF-03084014 inhibitor activated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, which has been confirmed as an overwhelming modulator in OSCC. This was the first time that we clearly simulated the mutated Notch1 activities and determined the oncogenic phenotypes of membrane-tethered Notch1. Compared with wild-type Notch1, membrane-tethered Notch1 was strongly associated with activated EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) Corner College and Cooper Rds, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Xianbin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Pathology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Pathology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yibo Dong
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zaiou Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) Corner College and Cooper Rds, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yunong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaomeng Song
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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14
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Zheng Y, Wang Z, Ding X, Dong Y, Zhang W, Zhang W, Zhong Y, Gu W, Wu Y, Song X. Combined Erlotinib and PF-03084014 treatment contributes to synthetic lethality in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Prolif 2017; 51:e12424. [PMID: 29232766 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by high mortality and low survival rates. As an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, Erlotinib has been approved for treatment of various tumours. PF-03084014 is a selective inhibitor of Notch1 signalling. This study aimed to explore new approaches for simultaneously targeting EGFR and Notch1 signalling to attenuate tumour growth and improve survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay and Flow cytometry. Cell invasive ability was determined by Transwell assay. Western blot was used to test the expression of Notch1 and EGFR pathway. Cleaved Caspase-3 staining and TUNEL assay were used to verify the apoptosis through combined treatment. RESULTS We first confirmed proliferative inhibition and cell death in HNSCC with combined Erlotinib and PF-03084014 treatment. Moreover, we found PF-03084014 reversed the increased invasion induced by Erlotinib. In a preclinical therapeutic drug trial in vivo, combined treatment effectively abrogated tumour growth. Most importantly, one mechanism was found that PF-03084014 alone could activate the PI3K/AKT signalling, the downstream of EGFR signalling, and Erlotinib alone could activate the intracellular domain of Notch1 (NICD), while combined treatment of PF-03084014 and Erlotinib suppressed the HNSCC growth. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that concomitant inhibition of the Notch1 and EGFR pathways represented a rational strategy for promoting apoptosis in HNSCC and overcoming treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld., Australia
| | - Xu Ding
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yibo Dong
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Pathology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Pathology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld., Australia
| | - Yunong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Song
- Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Stomatological Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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15
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Huang C, Wang Y, Huang JH, Liu W. Sema3A drastically suppresses tumor growth in oral cancer Xenograft model of mice. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 18:55. [PMID: 28683823 PMCID: PMC5501443 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-017-0163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple studies suggest anti-angiogenesis to be a promising and rational option in cancer treatment. Interestingly, the axonal sprouting inhibitor semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), a potent suppressor of tumor angiogenesis in various cancer models, is lowly expressed in human oral cancer. Thus, we hypothesized that overexpression of Sema3A in human oral cancer cells may have potential therapeutic effects. Methods The LentiSema3A-EGFP was first constructed and transduced to the tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line SSC-9. Angiogenesis assay was performed with endothelial cell tube formation assay and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Tumor xenografts model was used to evaluate the effect of Sema3a on the tumor growth. Finally, western blot was performed to study the mechanisms of inhibiting angiogenesis by Sema3A. Results In vitro and in vivo approaches revealed that Sema3A significantly inhibited tube formation of endothelial cells and reduced angiogenesis in CAM assay. In addition, overexpression of Sema3A in the tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line SSC-9 resulted in significantly reduced angiogenesis and drastically suppressed tumor growth in mice. Mechanistically, Sema3A inhibited the phosphorylation of VEGFR2, as well as Src and FAK, downstream of the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that overexpression of Sema3A in oral cancer cells drastically suppressed tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis. Our findings provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutics in the management of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Oral Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Oral Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Jian-Hua Huang
- Department of Oral Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China.
| | - Weixian Liu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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16
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Meyer LAT, Fritz J, Pierdant-Mancera M, Bagnard D. Current drug design to target the Semaphorin/Neuropilin/Plexin complexes. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:700-708. [PMID: 27906605 PMCID: PMC5160035 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1261785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Semaphorin/Neuropilin/Plexin (SNP) complexes control a wide range of biological processes. Consistently, activity deregulation of these complexes is associated with many diseases. The increasing knowledge on SNP had in turn validated these molecular complexes as novel therapeutic targets. Targeting SNP activities by small molecules, antibodies and peptides or by soluble semaphorins have been proposed as new therapeutic approach. This review is focusing on the latest demonstration of this potential and discusses some of the key questions that need to be addressed before translating SNP targeting into clinically relevant approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel A. T. Meyer
- INSERM U1109 – MN3T Lab, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Labex Medalis, University of Strasbourg, France
| | - Justine Fritz
- INSERM U1109 – MN3T Lab, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Labex Medalis, University of Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Pierdant-Mancera
- INSERM U1109 – MN3T Lab, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Labex Medalis, University of Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Bagnard
- INSERM U1109 – MN3T Lab, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Labex Medalis, University of Strasbourg, France
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