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Romaniuk-Drapała A, Totoń E, Taube M, Idzik M, Rubiś B, Lisiak N. Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Heterogeneity: Characteristics and Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2481. [PMID: 39001543 PMCID: PMC11240630 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently detected malignancies worldwide. It is responsible for more than 15% of all death cases caused by cancer in women. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease representing various histological types, molecular characteristics, and clinical profiles. However, all breast cancers are organized in a hierarchy of heterogeneous cell populations, with a small proportion of cancer stem cells (breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs)) playing a putative role in cancer progression, and they are responsible for therapeutic failure. In different molecular subtypes of breast cancer, they present different characteristics, with specific marker profiles, prognoses, and treatments. Recent efforts have focused on tackling the Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and HER2 signaling pathways. Developing diagnostics and therapeutic strategies enables more efficient elimination of the tumor mass together with the stem cell population. Thus, the knowledge about appropriate therapeutic methods targeting both "normal" breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cell subpopulations is crucial for success in cancer elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Romaniuk-Drapała
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Totoń
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Taube
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Idzik
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Natalia Lisiak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum, Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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2
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Abu Rabe D, Chdid L, Lamson DR, Laudeman CP, Tarpley M, Elsayed N, Smith GR, Zheng W, Dixon MS, Williams KP. Identification of Novel GANT61 Analogs with Activity in Hedgehog Functional Assays and GLI1-Dependent Cancer Cells. Molecules 2024; 29:3095. [PMID: 38999049 PMCID: PMC11243198 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133095] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in various cancers. Current FDA-approved inhibitors target the seven-transmembrane receptor Smoothened, but resistance to these drugs has been observed. It has been proposed that a more promising strategy to target this pathway is at the GLI1 transcription factor level. GANT61 was the first small molecule identified to directly suppress GLI-mediated activity; however, its development as a potential anti-cancer agent has been hindered by its modest activity and aqueous chemical instability. Our study aimed to identify novel GLI1 inhibitors. JChem searches identified fifty-two compounds similar to GANT61 and its active metabolite, GANT61-D. We combined high-throughput cell-based assays and molecular docking to evaluate these analogs. Five of the fifty-two GANT61 analogs inhibited activity in Hh-responsive C3H10T1/2 and Gli-reporter NIH3T3 cellular assays without cytotoxicity. Two of the GANT61 analogs, BAS 07019774 and Z27610715, reduced Gli1 mRNA expression in C3H10T1/2 cells. Treatment with BAS 07019774 significantly reduced cell viability in Hh-dependent glioblastoma and lung cancer cell lines. Molecular docking indicated that BAS 07019774 is predicted to bind to the ZF4 region of GLI1, potentially interfering with its ability to bind DNA. Our findings show promise in developing more effective and potent GLI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Abu Rabe
- INBS PhD Program, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Lhoucine Chdid
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - David R Lamson
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Christopher P Laudeman
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Michael Tarpley
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Naglaa Elsayed
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Ginger R Smith
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Weifan Zheng
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Maria S Dixon
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Kevin P Williams
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
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Yang Q, Madueke-Laveaux OS, Cun H, Wlodarczyk M, Garcia N, Carvalho KC, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:1106. [PMID: 38994959 PMCID: PMC11240800 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131106] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common subtype of uterine sarcomas. They have a poor prognosis with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The five-year survival for uLMS patients is between 25 and 76%, with survival rates approaching 10-15% for patients with metastatic disease at the initial diagnosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that several biological pathways are involved in uLMS pathogenesis. Notably, drugs that block abnormal functions of these pathways remarkably improve survival in uLMS patients. However, due to chemotherapy resistance, there remains a need for novel drugs that can target these pathways effectively. In this review article, we provide an overview of the recent progress in ascertaining the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms in uLMS from the perspective of aberrant biological pathways, including DNA repair, immune checkpoint blockade, protein kinase and intracellular signaling pathways, and the hedgehog pathway. We review the emerging role of epigenetics and epitranscriptome in the pathogenesis of uLMS. In addition, we discuss serum markers, artificial intelligence (AI) combined with machine learning, shear wave elastography, current management and medical treatment options, and ongoing clinical trials for patients with uLMS. Comprehensive, integrated, and deeper insights into the pathobiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of uLMS will help develop novel strategies to treat patients with this aggressive tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Han Cun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marta Wlodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Garcia
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento deObstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Singh R, Ray A. Therapeutic potential of hedgehog signaling in advanced cancer types. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:49-80. [PMID: 38782501 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In this chapter, we have made an attempt to elucidate the relevance of hedgehog signaling pathway in tumorigenesis. Here, we have described different types of hedgehog signaling (canonical and non-canonical) with emphasis on the different mechanisms (mutation-driven, autocrine, paracrine and reverse paracrine) it adopts during tumorigenesis. We have discussed the role of hedgehog signaling in regulating cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in both local and advanced cancer types, as reported in different studies based on preclinical and clinical models. We have specifically addressed the role of hedgehog signaling in aggressive neuroendocrine tumors as well. We have also elaborated on the studies showing therapeutic relevance of the inhibitors of hedgehog signaling in cancer. Evidence of the crosstalk of hedgehog signaling components with other signaling pathways and treatment resistance due to tumor heterogeneity have also been briefly discussed. Together, we have tried to put forward a compilation of the studies on therapeutic potential of hedgehog signaling in various cancers, specifically aggressive tumor types with a perspective into what is lacking and demands further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Anindita Ray
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Liu BW, Cao JL, Wang Y, Zhao X, Zeng Q, Liu WP, Zhang JH, Fan YZ, Dou J. GANT61, an inhibitor of Gli1, inhibits the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Investig Med 2024; 72:181-192. [PMID: 37724700 DOI: 10.1177/10815589231204056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in many cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among them, the terminal glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) regulates the expression of critical genes in the Hh pathway. The current study aims to evaluate the anti-HCC effect of the Gli1 inhibitor, GANT61. In vitro analysis including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, and migration and invasion assay were adopted to evaluate the effect of GANT61 on HCC cell lines. In vivo, xenograft studies were also performed to verify the effect of GANT61 on HCC. By CCK-8 assay, we found that GANT61 could significantly reduce the growth of HCC cell lines Huh7 and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLE), and their IC50 concentrations were 4.481 and 6.734 μM, respectively. Flow cytometry shows that GANT61 induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and accelerated apoptosis of both HLE and Huh7 cells. While migration and invasion assay shows that GANT61 weakens cells' migration and invasion ability. Besides that, GANT61 inhibits the expression of Gli1, FoxM1, CyclinD1, and Bcl-2, upregulates the level of Bax protein, and also reverses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program by downregulating the expression of Vimentin and N-Cadherin and upregulating the expression of epithelial E-Cadherin expression. Furthermore, GANT61 inhibits the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of Huh7 cells in nude mice. Overall, this study suggests that Gli1 is a potential target for therapy and GANT61 shows promising therapeutic potential for future treatment in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Wang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jing-Lin Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wen-Peng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jun-Hong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yi-Ze Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jian Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
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Koo H, Lee S, Kim WH. Usability of serum hedgehog signalling proteins as biomarkers in canine mammary carcinomas. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:231. [PMID: 37932728 PMCID: PMC10626804 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03761-7] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hedgehog signalling pathway has been implicated in tumourigenesis and progression of many tumour types. This pathway has recently emerged as a therapeutic target, and inhibitors of hedgehog signalling have gained considerable attention. In dogs, the roles of hedgehog signals in several types of tumours have been investigated, but their relationship with canine mammary gland tumours (MGTs) has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of sonic hedgehog (SHH) and glioma-associated oncogene 1 (GLI-1) in the serum and mammary tumour tissues of dogs. RESULTS SHH and GLI-1 protein expression levels were significantly higher in MGT tissues than in normal mammary gland tissues, as well as in malignant MGT specimens than in benign MGT specimens. Serum levels of SHH and GLI-1 were higher in MGT patients than in healthy controls (p < .001 and .001, respectively). Serum SHH level showed a statistically significant relationship with metastatic status (p = .01), and serum GLI-1 level showed a statistically significant relationship with histologic grade (p = 0.048) and metastatic status (p = 0.007). Serum hedgehog signalling protein levels were not significantly associated with breed size, sex, tumour size, or histologic type. CONCLUSIONS Hedgehog signalling protein expression in canine MGT tissue and serum differed according to the histological classification (benign and malignant) and metastatic status, indicating a relationship between the hedgehog signalling pathway and canine MGT. Thus, the hedgehog signalling pathway may serve as a new biomarker and therapeutic target in canine MGT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haein Koo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungin Lee
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Hee Kim
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Benvenuto M, Angiolini V, Focaccetti C, Nardozi D, Palumbo C, Carrano R, Rufini A, Bei R, Miele MT, Mancini P, Barillari G, Cirone M, Ferretti E, Tundo GR, Mutti L, Masuelli L, Bei R. Antitumoral effects of Bortezomib in malignant mesothelioma: evidence of mild endoplasmic reticulum stress in vitro and activation of T cell response in vivo. Biol Direct 2023; 18:17. [PMID: 37069690 PMCID: PMC10111665 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00374-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare tumor with a dismal prognosis. The low efficacy of current treatment options highlights the urge to identify more effective therapies aimed at improving MM patients' survival. Bortezomib (Bor) is a specific and reversible inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S core of the proteasome, currently approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. On the other hand, Bor appears to have limited clinical effects on solid tumors, because of its low penetration and accumulation into tumor tissues following intravenous administration. These limitations could be overcome in MM through intracavitary delivery, with the advantage of increasing local drug concentration and decreasing systemic toxicity. METHODS In this study, we investigated the effects of Bor on cell survival, cell cycle distribution and modulation of apoptotic and pro-survival pathways in human MM cell lines of different histotypes cultured in vitro. Further, using a mouse MM cell line that reproducibly forms ascites when intraperitoneally injected in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal Bor administration in vivo on both tumor growth and the modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. RESULTS We demonstrate that Bor inhibited MM cell growth and induced apoptosis. Further, Bor activated the Unfolded Protein Response, which however appeared to participate in lowering cells' sensitivity to the drug's cytotoxic effects. Bor also affected the expression of EGFR and ErbB2 and the activation of downstream pro-survival signaling effectors, including ERK1/2 and AKT. In vivo, Bor was able to suppress MM growth and extend mice survival. The Bor-mediated delay of tumor progression was sustained by increased activation of T lymphocytes recruited to the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS The results presented herein support the use of Bor in MM and advocate future studies aimed at defining the therapeutic potential of Bor and Bor-based combination regimens for this treatment-resistant, aggressive tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufini
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Raffaella Tundo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Mutti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Wu A, Turner KA, Woolfson A, Jiang X. The Hedgehog Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030958. [PMID: 36986819 PMCID: PMC10053130 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of therapeutic agents that selectively target cancer cells, relapse driven by acquired drug resistance and resulting treatment failure remains a significant issue. The highly conserved Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway performs multiple roles in both development and tissue homeostasis, and its aberrant regulation is known to drive the pathogenesis of numerous human malignancies. However, the role of HH signaling in mediating disease progression and drug resistance remains unclear. This is especially true for myeloid malignancies. The HH pathway, and in particular the protein Smoothened (SMO), has been shown to be essential for regulating stem cell fate in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Evidence suggests that HH pathway activity is critical for maintaining the drug-resistant properties and survival of CML leukemic stem cells (LSCs), and that dual inhibition of BCR-ABL1 and SMO may comprise an effective therapeutic strategy for the eradication of these cells in patients. This review will explore the evolutionary origins of HH signaling, highlighting its roles in development and disease, which are mediated by canonical and non-canonical HH signaling. Development of small molecule inhibitors of HH signaling and clinical trials using these inhibitors as therapeutic agents in cancer and their potential resistance mechanisms, are also discussed, with a focus on CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wu
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kelly A. Turner
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Adrian Woolfson
- Replay Holdings Inc., 5555 Oberlin Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Lahmar Z, Ahmed E, Fort A, Vachier I, Bourdin A, Bergougnoux A. Hedgehog pathway and its inhibitors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108295. [PMID: 36191777 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
COPD affects millions of people and is now ranked as the third leading cause of death worldwide. This largely untreatable chronic airway disease results in irreversible destruction of lung architecture. The small lung hypothesis is now supported by epidemiological, physiological and clinical studies. Accordingly, the early and severe COPD phenotype carries the most dreadful prognosis and finds its roots during lung growth. Pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood and implicate individual susceptibility (genetics), a large part of environmental factors (viral infections, tobacco consumption, air pollution) and the combined effects of those triggers on gene expression. Genetic susceptibility is most likely involved as the disease is severe and starts early in life. The latter observation led to the identification of Mendelian inheritance via disease-causing variants of SERPINA1 - known as the basis for alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency, and TERT. In the last two decades multiple genome wide association studies (GWAS) identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with COPD. High significance SNPs are located in 4q31 near HHIP which encodes an evolutionarily highly conserved physiological inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway (HH). HHIP is critical to several in utero developmental lung processes. It is also implicated in homeostasis, injury response, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor resistance to apoptosis. A few studies have reported decreased HHIP RNA and protein levels in human adult COPD lungs. HHIP+/- murine models led to emphysema. HH pathway inhibitors, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are already validated in oncology, whereas other drugs have evidenced in vitro effects. Targeting the Hedgehog pathway could lead to a new therapeutic avenue in COPD. In this review, we focused on the early and severe COPD phenotype and the small lung hypothesis by exploring genetic susceptibility traits that are potentially treatable, thus summarizing promising therapeutics for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Lahmar
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - E Ahmed
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, Montpellier, France
| | - A Fort
- PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, Montpellier, France
| | - I Vachier
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, Montpellier, France
| | - A Bourdin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, Montpellier, France
| | - A Bergougnoux
- PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, Inserm U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire et de Cytogénomique, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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10
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Budimir I, Tomasović-Lončarić Č, Kralik K, Čonkaš J, Eljuga D, Žic R, Gorjanc B, Tucaković H, Caktaš D, Jaman J, Lisek V, Vlajčić Z, Martić K, Ozretić P. Higher Expressions of SHH and AR Are Associated with a Positive Receptor Status and Have Impact on Survival in a Cohort of Croatian Breast Cancer Patients. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101559. [PMID: 36294994 PMCID: PMC9605052 DOI: 10.3390/life12101559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers (BC) are usually classified into four molecular subtypes according to the expression of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) receptors and proliferation marker Ki-67. Despite available anti-hormonal therapies and due to the inherent propensity of some subtypes to develop metastasis, there is a permanent need to discover new prognostic and predictive biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets for BC. In this study, we used immunohistochemical staining to determine the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and sonic hedgehog protein (SHH), the main ligand of the Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling pathway, in 185 archival primary BC tissue samples and correlated it with clinicopathological characteristics, molecular subtypes, receptors statuses, and survival in a cohort of Croatian BC patients. Results showed that higher SHH and AR expressions were associated with positive receptor status, but increased SHH expression had a negative impact on survival in receptor-negative BCs. On the contrary, higher AR expression was mostly protective. However, multivariate analysis showed that only higher AR expression could be considered as an independent prognostic biomarker for poorer overall survival in triple-negative breast cancer patients (TNBC) (HR 10.9, 95% CI 1.43-83.67; p = 0.021), what could be Croatian population-related. SHH could be a potential target for treating TNBCs and HER2-enriched BCs, in cases where HH-GLI signaling is canonical (SHH-dependent).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Budimir
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Čedna Tomasović-Lončarić
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Kralik
- Department of Medical Statistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Josipa Čonkaš
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Eljuga
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Libertas International University, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rado Žic
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Božo Gorjanc
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Tucaković
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Doroteja Caktaš
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Jaman
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentino Lisek
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zlatko Vlajčić
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Martić
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (P.O.); Tel.: +385-98-752-178 (K.M.); +385-98-659-083 (P.O.)
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (P.O.); Tel.: +385-98-752-178 (K.M.); +385-98-659-083 (P.O.)
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11
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Tufail M, Cui J, Wu C. Breast cancer: molecular mechanisms of underlying resistance and therapeutic approaches. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2920-2949. [PMID: 35968356 PMCID: PMC9360230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) affects over 250,000 women in the US each year. Drug-resistant cancer cells are responsible for most breast cancer fatalities. Scientists are developing novel chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapy combinations to overcome cancer cell resistance. Combining drugs can reduce the chances of a tumor developing resistance to treatment. Clinical research has shown that combination chemotherapy enhances or improves survival, depending on the patient's response to treatment. Combination therapy is a highly successful supplemental cancer treatment. This review sheds light on intrinsic resistance to BC drugs and the importance of combination therapy for BC treatment. In addition to recurrence and metastasis of BC, the article discussed biomarkers for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Cui
- Department of Microbiology, Changzhi Medical CollegeChangzhi 046000, Shanxi, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
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12
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Wang L, Jin Z, Master RP, Maharjan CK, Carelock ME, Reccoppa TBA, Kim MC, Kolb R, Zhang W. Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Signaling Pathways, Cellular Interactions, and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3287. [PMID: 35805056 PMCID: PMC9265870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) constitute a small population of cells within breast cancer and are characterized by their ability to self-renew, differentiate, and recapitulate the heterogeneity of the tumor. Clinically, BCSCs have been correlated with cancer progression, metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. The tumorigenic roles of BCSCs have been extensively reviewed and will not be the major focus of the current review. Here, we aim to highlight how the crucial intrinsic signaling pathways regulate the fate of BCSCs, including the Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and NF-κB signaling pathways, as well as how different cell populations crosstalk with BCSCs within the TME, including adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Based on the molecular and cellular activities of BCSCs, we will also summarize the targeting strategies for BCSCs and related clinical trials. This review will highlight that BCSC development in breast cancer is impacted by both BCSC endogenous signaling and external factors in the TME, which provides an insight into how to establish a comprehensively therapeutic strategy to target BCSCs for breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
- Immunology Concentration, Biomedical Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Zeng Jin
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
- Cancer Biology Concentration, Biomedical Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rohan P. Master
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
| | - Chandra K. Maharjan
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
| | - Madison E. Carelock
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
- Cancer Biology Concentration, Biomedical Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Tiffany B. A. Reccoppa
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Myung-Chul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
| | - Ryan Kolb
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.W.); (Z.J.); (R.P.M.); (C.K.M.); (M.E.C.); (T.B.A.R.); (M.-C.K.); (R.K.)
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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13
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Bei R, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Fazi S, Moretti M, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Ciuffa S, Cifaldi L, Carrano R, Palumbo C, Miele MT, Bei R, Barillari G, Manzari V, De Smaele E, Modesti A, Masuelli L. Combined treatment with inhibitors of ErbB Receptors and Hh signaling pathways is more effective than single treatment in reducing the growth of malignant mesothelioma both in vitro and in vivo. Lab Invest 2022; 20:286. [PMID: 35752861 PMCID: PMC9233819 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03490-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare orphan aggressive neoplasia with low survival rates. Among the other signaling pathways, ErbB receptors and Hh signaling are deregulated in MM. Thus, molecules involved in these signaling pathways could be used for targeted therapy approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inhibitors of Hh- (GANT-61) and ErbB receptors (Afatinib)-mediated signaling pathways, when used alone or in combination, on growth, cell cycle, cell death and autophagy, modulation of molecules involved in transduction pathways, in three human MM cell lines of different histotypes. The efficacy of the combined treatment was also evaluated in a murine epithelioid MM cell line both in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrated that combined treatment with two inhibitors counteracting the activation of two different signaling pathways involved in neoplastic transformation and progression, such as those activated by ErbB and Hh signaling, is more effective than the single treatments in reducing MM growth in vitro and in vivo. This study may have clinical implications for the development of targeted therapy approaches for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
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14
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Liu P, Zeng J, Yang G. Expression of yes‑associated protein, β‑catenin and smoothened, and their clinical significance in invasive breast cancer. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:429. [PMID: 35607374 PMCID: PMC9121206 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11356] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression profile and role of yes-associated protein (YAP) in occurrence and development of breast cancer is ambiguous. The present study aimed to explore the relationship among the YAP, β-catenin and smoothened (SMO) signaling pathways to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of invasive breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expression levels of YAP, β-catenin and SMO in tumor, tumor-adjacent and normal breast tissue. The possible association between the expression levels of these three proteins and the clinicopathological features of patients with breast cancer was then analyzed by the χ2 test. The protein expression of YAP was found to be downregulated, whilst β-catenin and SMO expression were found to be upregulated in tumor tissues as compared with that in normal breast tissues. In addition, the expression of YAP in breast cancer tissues was found to be associated with that of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), progesterone and estrogen receptors. By contrast, the protein expression of β-catenin and SMO in breast cancer tissues was only associated with HER2. There was a negative correlation between the expression of YAP and SMO protein in breast cancer tissues. Compared with that in the changes in each of YAP, β-catenin and SMO protein expression levels individually, their combined changes in expression were demonstrated to associate significantly with the tumor histological grade. To conclude, data from the present study suggest that the combined protein expression of YAP, β-catenin and SMO can be used as a prognostic indicator for the treatment of invasive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Jianfeng Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Gaohua Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
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15
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Nguyen NM, Cho J. Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as Targeted Cancer Therapy and Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031733. [PMID: 35163655 PMCID: PMC8835893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a highly conserved pathway that plays a vital role during embryonic development. Recently, uncontrolled activation of this pathway has been demonstrated in various types of cancer. Therefore, Hh pathway inhibitors have emerged as an important class of anti-cancer agents. Unfortunately, however, their reputation has been tarnished by the emergence of resistance during therapy, necessitating clarification of mechanisms underlying the drug resistance. In this review, we briefly overview canonical and non-canonical Hh pathways and their inhibitors as targeted cancer therapy. In addition, we summarize the mechanisms of resistance to Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, including point mutations of the drug binding pocket or downstream molecules of SMO, and non-canonical mechanisms to reinforce Hh pathway output. A distinct mechanism involving loss of primary cilia is also described to maintain GLI activity in resistant tumors. Finally, we address the main strategies to circumvent the drug resistance. These strategies include the development of novel and potent inhibitors targeting different components of the canonical Hh pathway or signaling molecules of the non-canonical pathway. Further studies are necessary to avoid emerging resistance to Hh inhibitors and establish an optimal customized regimen with improved therapeutic efficacy to treat various types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma.
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16
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Tanigawa S, Fujita M, Moyama C, Ando S, Ii H, Kojima Y, Fujishita T, Aoki M, Takeuchi H, Yamanaka T, Takahashi Y, Hashimoto N, Nakata S. Inhibition of Gli2 suppresses tumorigenicity in glioblastoma stem cells derived from a de novo murine brain cancer model. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:1339-1352. [PMID: 33414520 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-00282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of glioblastoma remains poor despite intensive research efforts. Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to tumorigenesis, invasive capacity, and therapy resistance. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), a stem cell marker, is involved in the maintenance of GSCs, although the properties of Lgr5-positive GSCs remain unclear. Here, the Sleeping-Beauty transposon-induced glioblastoma model was used in Lgr5-GFP knock-in mice identify GFP-positive cells in neurosphere cultures from mouse glioblastoma tissues. Global gene expression analysis showed that Gli2 was highly expressed in GFP-positive GSCs. Gli2 knockdown using lentiviral-mediated shRNA downregulated Hedgehog-related and Wnt signaling pathway-related genes, including Lgr5; suppressed tumor cell proliferation and invasion capacity; and induced apoptosis. Pharmacological Gli inhibition with GANT61 suppressed tumor cell proliferation. Silencing Gli2 suppressed the tumorigenicity of GSCs in an orthotopic transplantation model in vivo. These findings suggest that Gli2 affects the Hedgehog and Wnt pathways and plays an important role in GSC maintenance, suggesting Gli2 as a therapeutic target for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seisuke Tanigawa
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Prefectural University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitsugu Fujita
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chiami Moyama
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shota Ando
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ii
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kojima
- Division of Pathophysiology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Teruaki Fujishita
- Division of Pathophysiology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Aoki
- Division of Pathophysiology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Cancer Physiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hayato Takeuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Prefectural University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takumi Yamanaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Prefectural University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Prefectural University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoya Hashimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto Prefectural University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Susumu Nakata
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan.
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17
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Advances in glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) inhibitors for cancer therapy. Invest New Drugs 2021; 40:370-388. [PMID: 34837604 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01187-2] [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: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells, which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. As an important component of the Hh signaling pathway, glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) acts as a key signal transmission hub for various signaling pathways in many tumors. Here, we review direct and indirect inhibitors of GLI; summarize the abundant active structurally diverse natural GLI inhibitors; and discuss how to better develop and utilize GLI inhibitors to solve the problem of drug resistance in tumors of interest. In summary, GLI inhibitors will be promising candidates for various cancer treatments.
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18
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Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition on Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome Fibroblasts and Basal Cell Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts: Are Vismodegib and Sonidegib Useful to Target Cancer-Prone Fibroblasts? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225858. [PMID: 34831015 PMCID: PMC8616531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225858] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the Hh pathway underlies the development of sporadic and familial skin BCC. For these oncogenic proliferations displaying ligand-independent activation of the intracellular pathway, two molecules have been approved for therapeutic purposes: vismodegib and sonidegib. Improper Hh signalling occurs in many human tumours also via a paracrine mechanism (ligand-dependent) in which the secretion of Hh ligands by stromal cells support tumour growth. On the other hand, the mobilization of neoplastic stroma by cancer cells is sustained by the activation of Hh signalling in surrounding fibroblasts suggesting a central role of this bidirectional crosstalk in carcinogenesis. Additionally, loss-of-function mutations in the PTCH1 gene in the context of NBCCS, an autosomal dominant disorder predisposing to multiple BCCs, determine tumour permissive phenotypes in dermal fibroblasts. Here, profiling syndromic and BCC-associated fibroblasts unveiled an extraordinary similarity characterized by overexpression of several Hh target genes and a marked pro-inflammatory outline. Both cell types exposed to Hh inhibitors displayed reversion of the tumour-prone phenotype. Under vismodegib and sonidegib treatment, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, frequently over-active in tumour stroma, resulted down-regulated by pAKT-GSK3β axis and consequent increase of β-catenin turnover. Overall, this study demonstrated that vismodegib and sonidegib impacting on fibroblast tumour supportive functions might be considered in therapy for BCC independently to the mutation status of Hh components in neoplastic cells.
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19
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Garcia N, Ulin M, Ali M, Al-Hendy A, Carvalho KC, Yang Q. Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Option for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Using the Xenograft Model. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:781-790. [PMID: 34642915 PMCID: PMC8863774 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00731-y] [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: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) contributes to a significant proportion of uterine cancer deaths. It is a rare and high-risk gynecological cancer. LMS is challenging to the treatment due to the resistance of several therapies. The activation of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been reported in several types of female cancers. Uterine LMS presents an upregulation of the crucial HH signaling pathway members such as SMO and GLI1. Although targeting the HH pathway exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the phenotype of uterine LMS in vitro, the effect of the HH inhibitors on LMS growth in vivo has not been identified. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (SMO-LDE225 and GLI-Gant61) as a therapeutic option in the xenograft model of uterine LMS. The results demonstrated that LDE225 treatment did not show any inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth; however, treatment with GLI inhibitor (Gant61) induced a remarkable tumor regression with a significant decrease in Ki67 expression, compared to control (p < 0.01). Moreover, administration of Gant61 decreased the expression of GLI1, GLI target genes BMP4 and c-MYC (p < 0.05), indicating that the HH pathway is implicated in the LMS experimental model. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate for the first time that GLI inhibitor (Gant61), but not SMO inhibitor (LDE225), shows a potent inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth and concomitantly suppresses the expression of GLI1- and GLI-targeted genes using the xenograft model of uterine LMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Garcia
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular - LIM 58, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Ulin
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular - LIM 58, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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20
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Benvenuto M, Ciuffa S, Focaccetti C, Sbardella D, Fazi S, Scimeca M, Tundo GR, Barillari G, Segni M, Bonanno E, Manzari V, Modesti A, Masuelli L, Coletta M, Bei R. Proteasome inhibition by bortezomib parallels a reduction in head and neck cancer cells growth, and an increase in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19051. [PMID: 34561494 PMCID: PMC8463577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) has frequently an aggressive course for the development of resistance to standard chemotherapy. Thus, the use of innovative therapeutic drugs is being assessed. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with anticancer effects. In vitro antitumoral activity of Bortezomib was investigated employing human tongue (SCC-15, CAL-27), pharynx (FaDu), salivary gland (A-253) cancer cell lines and a murine cell line (SALTO-5) originated from a salivary gland adenocarcinoma arising in BALB-neuT male mice transgenic for the oncogene neu. Bortezomib inhibited cell proliferation, triggered apoptosis, modulated the expression and activation of pro-survival signaling transduction pathways proteins activated by ErbB receptors and inhibited proteasome activity in vitro. Intraperitoneal administration of Bortezomib delayed tumor growth of SALTO-5 cells transplanted in BALB-neuT mice, protracted mice survival and adjusted tumor microenvironment by increasing tumor-infiltrating immune cells (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B lymphocytes, macrophages, and Natural Killer cells) and by decreasing vessels density. In addition, Bortezomib modified the expression of proteasome structural subunits in transplanted SALTO-5 cells. Our findings further support the use of Bortezomib for the treatment of HNC and reveal its ineffectiveness in counteracting the activation of deregulated specific signaling pathways in HNC cell lines when resistance to proteasome inhibition is developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Segni
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale Regina Elena 364, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,"Diagnostica Medica" & "Villa Dei Platani", Neuromed Group, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshawsh MA, Wong WF, Arya A, Chong PP, Looi CY. The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1188. [PMID: 34572373 PMCID: PMC8466551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | | | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Aditya Arya
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Building 184, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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22
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Jiang C, Wang X, Teng B, Wang Z, Li F, Zhao Y, Guo Y, Zeng Q. Peptide-Targeted High-Density Lipoprotein Nanoparticles for Combinatorial Treatment against Metastatic Breast Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:35248-35265. [PMID: 34284582 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c02074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway exhibits aberrant activation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), wherein it regulates several malignant phenotypes related to tumor metastasis. GANT61, an inhibitor of the SHH signaling pathway, may offer promise when administered in combination with conventional chemotherapy to treat metastatic TNBC. However, poor bioavailability and substantial off-target toxicity limit its clinical application. To address these limitations, we designed a peptide-functionalized dual-targeting delivery system encapsulating paclitaxel and GANT61 in tLyP-1 peptide-modified reconstituted high-density lipoprotein nanoparticle (tLyP-1-rHDL-PTX/GANT61 NP) for metastatic TNBC treatment. The apolipoprotein A-1 and tLyP-1 peptide modified on the surface of nanoparticles enable the delivery system to target tumor cells by binding to the overexpressed scavenger receptor B type I and neuropilin-1 receptor. Moreover, the tLyP-1 peptide also enables the deep tumor penetration of nanoparticles further facilitating paclitaxel and GANT61 delivery. Increased cellular uptake of the nanoparticles was observed in both MDA-MB-231, BT-549 tumor cells, and their 3D tumor spheroids. A series of in vitro experiments reveal that GANT61 was able to suppress key metastasis-related tumor cell activities including angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and stemness. Owing to more effective drug administration, the metastasis suppression efficiency of GANT61 was significantly enhanced by the dual-targeting tLyP-1-rHDL delivery system. Meanwhile, the codelivery of paclitaxel and GANT61 by dual-targeting tLyP-1-rHDL nanoparticles demonstrated superior efficiency of disrupting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells compared with drug solutions. In a spontaneous metastasis breast cancer NCG mice model, the tLyP-1-rHDL-PTX/GANT61 nanoparticles exhibited highly tumor-specific distribution and result in significant inhibition of the primary tumor growth and dramatic reduction of lung metastasis without obvious side effects. The present work suggests that a combination of the SHH signaling pathway suppression and chemotherapy assisted by peptide-functionalized targeting tLyP-1-rHDL nanoparticles may provide a promising strategy for metastatic TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuli Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Biyun Teng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fenghe Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Qiu Zeng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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23
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Carballo GB, Ribeiro JH, Lopes GPDF, Ferrer VP, Dezonne RS, Pereira CM, Spohr TCLDSE. GANT-61 Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells despite their heterogeneity. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:1227-1244. [PMID: 32504326 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00891-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult primary tumor of the CNS characterized by rapid growth and diffuse invasiveness into the brain parenchyma. The GBM resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs may be due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The CSCs activate the same molecular pathways as healthy stem cells such as WNT, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), and Notch. Mutations or deregulations of those pathways play a key role in the proliferation and differentiation of their surrounding environment, leading to tumorigenesis. Here we investigated the effect of SHH signaling pathway inhibition in human GBM cells by using GANT-61, considering stem cell phenotype, cell proliferation, and cell death. Our results demonstrated that GANT-61 induces apoptosis and autophagy in GBM cells, by increasing the expression of LC3 II and cleaved caspase 3 and 9. Moreover, we observed that SHH signaling plays a crucial role in CSC phenotype maintenance, being also involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. We also noted that SHH pathway modulation can regulate cell proliferation as revealed through the analysis of Ki-67 and c-MYC expressions. We concluded that SHH signaling pathway inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach to treat patients suffering from GBM refractory to traditional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Basile Carballo
- Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-092, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Orofacial Development and Regeneration, Institute of Oral Biology, Centre for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Honorato Ribeiro
- Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-092, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK·CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Giselle Pinto de Faria Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Marinha, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM)/Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valéria Pereira Ferrer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Romulo Sperduto Dezonne
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biomedicina Translacional, Universidade Do Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Maria Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biomedicina Translacional, Universidade Do Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Tania Cristina Leite de Sampaio E Spohr
- Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-092, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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24
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Shen ZQ, Wang J, Tan WF, Huang TM. Berberine inhibits colorectal tumor growth by suppressing SHH secretion. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1190-1194. [PMID: 32958873 PMCID: PMC8209003 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog plays an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. Paracrine activation of Hedgehog pathway in stromal cells increases the expression of VEGF, which promotes neovascularization in colorectal cancer and ultimately the growth of colorectal cancer. Berberine (BBR) has anticancer activity. In this study we investigated whether BBR inhibited the growth of colon cancer through suppressing the paracrine sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling in vitro and in vivo. We showed that BBR (1-10 μM) dose-dependently inhibited the secretion and expression of SHH protein in HT-29 and SW480 cells. BBR did not influence the transcription of SHH, but promoted the degradation of SHH mRNA, thus decreased the SHH mRNA expression in the colorectal cancer cells. In nude mice bearing HT-29 xenograft, oral administration of BBR (100 mg · kg-1 · d-1) or a positive control drug GDC-0449 (100 mg · kg-1 · d-1) for 4 weeks markedly suppressed the growth of HT-29 tumor with BBR exhibiting a better antitumor efficacy. The tumor growth inhibition caused by BBR or GDC-0449 was comparable to their respective inhibitory effect on the mouse-specific Gli mRNA expression in the tumor. However, BBR (20 μM) did not affect the expression of human transcription factor Gli1 mRNA in HT-29 and SW480 cells. In conclusion, BBR promotes the degradation of SHH mRNA in colorectal cancer cells, interrupting the paracrine Hedgehog signaling pathway activity thus suppresses the colorectal cancer growth. This study reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer action of BBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Qing Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wen-Fu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Tao-Min Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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25
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García-Martínez A, Pérez-Balaguer A, Ortiz-Martínez F, Pomares-Navarro E, Sanmartín E, García-Escolano M, Montoyo-Pujol YG, Castellón-Molla E, Peiró G. Hedgehog gene expression patterns among intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer: Prognostic relevance. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 223:153478. [PMID: 34022683 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a crucial developmental regulatory pathway recognized as a primary oncogenesis driver in various human cancers. However, its role in breast carcinoma (BC) has been underexplored. METHODS We analyzed the expression of several Hh associated genes in a clinical series and breast cancer cell lines. We included 193 BC stratified according to intrinsic immunophenotypes. Gene expression profiling ofBOC, PTCH, SMO, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 was performed by qRT-PCR. Results were correlated with clinical-pathological variables and outcome. RESULTS We observed expression ofGLI2 in triple-negative/basal-like (TN/BL) and GLI3 in luminal cells. In samples, BOC, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 expression correlated significantly with luminal tumors and good prognostic factors. In contrast, PTCH and SMO correlated with TN/BL phenotype and nodal involvement. Patients whose tumors expressed SMO had a poorer outcome, especially those with HER2 phenotype. Positive lymph-node status and high SMO remained independent poor prognostic factors. CONCLUSION Our results support a differential Hh pathway activation in BC phenotypes.SMO levels stratified patients at risk of recurrence and death in HER2 phenotype, and it showed an independent prognostic value. Therefore, SMO could be a potential therapeutic target for a subset of BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli García-Martínez
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Ariadna Pérez-Balaguer
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Fernando Ortiz-Martínez
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Eloy Pomares-Navarro
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Sanmartín
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Marta García-Escolano
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Yoel G Montoyo-Pujol
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Elena Castellón-Molla
- Pathology Dept., University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Gloria Peiró
- Research Unit, University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain; Pathology Dept., University General Hospital of Alicante, and Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Pintor Baeza 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
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26
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Mayo V, Bowles AC, Wubker LE, Ortiz I, Cordoves AM, Cote RJ, Correa D, Agarwal A. Human-derived osteoblast-like cells and pericyte-like cells induce distinct metastatic phenotypes in primary breast cancer cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:971-985. [PMID: 33210551 PMCID: PMC8024509 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220971599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 70% of advanced breast cancer patients will develop bone metastases, which accounts for ∼90% of cancer-related mortality. Breast cancer circulating tumor cells (CTCs) establish metastatic tumors in the bone after a close interaction with local bone marrow cells including pericytes and osteoblasts, both related to resident mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) progenitors. In vitro recapitulation of the critical cellular players of the bone microenvironment and infiltrating CTCs could provide new insights into their cross-talk during the metastatic cascade, helping in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Human BM-MSCs were isolated and fractionated according to CD146 presence. CD146+ cells were utilized as pericyte-like cells (PLCs) given the high expression of the marker in perivascular cells, while CD146- cells were induced into an osteogenic phenotype generating osteoblast-like cells (OLCs). Transwell migration assays were performed to establish whether primary breast cancer cells (3384T) were attracted to OLC. Furthermore, proliferation of 3384T breast cancer cells was assessed in the presence of PLC- and OLC-derived conditioned media. Additionally, conditioned media cultures as well as transwell co-cultures of each OLCs and PLCs were performed with 3384T breast cancer cells for gene expression interrogation assessing their induced transcriptional changes with an emphasis on metastatic potential. PLC as well as their conditioned media increased motility and invasion potential of 3384T breast cancer cells, while OLC induced a dormant phenotype, downregulating invasiveness markers related with migration and proliferation. Altogether, these results indicate that PLC distinctively drive 3384T cancer cells to an invasive and migratory phenotype, while OLC induce a quiescence state, thus recapitulating the different phases of the in vivo bone metastatic process. These data show that phenotypic responses from metastasizing cancer cells are influenced by neighboring cells at the bone metastatic niche during the establishment of secondary metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Mayo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
| | - Annie C Bowles
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Laura E Wubker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
| | - Ismael Ortiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
| | - Albert M Cordoves
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
| | - Richard J Cote
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Diego Correa
- Department of Orthopedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ashutosh Agarwal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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27
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He Z, Zeng J, Xu Y. Cyclopamine Reduces the Growth of Endometrial Carcinoma and Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in a Xenograft Mouse Model. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is a frequently occurring malignancy of the female reproductive tract. Previous investigations have implicated the Hedgehog signaling pathway, including the smoothened (Smo) receptor, in tumor progression. Here, we established a nude mouse xenograft model of endometrial
cancer to investigate the effect of the Smo receptor antagonist cyclopamine on the growth of endometrial carcinoma. Mice were randomly sorted into two groups receiving 0.2 mL/mouse every other day of either cyclopamine (20 mg/mL) or solvent (control). The growth of the mice was observed for
18 days. Then, mice were euthanized, tumors were removed and weighed, and tumor volume inhibition rate (VIR) and weight inhibition rate (WIR) were calculated. Smo, Gli1, and Gli2 mRNA expression was measured in tumor tissues by RT-PCR, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31
were detected by immunohistochemistry. We found that cyclopamine treatment reduced the tumor growth rate and significantly reduced the volumes and weights of the transplanted tumors compared with those of the controls. Furthermore, the transplanted tumors of cyclopamine-treated mice possessed
lower expression levels of Smo, Gli1, and Gli2, and displayed a lower positive expression of VEGF and CD31. Thus, the Smo receptor antagonist cyclopamine inhibited transplanted tumor growth in nude mice with endometrial carcinoma, which is likely connected with cyclopamine downregulation of
Smo, Gli1, and Gli2 mRNA expression that promote angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxing He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China
Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second
University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yalan Xu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, PR China
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28
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Massah S, Foo J, Li N, Truong S, Nouri M, Xie L, Prins GS, Buttyan R. Gli activation by the estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells: Regulation of cancer cell growth by Gli3. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111136. [PMID: 33347954 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gli is an oncogenic transcription factor family thought to be involved in breast cancer (BrCa) cell growth. Gli activity is regulated by a post-translational proteolytic process that is suppressed by Hedgehog signaling. In prostate cancer cells, however, Gli activation is mediated by an interaction of active androgen receptor proteins with Gli3 that stabilizes Gli3 in its un-proteolyzed form. Here we show that the estrogen receptor (ER), ERα, also binds Gli3 and activates Gli in BrCa cells. Moreover, we show that ER + BrCa cells are dependent on Gli3 for cancer cell growth. METHODS Transfection with Gli-luciferase reporter was used to report Gli activity in 293FT or BrCa cells (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-453) with or without steroid ligands. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation were used to show association of Gli3 with ERα. Gli3 stability was determined by western blots of BrCa cell extracts. ERα knockdown or destabilization (by fulvestrant) was used to assess how loss of ERα affects estradiol-induced Gli reporter activity, formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and Gli3 stability. Expression of Gli1 and/or other endogenous Gli-target genes in BrCa cells were measured by qPCR in the presence or absence of estradiol. Gli3 knockdown was assessed for effects on BrCa cell growth using the Cyquant assay. RESULTS ERα co-transfection increased Gli reporter activity in 293FT cells that was further increased by estradiol. Gli3 co-precipitated in ERα immunoprecipitates. Acute (2 h) estradiol increased Gli reporter activity and the formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes in ER + BrCa cells but more chronic estradiol (48 h) reduced ERα-Gli complexes commensurate with reduced ERα levels. Gli3 stability and endogenous activity was only increased by more chronic estradiol treatment. Fulvestrant or ERα knockdown suppressed E2-induction of Gli activity, intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and stabilization of Gli3. Gli3 knockdown significantly reduced the growth of BrCa cells. CONCLUSIONS ERα interacts with Gli3 in BrCa cells and estradiol treatment leads to Gli3 stabilization and increased expression of Gli-target genes. Furthermore, we found tthat Gli3 is necessary for BrCa cell growth. These results support the idea that the ERα-Gli interaction and Gli3 may be novel targets for effective control of BrCa growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Massah
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jane Foo
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Na Li
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada
| | | | | | - Lishi Xie
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Gail S Prins
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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29
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Graim K, Gorenshteyn D, Robinson DG, Carriero NJ, Cahill JA, Chakrabarti R, Goldschmidt MH, Durham AC, Funk J, Storey JD, Kristensen VN, Theesfeld CL, Sorenmo KU, Troyanskaya OG. Modeling molecular development of breast cancer in canine mammary tumors. Genome Res 2021; 31:337-347. [PMID: 33361113 PMCID: PMC7849403 DOI: 10.1101/gr.256388.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the changes in diverse molecular pathways underlying the development of breast tumors is critical for improving diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. Here, we used RNA-profiling of canine mammary tumors (CMTs) coupled with a robust analysis framework to model molecular changes in human breast cancer. Our study leveraged a key advantage of the canine model, the frequent presence of multiple naturally occurring tumors at diagnosis, thus providing samples spanning normal tissue and benign and malignant tumors from each patient. We showed human breast cancer signals, at both expression and mutation level, are evident in CMTs. Profiling multiple tumors per patient enabled by the CMT model allowed us to resolve statistically robust transcription patterns and biological pathways specific to malignant tumors versus those arising in benign tumors or shared with normal tissues. We showed that multiple histological samples per patient is necessary to effectively capture these progression-related signatures, and that carcinoma-specific signatures are predictive of survival for human breast cancer patients. To catalyze and support similar analyses and use of the CMT model by other biomedical researchers, we provide FREYA, a robust data processing pipeline and statistical analyses framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiley Graim
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, New York 10010, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Dmitriy Gorenshteyn
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - David G Robinson
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | | | - James A Cahill
- Laboratory of the Neurogenetics of Language, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Rumela Chakrabarti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Penn Vet Cancer Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Michael H Goldschmidt
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Amy C Durham
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Julien Funk
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - John D Storey
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Center for Statistics and Machine Learning, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Vessela N Kristensen
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Chandra L Theesfeld
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Karin U Sorenmo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Penn Vet Cancer Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Olga G Troyanskaya
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, New York 10010, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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30
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Zhang KQ, Chu XD. GANT61 plays antitumor effects by inducing oxidative stress through the miRNA-1286/RAB31 axis in osteosarcoma. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:61-73. [PMID: 32936498 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare malignancy of bone associated with poor clinical outcomes. The antitumor effects of GANT61 on OS is unclear. To investigate antitumor effects and mechanism of GANT61 in OS cells and xenograft model. Effects of GANT61 on cell viability, clone formation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion ability of OS cells were assessed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measured by dichlorofluorescein fluorescence were used to evaluate oxidative stress. The Xenograft model was constructed to investigate the antitumor effects of GANT61 in vivo. The microRNA (miRNA)-1286 was downregulated, while RAB31 upregulated in OS tissues and cells. GANT61 inhibited viability, migration, and invasion ability of OS cells (SaOS-2 and U2OS), and induced apoptosis and the ROS production, along with miRNA-1286 upregulation and RAB13 downregulation. After knockdown of miRNA-1286, GANT6-induced cell inhibition was attenuated, along with RAB31 upregulation. Inversely, miRNA-1286 overexpression downregulated RAB31. Dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-1286 negatively targeted RAB13. Moreover, the knockdown of RAB31 stimulated apoptosis and ROS production while inhibited viability, migration, and invasion of GANT61-treated cells. In vivo experiments further confirmed that GANT61 inhibited tumor growth and RAB13 expression, but enhanced miRNA-1286. The study demonstrated that GANT61 inhibited cell aggressive phenotype and tumor growth by inducing oxidative stress through the miRNA-1286/RAB31 axis. Our findings provided a potential antitumor agent for the OS clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuai-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Chu
- Department of Orthopedic, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
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31
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Targeting Hedgehog Pathway and DNA Methyltransferases in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cells. Cells 2020; 10:cells10010053. [PMID: 33396427 PMCID: PMC7824187 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive tumor that presents poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Because of its rarity, there is no information available concerning LMS molecular mechanisms of origin and development. Here, we assessed the expression profile of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway markers and the effects of their pharmacological inhibition on uterine smooth muscle (UTSM), leiomyoma and LMS cells. Additionally, we also evaluated the effects of DNMTs inhibition on LMS cells behavior. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis rates were evaluated by MTT, Scratch and Annexin V assays, respectively. RNA expression and protein levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. We found that SMO and GLIs (1, 2 and 3) expression was upregulated in LMS cells, with increased nuclear levels of GLI proteins. Treatment with LDE225 (SMOi) and Gant61 (GLIi) resulted in a significant reduction in Glis protein levels in LMS (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of DNMT (1, 3a, and 3b), as well as GLI1 nuclear expression, was significantly decreased after treatment with HH inhibitor in LMS cells. Our results showed that blocking of SMO, GLI and DNMTs is able to inhibit LMS proliferation, migration and invasion. Importantly, the combination of those treatments exhibited a potentiated effect on LMS malignant features due to HH pathway deactivation.
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32
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Webb MJ, Kukard C. A Review of Natural Therapies Potentially Relevant in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Aimed at Targeting Cancer Cell Vulnerabilities. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420975861. [PMID: 33243021 PMCID: PMC7705812 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420975861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed the research into the mechanisms of growth of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) based on laboratory pre-clinical studies that have shaped understanding of the disease over the past decade. In response to these findings, we propose an approach to potentially prevent cancer metabolic adaptation and recurrence. This paper collates pre-clinical results, first to determine the tumor’s mechanisms of growth and then to source natural substances that could potentially suppress those mechanisms. The results from in vivo and in vitro studies of TNBC were combined first to select 10 primary mechanisms (Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, Hedgehog, MAPK, MTAP, NF-κ B, Notch, P13K, STAT3, and Wnt signaling pathways plus p53 and POL2A gene expression) that promote TNBC growth, and second to propose a treatment array of 21 natural compounds that suppress laboratory models of TNBC via these mechanisms. We included BRCA mutations in the review process, but only pathways with the most preclinical studies utilizing natural products were included. Then we outlined potential biomarkers to assess the changes in the micro-environment and monitor biochemical pathway suppression. This suppression-centric aim targets these mechanisms of growth with the goal of potentially halting tumor growth and preventing cancer cell metabolic adaptation. We chose TNBC to demonstrate this 5-step strategy of supplementary therapy, which may be replicated for other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig Kukard
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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33
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Freitas RD, Dias RB, Vidal MTA, Valverde LDF, Gomes Alves Costa R, Damasceno AKA, Sales CBS, Siquara da Rocha LDO, Dos Reis MG, Soares MBP, Coletta RD, Pereira TA, Bezerra DP, Gurgel Rocha CA. Inhibition of CAL27 Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cell by Targeting Hedgehog Pathway With Vismodegib or Itraconazole. Front Oncol 2020; 10:563838. [PMID: 33312948 PMCID: PMC7703359 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.563838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) presents an important challenge for the health systems worldwide. Thus, unraveling the biological mechanisms involved in OSCC pathogenesis is essential to the discovery of new drugs with anticancer potential. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway has shown promising results as a therapeutic target both in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vismodegib and itraconazole on the expression of Hedgehog (HH) genes (PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1), cell cycle and cell death in OSCC cells. Alamar Blue assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of vismodegib and itraconazole in a panel of oral cancer cell lines, including CAL27. The expression of HH signaling components after treatment with vismodegib and itraconazole, at concentrations of 25 or 50 μg/ml was evaluated by qPCR. Cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry after 72 h treatment with 50 μg/ml of vismodegib or itraconazole. HH signaling was activated in OSCC cell lines CAL27, SCC4, SCC9, and HSC3. Vismodegib and itraconazole significantly reduced CAL27 cell viability after 48 h of treatment. Gene expression of PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1 decreased in response to 24 h of treatment with vismodegib or itraconazole. Furthermore, CAL27 cells exhibited alterations in morphology, cell size, and cellular granularity. An increase in the DNA fragmentation was observed after treatment and both inhibitors induced apoptosis after 72 h. In conclusion, SMO inhibitors vismodegib and itraconazole demonstrably reduced the expression of HH genes in CAL27 OSCC cell line. In addition, treatment with vismodegib and itraconazole reduced cellular viability and altered the morphology of CAL27 cells, and also induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raíza Dias Freitas
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Rosane Borges Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Propaedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Manuela Torres Andion Vidal
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ludmila de Faro Valverde
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Mitermayer Galvão Dos Reis
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Della Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnostics, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Thiago Almeida Pereira
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | | | - Clarissa Araújo Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Propaedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
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34
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The Role of Smoothened in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186863. [PMID: 32962123 PMCID: PMC7555769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) belongs to the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, migration, invasion and stem cells in cancer. The HH signaling pathway includes both canonical and noncanonical pathways. The canonical HH pathway functions through major HH molecules such as HH ligands, PTCH, SMO and GLI, whereas the noncanonical HH pathway involves the activation of SMO or GLI through other pathways. The role of SMO has been discussed in different types of cancer, including breast, liver, pancreatic and colon cancers. SMO expression correlates with tumor size, invasiveness, metastasis and recurrence. In addition, SMO inhibitors can suppress cancer formation, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, trigger apoptosis and suppress cancer stem cell activity. A better understanding of the role of SMO in cancer could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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35
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Booker BE, Steg AD, Kovac S, Landen CN, Amm HM. The use of hedgehog antagonists in cancer therapy: a comparison of clinical outcomes and gene expression analyses. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:873-883. [PMID: 32914706 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1806640] [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: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a critical developmental pathway, has been implicated in cancer initiation and progression. With vismodegib and sonidegib having been approved for clinical use, increasing numbers of HH inhibitors alone and in combination with chemotherapies are in clinical trials. Here we highlight the clinical research on HH antagonists and the genetics of response to these compounds in human cancers. Selectivity of HH inhibitors, determined by decreased pathway transcriptional activity, has been demonstrated in many clinical trials. Patients with advanced/metastatic basal cell carcinoma have benefited the most, whereas HH antagonists did little to improve survival rates in other cancers. Correlation between clinical response and HH gene expression vary among different cancer types. Predicting response and resistance to HH inhibitors presents a challenge and continues to remain an important area of research. New approaches combine standard of care chemotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies to increase the clinical utility of HH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burthia E Booker
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Adam D Steg
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stefan Kovac
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Charles N Landen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hope M Amm
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
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36
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Tandon I, Waghmode A, Sharma NK. Cancer Stem Cells Equipped with Powerful Hedgehog Signaling and Better Epigenetic Memory: Avenues to Look for Cancer Therapeutics. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:877-884. [PMID: 31393247 DOI: 10.2174/1568009619666190808155432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Complex nature of the tumor is depicted at the cellular landscape by showing heterogeneity in the presence of cancer cells, cancer-associated stromal cells, mesenchymal stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs). One of the plausible views in cancer formation is suggested as the theory of cancer CSCs that is known as a source of initiation of tumorigenesis. In essence, these powerful CSCs are equipped with high Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling and epigenetic memory power that support various tumor hallmarks. Truly, nature justifies its intent by limiting these stem cells with a potential to turn into CSCs and in turn suppressing the high risk of humans and other organisms. In short, this mini-review addresses the contribution of SHH signaling to allow reprogramming of epigenetic memory within CSCs that support tumor hallmarks. Besides, this paper explores therapeutic approaches to mitigate SHH signaling that may lead to a blockade of the pro-tumor potential of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411033, India
| | - Asawari Waghmode
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411033, India
| | - Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411033, India
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37
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Espinosa-Sánchez A, Suárez-Martínez E, Sánchez-Díaz L, Carnero A. Therapeutic Targeting of Signaling Pathways Related to Cancer Stemness. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1533. [PMID: 32984007 PMCID: PMC7479251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of cancer stem cells (CSCs) proposes that the different cells within a tumor, as well as metastasis deriving from it, are originated from a single subpopulation of cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities. These cancer stem cells are supposed to be critical for tumor expansion and metastasis, tumor relapse and resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemo- and radiotherapy. The acquisition of these abilities has been attributed to the activation of alternative pathways, for instance, WNT, NOTCH, SHH, PI3K, Hippo, or NF-κB pathways, that regulate detoxification mechanisms; increase the metabolic rate; induce resistance to apoptotic, autophagic, and senescence pathways; promote the overexpression of drug transporter proteins; and activate specific stem cell transcription factors. The elimination of CSCs is an important goal in cancer therapeutic approaches because it could decrease relapses and metastatic dissemination, which are main causes of mortality in oncology patients. In this work, we discuss the role of these signaling pathways in CSCs along with their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asunción Espinosa-Sánchez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Suárez-Martínez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-Díaz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amancio Carnero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Cancer, Madrid, Spain
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38
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GANT61 Reduces Hedgehog Molecule (GLI1) Expression and Promotes Apoptosis in Metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176076. [PMID: 32846867 PMCID: PMC7503713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its importance in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the Hedgehog (HH) pathway is considered a potential therapeutic target. We investigated the effects of GANT61, a GLI inhibitor, on HH gene expression, as well as on metastatic OSCC cell proliferation and death. Following culture in DMEM medium, cytotoxicity of GANT61 against different tumor and non-tumor cell types was assessed by alamarBlue assays. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the metastatic HSC3 cell line was the most sensitive (IC50: 36 µM) to the tested compound. The compound’s effects on the expression of HH pathways components were analyzed by qPCR and Western blot; cell viability was analyzed by trypan blue assay and flow cytometry were used to investigate cell cycle phase, morphology, and death patterns in HSC3 cells. A significant reduction in mRNA levels of the GLI1 transcription factor was found after 12 h of treatment withGANT61. Protein expression levels of other HH pathway components (PTCH1, SHH, and Gli1) and HSC3 cell viability also decreased after 24 h of treatment. Cell cycle analysis and death pattern evaluations revealed significantly increased nuclear fragmentation in sub-G1 phase, as well as cell death due to apoptosis. In conclusion, the significantly reduced GLI1 gene expression seen in response to the GLI inhibitor indicates diminished downstream activation in HH pathway components. GANT61 significantly reduced cell viability in the metastatic cell line of OSCC and promoted a significant increase in nuclear fragmentation and cell death by apoptosis.
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39
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Tian N, Wu H, Zhang H, Yang D, Lv L, Yang Z, Zhang T, Quan D, Zhou L, Xie Y, Xu Y, Wei N, Zhang J, Chen M, Schmitz JC, Tian Y, Wu S. Discovery of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines as potent Smoothened inhibitors targeting the Hedgehog pathway with improved antitumor activity in vivo. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115584. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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40
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Dong Z, Wang Y, Ding V, Yan X, Lv Y, Zhong M, Zhu F, Zhao P, He C, Ding F, Shi H. GLI1 activation is a key mechanism of erlotinib resistance in human non-small cell lung cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:76. [PMID: 32863909 PMCID: PMC7436900 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. In recent years, the advancement of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) targeted therapies has provided clinical benefits for lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations. The response to EGFR-TKI varies in patients with lung cancer, and resistance typically develops during the course of the treatment. Therefore, understanding biomarkers which can predict resistance to EGFR-TKI is important. Overexpression of GLI causes activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and plays a critical role in oncogenesis in numerous types of cancer. In the present study, the role of GLI1 in erlotinib resistance was investigated. GLI1 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in lung cancer cell lines and tumor specimens, respectively. GLI1 mRNA expression levels were found to be positively correlated with the IC50 of erlotinib in 15 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. The downregulation of GLI1 using siRNA sensitized lung cancer cells to the erlotinib treatment, whereas the overexpression of GLI1 increased the survival of lung cancer cells in the presence of erlotinib, indicating that Hh/GLI activation may play a critical role in the development of TKI resistance in lung cancer. Combined treatment with erlotinib and a GLI1 inhibitor reduced the cell viability synergistically. A retrospective study of patients with NSCLC treated with erlotinib revealed that those with a high IHC score for GLI1 protein expression had a poorer prognosis. These results indicated that GLI1 is a key regulator for TKI sensitivity, and patients with lung cancer may benefit from the combined treatment of TKI and GLI1 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouhuan Dong
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Vivianne Ding
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Xiang Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Yali Lv
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Fengwei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Po Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Charlotte He
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Feng Ding
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology and Precision Medicine Center, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314006, P.R. China.,ACCB Diagnostic Laboratory, Yangze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University Zhejiang, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314006, P.R. China
| | - Huaiyin Shi
- Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
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Borah A, Pillai SC, Rochani AK, Palaninathan V, Nakajima Y, Maekawa T, Kumar DS. GANT61 and curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for GLI1 and PI3K/Akt-mediated inhibition in breast adenocarcinoma. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:185102. [PMID: 31952056 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab6d20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Current conventional mono and combination therapeutic strategies often fail to target breast cancer tissue effectively due to tumor heterogeneity comprising cancer stem cells (CSCs) and bulk tumor cells. This is further associated with drug toxicity and resistivity in the long run. A nanomedicine platform incorporating combination anti-cancer treatment might overcome these challenges and generate synergistic anti-cancer effects and also reduce drug toxicity. GANT61 and curcumin were co-delivered via polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for the first time to elicit enhanced anti-tumor activity against heterogeneous breast cancer cell line MCF-7. We adopted the single-emulsion-solvent evaporation method for the preparation of the therapeutic NPs. The GANT61-curcumin PLGA NPs were characterized for their size, shape and chemical properties, and anti-cancer cell studies were undertaken for the plausible explanation of our hypothesis. The synthesized GANT61-curcumin PLGA NPs had a spherical, smooth surface morphology, and an average size of 347.4 d. nm. The NPs induced cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cells at a mid-minimal dosage followed by cell death via autophagy and apoptosis, reduction in their target protein expression along with compromising the self-renewal property of CSCs as revealed by their in vitro cell studies. The dual-drug NPs thus provide a novel perspective on aiding existing anti-cancer nanomedicine therapies to target a heterogeneous tumor mass effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Borah
- Bio-Nano Electronics Research Centre, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science, Toyo University, 2100, Kujirai, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-8585, Japan
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Kong D, Hughes CJ, Ford HL. Cellular Plasticity in Breast Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:72. [PMID: 32391382 PMCID: PMC7194153 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant disease among women, with the majority of mortality being attributable to metastatic disease. Thus, even with improved early screening and more targeted treatments which may enable better detection and control of early disease progression, metastatic disease remains a significant problem. While targeted therapies exist for breast cancer patients with particular subtypes of the disease (Her2+ and ER/PR+), even in these subtypes the therapies are often not efficacious once the patient's tumor metastasizes. Increases in stemness or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary breast cancer cells lead to enhanced plasticity, enabling tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and distant metastatic spread. Numerous signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K, STAT3, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch, amongst others, play a critical role in maintaining cell plasticity in breast cancer. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate breast cancer cell plasticity is essential for understanding the biology of breast cancer progression and for developing novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for targeting metastatic disease. In this review we summarize relevant literature on mechanisms associated with breast cancer plasticity, tumor progression, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deguang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Connor J. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Heide L. Ford
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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Wu G, Yan Y, Zhou Y, Duan Y, Zeng S, Wang X, Lin W, Ou C, Zhou J, Xu Z. Sulforaphane: Expected to Become a Novel Antitumor Compound. Oncol Res 2020; 28:439-446. [PMID: 32111265 PMCID: PMC7851526 DOI: 10.3727/096504020x15828892654385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of traditional, complementary, and alternative systems due to their potency and slight side effects. Natural compounds have been shown to be effective against many human diseases, especially cancers. Sulforaphane (SFE) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the antitumor effect of SFE. The roles of SFE in cancers are mainly through the regulation of potential biomarkers to activate or inhibit related signaling pathways. SFE has exhibited promising inhibitory effects on breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and other malignant tumors. In this review, we summarized the reports on the activity and functional mechanisms of SFE in cancer treatment and explored the efficacy and toxicity of SFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geting Wu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Yangying Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Yumei Duan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Shuangshuang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Chunlin Ou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaP.R. China
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Lin SS. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Organogenesis, Tumors, and Tumor Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030758. [PMID: 31979397 PMCID: PMC7037908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian embryonic development, primary cilia transduce and regulate several signaling pathways. Among the various pathways, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is one of the most significant. SHH signaling remains quiescent in adult mammalian tissues. However, in multiple adult tissues, it becomes active during differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance. Moreover, aberrant activation of SHH signaling occurs in cancers of the skin, brain, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, colon, breast, lung, prostate, and hematological malignancies. Recent studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment or stroma could affect tumor development and metastasis. One hypothesis has been proposed, claiming that the pancreatic epithelia secretes SHH that is essential in establishing and regulating the pancreatic tumor microenvironment in promoting cancer progression. The SHH signaling pathway is also activated in the cancer stem cells (CSC) of several neoplasms. The self-renewal of CSC is regulated by the SHH/Smoothened receptor (SMO)/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog I (GLI) signaling pathway. Combined use of SHH signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy/radiation therapy/immunotherapy is therefore key in targeting CSCs.
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Sethy C, Goutam K, Nayak D, Pradhan R, Molla S, Chatterjee S, Rout N, Wyatt MD, Narayan S, Kundu CN. Clinical significance of a pvrl 4 encoded gene Nectin-4 in metastasis and angiogenesis for tumor relapse. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:245-259. [PMID: 31617074 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-03055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the present study, we have systematically examined the clinical significance of Nectin-4 (encoded by the PVRL-4 gene), a marker for breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), in cancer metastasis and angiogenesis using a variety of human specimens, including invasive duct carcinoma (IDC) with multiple grades, several types of primary tumors to local and distant relapses, lymph node metastases and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). METHODS Nectin-4 was overexpressed in more than 92% of samples with 65.2% Nectin-4-positive cells. The level of expression was increased with increasing tumor grade (GI-III) and size (T1-4) of IDC specimens. RESULTS More induction of Nectin-4 was noted in relapsed samples from a variety of tumors (colon, tongue, liver, kidney, ovary, buccal mucosa) in comparison to primary tumors, while paired adjacent normal tissues do not express any Nectin-4. A high expression of Nectin-4 along with other representative markers in CTCs and lymph node metastasis was also observed in cancer specimens. An increased level of Nectin-4 along with representative metastatic (CD-44, Sca1, ALDH1, Nanog) and angiogenic (Ang-I, Ang-II, VEGF) markers were noted in metastatic tumors (local and distant) in comparison to primary tumors that were correlated with different grades of tumor progression. In addition, greater expression of Nectin-4 was observed in secondary tumors (distant metastasis, e.g., breast to liver or stomach to gall bladder) in comparison to primary tumors. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated a significant correlation between Nectin-4 expression and tumor grade as well as stages (p < 0.001), suggesting its association with tumor progression. Nectin-4 was overexpressed at all stages of metastasis and angiogenesis, thus appearing to play a major role in tumor relapse through the PI3K-Akt-NFκβ pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Breast Neoplasms/blood supply
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/blood supply
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/biosynthesis
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmayee Sethy
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Kunal Goutam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack, 753007, Odisha, India
| | - Deepika Nayak
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Rajalaxmi Pradhan
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Sefinew Molla
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chatterjee
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Niranjan Rout
- Department of Oncopathology, Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack, 753007, Odisha, India
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Satya Narayan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- Cancer Biology Division, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India.
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Pei YY, Li GC, Ran J, Wan XH, Wei FX, Wang L. Kinesin Family Member 11 Enhances the Self-Renewal Ability of Breast Cancer Cells by Participating in the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway. J Breast Cancer 2019; 22:522-532. [PMID: 31897327 PMCID: PMC6933027 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2019.22.e51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Our previous studies have shown that kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) is markedly overexpressed in human breast cancer cells or tissues and positively correlated with distant metastasis and prognosis in patients with breast cancer, suggesting an important role in the regulation of cancer stem cells. Herein, we examined the role of KIF11 in breast cancer stem cells. Methods In the current study, we validated our previous findings through analysis of data collected in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Endogenous KIF11 was stably silenced in MCF-7 and SKBR-3 cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure the proportion of side-population (SP) cells. Mammosphere culture and tumor implantation experiments in immunodeficient mice were used to assess the self-renewal ability of breast cancer cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, immunofluorescence staining, luciferase reporter assays and Wnt agonist treatment were conducted to investigate the signaling pathways regulated by KIF11. Results We found that the expression level of KIF11 was positively correlated with stem cell-enrichment genes. The proportion of SP cells was significantly reduced in KIF11-silenced cells. Silencing endogenous KIF11 not only reduced the size and number of mammospheres in vitro, but also reduced the ability of breast cancer cells to form tumors in mice. Simultaneously, we found that KIF11 was involved in regulating the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion Endogenous KIF11 enhances the self-renewal of breast cancer cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby enhancing the characteristics of breast cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Pei
- Shenzhen Long-gang Maternal and Child Health Hospital Centralab, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gao-Chi Li
- Shenzhen Long-gang Maternal and Child Health Hospital Centralab, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Ran
- Shenzhen Long-gang Maternal and Child Health Hospital Centralab, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Hong Wan
- Shenzhen Long-gang Maternal and Child Health Hospital Centralab, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng-Xiang Wei
- Shenzhen Long-gang Maternal and Child Health Hospital Centralab, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Reyes-Ramos AM, Ramos-Cruz KP, Rodríguez-Merced NJ, Martínez-Montemayor MM, Franqui-Ríos ND, Ríos-Grant JP, Flores A, Maldonado-Martínez G, Torres-García W, Domenech M. Mesenchymal Cells Support the Oncogenicity and Therapeutic Response of the Hedgehog Pathway in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101522. [PMID: 31658643 PMCID: PMC6826628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The paracrine interaction between tumor cells and adjacent stroma has been associated with the oncogenic activity of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in triple-negative breast tumors. The present study developed a model of paracrine Hh signaling and examined the impact of mesenchymal cell sources and culture modalities in the oncogenicity of the Hh pathway in breast tumor cells. Studies consisted of tumor cell monocultures and co-cultures with cancer-associated and normal fibroblasts, tumor cells that undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), or adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Hh ligand and pathway inhibitors, GANT61 and NVP-LDE225 (NVP), were evaluated in both cell cultures and a mouse xenograft model. Results in monocultures show that tumor cell viability and Hh transcriptional activity were not affected by Hh inhibitors. In co-cultures, down-regulation of GLI1, SMO, and PTCH1 in the stroma correlated with reduced tumor growth rates in xenografted tumors and cell cultures, confirming a paracrine interaction. Fibroblasts and EMT cells supported Hh transcriptional activity and enhanced tumor cell growth. Mixed and adjacent culture modalities indicate that tumor growth is supported via fibroblast-secreted soluble factors, whereas enriched tumor stemness requires close proximity between tumor and fibroblasts. Overall this study provides a tumor–mesenchymal model of Hh signaling and highlights the therapeutic value of mesenchymal cells in the oncogenic activity of the Hh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Reyes-Ramos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Karla P Ramos-Cruz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | | | | | - Nelson D Franqui-Ríos
- Industrial Biotechnology Program, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Jan P Ríos-Grant
- Industrial Biotechnology Program, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Andrea Flores
- Industrial Biotechnology Program, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Gerónimo Maldonado-Martínez
- Data Management and Statistical Research Support Unit, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine-Bayamón, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA.
- School of Chiropractic, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine-Bayamón, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA.
| | - Wandaliz Torres-García
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA.
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Niyaz M, Khan MS, Mudassar S. Hedgehog Signaling: An Achilles' Heel in Cancer. Transl Oncol 2019; 12:1334-1344. [PMID: 31352196 PMCID: PMC6664200 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling pathway originally identified in the fruit fly Drosophila is an evolutionarily conserved signaling mechanism with crucial roles in embryogenesis, growth and patterning. It exerts its biological effect through a signaling mechanism that terminates at glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors which alternate between activator and repressor forms and mediate various responses. The important components of the pathway include the hedgehog ligands (SHH), the Patched (PTCH) receptor, Smoothened (SMO), Suppressor of Fused (SuFu) and GLI transcription factors. Activating or inactivating mutations in key genes cause uncontrolled activation of the pathway in a ligand independent manner. The ligand-dependent aberrant activation of the hedgehog pathway causing overexpression of hedgehog pathway components and its target genes occurs in autocrine as well as paracrine fashion. In adults, aberrant activation of hedgehog signaling has been linked to birth defects and multiple solid cancers. In this review, we assimilate data from recent studies to understand the mechanism of functioning of the hedgehog signaling pathway, role in cancer, its association in various solid malignancies and the current strategies being used to target this pathway for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Niyaz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, - 190011 Srinagar, Kashmir
| | - Mosin S Khan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, - 190011 Srinagar, Kashmir
| | - Syed Mudassar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, - 190011 Srinagar, Kashmir.
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Low dose of indomethacin and Hedgehog signaling inhibitor administration synergistically attenuates cartilage damage in osteoarthritis by controlling chondrocytes pyroptosis. Gene 2019; 712:143959. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.143959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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50
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Bhateja P, Cherian M, Majumder S, Ramaswamy B. The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway: A Viable Target in Breast Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081126. [PMID: 31394751 PMCID: PMC6721501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays a key role in embryonic development and stem cell programs. Deregulation of the Hh pathway is a key driver of basal cell carcinoma, and therapeutic targeting led to approval of Hh inhibitor, vismodegib, in the management of this cancer. The Hh pathway is implicated in other malignancies including hormone receptor (HR+) positive and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Hh signaling, which is activated in human mammary stem cells, results in activation of glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors. High GLI1 expression correlates with worse outcomes in breast cancer. Non-canonical GLI1 activation is one mechanism by which estrogen exposure promotes breast cancer stem cell proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Tamoxifen resistant cell lines show aberrant activation of Hh signaling, and knockdown of Hh pathway inhibited growth of tamoxifen resistant cells. As in other cancers Hh signaling is activated by the PI3K/AKT pathway in these endocrine resistant cell lines. Hh pathway activation has also been reported to mediate chemotherapy resistance in TNBC via various mechanisms including paracrine signaling to tumor micro-environment and selective proliferation of cancer stem cells. Co-activation of Hh and Wnt signaling pathways is a poor prognostic marker in TNBC. Early phase clinical trials are evaluating the combination of smoothened (SMO) inhibitors and chemotherapy in TNBC. In addition to SMO inhibitors like vismodegib and sonidegib, which are in clinical use for basal cell carcinoma, GLI1 inhibitors like GANT58 and GANT61 are in preclinical drug development and might be an effective mechanism to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer. Gene signatures predictive of Hh pathway activation could enrich for patients likely to respond to these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Bhateja
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mathew Cherian
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sarmila Majumder
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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